Genres

There are many types of manga, just as are novels. Often these genres are not only segregated y storyline, but also by the artist's style. See Samples page for scans of shoujo and shounen art. ^^

しょじょう　Shoujo [also "shojo"]少女

                        These are "girls" comics. Well, not really, but that's what "shoujo" means at least, "girl." They are stories with a high emphasis on relationships and emotion. Shoujo manga are usually written by women, but are meant for anyone who might like the read them. ^^ This genre often can be considered a "style" as well. The art is very "pretty" and scenes are often embellished with flowers and sparkles.

しょうねん　Shounen [also "shonen"] 少年

                        This is the parallel to shoujo, "boy's" comics. Made of the kanji for "few" and "years," it like shoujo, is the word for "boy." These are commonly action stories written by men, the style is often more "sketchy" compared to shoujo. There are more sentimental figurative meanings behind the name for this genre such as courage, fantasy, adventure.... these comics are not just for boys, I've read somewhere taht they are for the "true of heart" with heroes of the same mold. ^^

れぢす　Ladies

                        A very broad category.... o0 This genre is geared toward women, anywhere from 20 to 40 years old. The storylines are meant to appeal to them, which could mean anything. In many ways they are more mature versions of shoujo, but some stories in this category serve as advice columns about how to fit in and maintain relationships (all sorts) in Japanese society.

せいねん　Men's

                        Also broad. ^^ About the same age category, but this time for men. ^^ Storylines are very diverse and could involve anything from assassins to just making it through everyday life as a businessman.

へんたい　Hentai

                      Good ole' hentai.... Basically, these stories contain sexual content, and can be rather explicit. Until recently Japan had very strict laws dealing with "obscenity" in many things, including manga, and had trashcans labeled "for harmful books" for disposal. Often very explicit content occurs in doujinshi, fan magazines. Doujinshi are not all pornographic, don't get me wrong, there are many that are humorous stories of characters form popular series in new situations, written and drawn by fans, that are nothing but light-hearted. But doujinshi are also known for explicit content in some circles. Under the category of hentai resides yaoi and yuri, stories involving men in relationships with other men, and those involving women with other women, respectively. These are also not pornographic by definition, but once again, it is not uncommon, especially in doujinshi.

And then there are always stories that cannot be well classified. o0 But the above are the more well-known or prevalent categories.