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New Poll - Classic Manga
This week's poll was suggested by Akatsubaki. Have you read "classic" manga series before, and if so, when was the last time you read one? Feel free to name some of your favorite classics! By classic, I'm talking about series that ended ages ago (like pre-2000), such as Dragon Ball, Nausicaa of the Valley of Wind, Drifting Classroom, Ranma 1/2, Rurouni Kenshin, Akira, Fist of the North Star, Tokyo Babylon, Fushigi Yuugi, and Itazura na Kiss.
You can submit poll ideas here (and try to keep them manga/anime-related)
http://www.mangaupdates.com/showtopic.php?tid=3903
Previous Poll Results:
Question: Do care about random character bio that doesn't affect the story (such as a character's birthday or blood type)?
Choices:
All the details are awesome! - votes: 2512 (39.4%)
Not important at all, so don't include them - votes: 1700 (26.7%)
No opinion - votes: 2160 (33.9%)
There were 6372 total votes.
The poll ended: August 26th 2016
I guess it depends on the details... I always wondered what this obsession with blood type was about.
You can submit poll ideas here (and try to keep them manga/anime-related)
http://www.mangaupdates.com/showtopic.php?tid=3903
Previous Poll Results:
Question: Do care about random character bio that doesn't affect the story (such as a character's birthday or blood type)?
Choices:
All the details are awesome! - votes: 2512 (39.4%)
Not important at all, so don't include them - votes: 1700 (26.7%)
No opinion - votes: 2160 (33.9%)
There were 6372 total votes.
The poll ended: August 26th 2016
I guess it depends on the details... I always wondered what this obsession with blood type was about.
Comments (limited to first 100 replies)
» TaoPaiPai on August 27th, 2016, 1:55am
the last couple of years it feels like i only read "classic" manga
» Trimutius on August 27th, 2016, 3:58am
I suppose 5 years ago is the closest... I have read few of those in 2012, but not really reading those anymore...
P.S. and blood types is japanese thing... They think that blood type affects personality a lot, so if you know which blood type character is you can expect certain traits (if mangaka went out of the way to mention blood type then it is more so)
P.S. and blood types is japanese thing... They think that blood type affects personality a lot, so if you know which blood type character is you can expect certain traits (if mangaka went out of the way to mention blood type then it is more so)
» calstine on August 27th, 2016, 4:39am
I think the last one I read was Ayako, and that was 1 1/2 years ago, so I went with the first option even though it isn't strictly accurate.
I have plenty more such titles on my lists and really must get around to reading them sometime. There are several Tezuka series that I've downloaded over the years because the plots sound interesting, but their cartoonish art style keeps putting me off. It's odd because I almost never care about the style of illustration in comic books of any sort, but that particular one annoys me immensely.
I have plenty more such titles on my lists and really must get around to reading them sometime. There are several Tezuka series that I've downloaded over the years because the plots sound interesting, but their cartoonish art style keeps putting me off. It's odd because I almost never care about the style of illustration in comic books of any sort, but that particular one annoys me immensely.
» KaoriNite on August 27th, 2016, 4:55am
I voted never, thinking that "Classic Manga" meant manga from like the 1970s or 1960s and before. So what really is the definition of 'Classic'. Is there a specific era the manga has to be from, or is it more about how popular and influential a manga was?
» lambchopsil on August 27th, 2016, 8:38am
Quote from KaoriNite
I voted never, thinking that "Classic Manga" meant manga from like the 1970s or 1960s and before. So what really is the definition of 'Classic'. Is there a specific era the manga has to be from, or is it more about how popular and influential a manga was?
There isn't really a hard and fast rule that everyone abides by for defining "classic"
» sara.. on August 31st, 2016, 10:49pm
me too 
» MinatoAce on August 27th, 2016, 6:15am
Within the last year.
» residentgrigo on August 27th, 2016, 6:31am
Within the last year, or even within this week. My supply of such translations and scanlations ran dry years ago but new ones do occasionally appear, so thanks for that translation community. I most appreciate it, if borderline lost manga by classic writers appear. We lastly got a weird selection of "classics" presented to us above.
Influence and longevity make a classic, not the age. I would suggest a minimum of at least 2 decades since the first publication for the tag to apply.
My avatar alone represents a classic manga, it´s the face of the seinen scanlation community after all, and it still get´s adapted... horrendously.
Influence and longevity make a classic, not the age. I would suggest a minimum of at least 2 decades since the first publication for the tag to apply.
