Introduction to Manga and Anime

Japanese manga and anime are widely popular across the globe.  This guide provides an introduction to manga and anime, while also highlighting some of the resources available at CSU Stanislaus. The Library's collection continues to grow, and we will post newly circulating anime and manga on this guide as it becomes available.

It is hoped that the resources featured here will invite further exploration into the art and storytelling of these magnificent works.

This guide mainly consists of 4 sections. 

1. Resources on Manga and Anime 

This section is intended to organize secondary research materials about anime and manga. Books, articles, and journals written about manga and anime are located here.  

2. Manga and Anime by Genre

This section of this libguide provides information about historical manga and cartoons in Japan, with an emphasis on locating primary sources and images. Where the Library does not have a copy, we will link to GoodReads in order to provide additional information about the title.  This is by no means an exhaustive list of genres, so let me know if there are other genres that you would like to see represented.

3. Tale of Genji

This section provides an introduction with additional resources about the 11th-Century Tale of Genji, one of the earliest forms of graphic storytelling.  This classic work of Japanese literature was written by the noblewoman and lady-in-waiting, Murasaki Shikibu.  

4.  Studio Ghibli / Hayao Miyazaki

Miyazaki is perhaps the most successful living animator in the world.  He started his career creating manga, and his landmark work is titled "Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind."  Learn more about Miyazaki's life and work on this page.  

This video by VICE is a great introduction to those who haven't exposed themselves to the world of manga. 

This video too is a great introduction to those who are looking for good animes to watch.