My avatar alone represents a classic manga, it´s the face of the seinen scanlation community after all, and it still get´s adapted... horrendously.
» RoxFlowz on August 27th, 2016, 6:48am
Must be 5-10 years ago. Nothing against classics, I just often pick up stuff that I randomly see and that's mostly newer stuff.
» drunkguy on August 27th, 2016, 8:04am
It has been a long time since I searched for a classic series that I have not read yet. Finding a good completely translated classic is pretty tough. Most of the time, translators and publishers give up long before the last volume. Usually, I just look for anime if I want to look for an old series.
» frodfy on August 27th, 2016, 8:14am
doesn't the obsession with blood types comes from the japanese superstition that blood types determine certain personality traits? sort of like the 12 zodiac signs?
» silver and blue on August 27th, 2016, 8:14am
read blackjack, that probably counts.
» 15C08 on August 27th, 2016, 8:31am
Quote from silver and blue
read blackjack, that probably counts.
Same here!
I started reading this January, but then life happened and I'm still stuck on volume 3.
» Karonhioktha on August 27th, 2016, 8:49am
Within the last year.
Recently finished The Rose of Versailles, and I'm currently reading Cyborg 009. I finished Akira and Please Save My Earth a while back. So I guess I have sporadic times where I decide to read the classics.
Recently finished The Rose of Versailles, and I'm currently reading Cyborg 009. I finished Akira and Please Save My Earth a while back. So I guess I have sporadic times where I decide to read the classics.
» svines85 on August 27th, 2016, 9:39am
Actively reading classics. Re-reading Glass no Kamen currently (yeah, I know it's not complete >_< but dating from the mid-seventies and being the greatest shoujo of all time still makes it a classic 
), just read Okama Hakusho, (patiently) awaiting releases for Ginga Tetsudou 999 ........there are probably more, those are just off the top of my head since I'm still half-asleep
In the case of many, many of these older "classic" titles, newer readers are really missing out on some of the best examples of story content in the medium, shallowly turning up their noses over the differences in style and art and such compared to the newer stuff
), just read Okama Hakusho, (patiently) awaiting releases for Ginga Tetsudou 999 ........there are probably more, those are just off the top of my head since I'm still half-asleep In the case of many, many of these older "classic" titles, newer readers are really missing out on some of the best examples of story content in the medium, shallowly turning up their noses over the differences in style and art and such compared to the newer stuff
» Moirae on August 28th, 2016, 6:13pm
I'd challenge anyone who said Glass Mask isn't a classic.
» residentgrigo on August 27th, 2016, 9:45am
Again, regarding the "classic" definition: Your library will have such a section for books, especially children´s books, as Moby-Dick, Treasure Island and so on. Pay them a visits to broaden your horizon and a true definition doesn´t exist.
Astro Boy would be my definition of the most worthy manga to bear that moniker, but only the 2 Seinen re-imagings ultimately pleased me.
Tintin or The Spirit are Western examples for comics, as they helped to invent the modern "comic language". Sailor Moon would be a modern manga classic.
Astro Boy would be my definition of the most worthy manga to bear that moniker, but only the 2 Seinen re-imagings ultimately pleased me.
Tintin or The Spirit are Western examples for comics, as they helped to invent the modern "comic language". Sailor Moon would be a modern manga classic.
» KaoriNite on August 27th, 2016, 7:10pm
I was just questioning the definition because in the case of novels, I wouldn't really consider a novel from 20 or 30 years ago to be a classic, even if it was really popular and influential. When I read the question, 'classic' to me meant the manga that initially made the medium popular. Something along the lines of Astro Boy. Anywho, I really don't know manga history (how the medium got popular, what were the most influential manga were, etc) so that's probably why I was confused 
» WonkaTastic on August 27th, 2016, 8:37pm
In literature, a classic is a good book that has transcended time. And how much time? At least 20 years. That's what my teacher taught me when I was younger, and I think it could be said the same with comics, like:
- A "classic comic" should have a very good development of characters and story. Personally, I think a "classic" should also have an original story, not like today's japanese comics that involves resurrecting in another world, but there are always exceptions when the comic is very well done.
- A "classic comic" should transcend time. And that might implies that classics should impact our culture like Dragon Ball, Detective Conan, etc.
But of course, comics are not equal to books. So maybe we should have our own personal definition. Though is a good debate, anyway.
- A "classic comic" should have a very good development of characters and story. Personally, I think a "classic" should also have an original story, not like today's japanese comics that involves resurrecting in another world, but there are always exceptions when the comic is very well done.
- A "classic comic" should transcend time. And that might implies that classics should impact our culture like Dragon Ball, Detective Conan, etc.
But of course, comics are not equal to books. So maybe we should have our own personal definition. Though is a good debate, anyway.
» imercenary on September 1st, 2016, 6:41pm
Quote from residentgrigo
Again, regarding the "classic" definition: Your library will have such a section for books, especially children´s books, as Moby-Dick, Treasure Island and so on. Pay them a visits to broaden your horizon and a true definition doesn´t exist.
Astro Boy would be my definition of the m ...
Astro Boy would be my definition of the m ...
Meanwhile, Journey to the West is sitting on a throne so big you think the edge of the throne is the edge of the world.
Broadening your horizon doesn't mean anything unless you plan on dedicating your life towards reading.
» residentgrigo on September 2nd, 2016, 2:24am
Guess who has read Journey to the West? Audiobooks are your friend too.
» Breizh on August 27th, 2016, 10:12am
If re-reading counts I read parasyte again this week. I won't really like classic manga, though, mostly because of the art
» mysstris on August 27th, 2016, 2:51pm
classics are great but depends on genre too. usually shoujo ones are interesting (not all) compared to today's or the last decade (2000s; before 2012 i think). i like miriam and glass mask to name a couple
» Sogno on August 27th, 2016, 6:27pm
yes! though idk the names. i'm constantly reading new manga. and i mean new as in new to me. if it's a good story i don't care how long ago it was created ^^ unfortunately mostly classic shoujo manga i don't like, they're sooo dramatic they remind me of American shows from the 60s lolol
» scarletrhodelia on August 27th, 2016, 7:58pm
How about within the last month! I did a presentation on HAGIO Moto recently, so I read or re-read most of her works, at least the ones I could find in English. A, A', the anthology A Drunken Dream, Marginal, and finally finished A Cruel God Reigns.
Just yesterday I was at my local comic / manga shop, and he'd just gotten in a boatload of manga magazines from the first wave of English publishing. I found all five issues of the magazine "Manga Vizion" that contained the installments of A, A'.
Before my Hagio Moto binge, I was reading Ashita no Ou-sama from the 1990s. I don't consider that old enough to be classic, just a really good read.
I feel like the poll is kind of oddly skewed. Early 2000s isn't long ago enough for everything before that to be classic, and the breakdown of 'last year', '5 years', etc. is spaced out wrong. I wasn't even reading manga at all just 8-9 years ago!
Just yesterday I was at my local comic / manga shop, and he'd just gotten in a boatload of manga magazines from the first wave of English publishing. I found all five issues of the magazine "Manga Vizion" that contained the installments of A, A'.
Before my Hagio Moto binge, I was reading Ashita no Ou-sama from the 1990s. I don't consider that old enough to be classic, just a really good read.
I feel like the poll is kind of oddly skewed. Early 2000s isn't long ago enough for everything before that to be classic, and the breakdown of 'last year', '5 years', etc. is spaced out wrong. I wasn't even reading manga at all just 8-9 years ago!
» residentgrigo on August 28th, 2016, 11:05am
Comic are 100% equal to books in Germany and thus enjoy protection under the fixed book price agreement. (I actually oppose it.) Novel bestseller charts also cover them worldwide. It´s a separate medium, sure, but bound comic collections and manga are pretty much regarded as books with pictures inside the industry. They also get the same entry in a filing system as a pictorial encyclopedia with "pictures throughout".
Will Eisner´s Graphic Novel term now managed to become quite popular too, but i will stick with comics. Classics were covered as part of my eduction (i am state certified by the city of Cologne) and the teacher liked my 2 decades+ reasoning but no textbook definition exists. You either have an eye for such or you don´t.
Will Eisner´s Graphic Novel term now managed to become quite popular too, but i will stick with comics. Classics were covered as part of my eduction (i am state certified by the city of Cologne) and the teacher liked my 2 decades+ reasoning but no textbook definition exists. You either have an eye for such or you don´t.
» WonkaTastic on August 28th, 2016, 8:10pm
I will stick with the opinion that books are not equal to comics. But regarding the definition of "classic", if you really had studied the topic, then I can't argue with you about that. Still, I think there should be a definition, a reason to call a classic as such. It can't be just because it is.
Almost forgot: Thank you for the link in Wikipedia
Almost forgot: Thank you for the link in Wikipedia
» svines85 on August 29th, 2016, 8:41am
Quote from WonkaTastic
I will stick with the opinion that books are not equal to comics. But regarding the definition of "classic", if you really had studied the topic, then I can't argue with you about that. Still, I think there should be a definition, a reason to call a classic as such. It can't be just because ...
Ah well, I'd say your "not equal to" view is more of a cultural bias.... many cultures consider "comics" to be "for kids" where many cultures don't. They consider them to be just another type of "literature", to be judged on a case by case basis, just like any other. There's no blanket "novels are "better" than novellas, and novellas are better than short stories, and short stories are better than poetry, and poetry is better than comics..." See where I'm coming from? Literature... i.e. something written with the serious intent of entertaining/appealing to others....yeah, it's all equal, it's to be judged on its own merit, "comic" or "book".
As far as wanting some strict, universally acknowledged "definition" for classic...are you serious? That's like saying there should be a definition for "greatest ever" this or that (think whatever, sports stars, actors/actresses, movies, whatevers).... right? It's never going to happen. Sure, there are going to be some amount of generally held bench marks/criteria by which to judge, but after that, yeah, it's just a matter of one's personal opinion
» cecropiamoth on August 28th, 2016, 11:24am
Quote
In literature, a classic is a good book that has transcended time. And how much time? At least 20 years. That's what my teacher taught me when I was younger, and I think it could be said the same with comics, like:
- A "classic comic" should have a very good development of characters and story. Personally, I think a "classic" should also have an original story, not like today's japanese comics that involves resurrecting in another world, but there are always exceptions when the comic is very well done.
- A "classic comic" should transcend time. And that might implies that classics should impact our culture like Dragon Ball, Detective Conan, etc.
But of course, comics are not equal to books. So maybe we should have our own personal definition. Though is a good debate, anyway.
- A "classic comic" should have a very good development of characters and story. Personally, I think a "classic" should also have an original story, not like today's japanese comics that involves resurrecting in another world, but there are always exceptions when the comic is very well done.
- A "classic comic" should transcend time. And that might implies that classics should impact our culture like Dragon Ball, Detective Conan, etc.
But of course, comics are not equal to books. So maybe we should have our own personal definition. Though is a good debate, anyway.
Agreed! And this adds a lot to the discussion. It follows from "transcending time" that a real classic of anything is generally only widely recognized by skipping a generation. Does it still move, enlighten, fascinate or exalt people who didn't grow up with it? Then maybe it's a classic. But let's still check with the next generation to see for sure. That's why literature studies exist in universities.
» snowyearl` on August 28th, 2016, 11:49am
I also go back and read Princess Knight
» shadowspark2 on August 28th, 2016, 3:16pm
I've been reading Akira lately. It's definitely one of the best manga I've read, everyone should read through it once if they enjoy sci-fi, specifically cyberpunk.
» Jelise on August 29th, 2016, 3:05am
The blood type thing has to do with personality. There's a notion some have that certain blood types are more prone to have certain qualities. For instance, a type AB will tend to be your aloof, cold hearted seeming individual who's actually a sweety and more adaptable to situations than they first seem due to their overly critical nature. Essentially, when used in things like a character bio, it helps quickly determine what type of character the creator is going for without being too descriptive.
That being said, the most recent classic I've read is Maison Ikkoku, but I stopped reading it about half way through so that I could watch the anime again. I'd say that's about 3 years ago, now.
That being said, the most recent classic I've read is Maison Ikkoku, but I stopped reading it about half way through so that I could watch the anime again. I'd say that's about 3 years ago, now.
» vigorousjammer on August 29th, 2016, 8:03am
Classic manga is the best, it makes up the majority of what I read, actually.
Edit: Also, I think some of you are missing the point of the poll. "Classic" in the sense it's used here, essentially just means "old".
The word "classic" can have a different connotation depending on how you use it. Sometimes it can refer to something that has transcended time and become a highly praised work that can be enjoyed in the future, not being dragged down by the time period it came out in.
However, if somebody says "I like classic manga." they aren't necessarily just talking about manga that are considered "classics", they're just saying "I like old manga."
This is different from if they said "These manga are classic!" or "This is a total classic!"
The distinction between "classic" being used to describe the quality of something mostly comes into play when you specifically clarify it as being a thing (or a collection of things) that stands out within a group. Otherwise, you're just lumping it into a larger category, and not describing it as exemplary.
English is weird, I know.
Edit: Also, I think some of you are missing the point of the poll. "Classic" in the sense it's used here, essentially just means "old".
The word "classic" can have a different connotation depending on how you use it. Sometimes it can refer to something that has transcended time and become a highly praised work that can be enjoyed in the future, not being dragged down by the time period it came out in.
However, if somebody says "I like classic manga." they aren't necessarily just talking about manga that are considered "classics", they're just saying "I like old manga."
This is different from if they said "These manga are classic!" or "This is a total classic!"
The distinction between "classic" being used to describe the quality of something mostly comes into play when you specifically clarify it as being a thing (or a collection of things) that stands out within a group. Otherwise, you're just lumping it into a larger category, and not describing it as exemplary.
English is weird, I know.
» hahhah42 on August 29th, 2016, 7:14pm
As some have said, the spacing of the options for this poll isn't the best. Nevertheless, it warms my heart to see a majority picking "within the last year".
Nicely stated.
As for those who want to discuss which individual series qualify as classics, the series that have - and which series deserve - the classic manga tag would be a good place to start.
I'd say Shin Takarazima is a glaring omission, given its importance to establishing the medium in Japan.
Quote from vigorousjammer
The distinction between "classic" being used to describe the quality of something mostly comes into play when you specifically clarify it as being a thing (or a collection of things) that stands out within a group. Otherwise, you're just lumping it into a larger category, and not describing it as exemplary.
Nicely stated.
As for those who want to discuss which individual series qualify as classics, the series that have - and which series deserve - the classic manga tag would be a good place to start.
I'd say Shin Takarazima is a glaring omission, given its importance to establishing the medium in Japan.
» residentgrigo on August 30th, 2016, 4:38am
And you couldn´t apply appropriate tags why? I did it for you...
Dead community, MU entries don´t fill themselves out. Actual human beings have to do that. Chop Chop said Master Onion.
How something is being perceived by society doesn´t reflect how it is being produced and published. Manga and comics may also never be recognized as "true literature".
Manga is a hobby for children and young adults, inside even Japan, and Shakespeare fan´s won´t be accused of being an otaku any time soon. The industry frankly does it to itself at time... but the average US comics reader is now 30-something and look what it did to the sales. Shounen Jump readers also slightly aged up, but that had to happen due to the dwindling amount of new "hits".
Dead community, MU entries don´t fill themselves out. Actual human beings have to do that. Chop Chop said Master Onion.
How something is being perceived by society doesn´t reflect how it is being produced and published. Manga and comics may also never be recognized as "true literature".
Manga is a hobby for children and young adults, inside even Japan, and Shakespeare fan´s won´t be accused of being an otaku any time soon. The industry frankly does it to itself at time... but the average US comics reader is now 30-something and look what it did to the sales. Shounen Jump readers also slightly aged up, but that had to happen due to the dwindling amount of new "hits".
» Somniel on August 29th, 2016, 5:17pm
The discussion of a classic definition for "classic" is entertaining and informative, thank you all.
And by most people's definition (though not all, as it's a subjective quality), my classic manga (used here to mean Japanese comic book) is a shelf-load of Ranma 1/2 which I read any time I get frustrated with current new offerings, or if I just get too antsy to concentrate on anything else.
If by manga you mean comic books, then my classic of choice tends to be old Detective Comics Batman, and if you mean more the graphic novel/continuous plot then probably The Sandman - which only barely makes the 20 year mark this year - or back to Ranma 1/2
And by most people's definition (though not all, as it's a subjective quality), my classic manga (used here to mean Japanese comic book) is a shelf-load of Ranma 1/2 which I read any time I get frustrated with current new offerings, or if I just get too antsy to concentrate on anything else.
If by manga you mean comic books, then my classic of choice tends to be old Detective Comics Batman, and if you mean more the graphic novel/continuous plot then probably The Sandman - which only barely makes the 20 year mark this year - or back to Ranma 1/2 » Laudanum on August 30th, 2016, 12:38am
Recently finished Banana Fish, Kisshou Tennyo (both pretty good) and Golden Boy (rather disappointing) and a couple of one volume manga that were finished before the year 2000. Their way of dramaturgy and their art style sometimes is so special that I will continue to read quite a bunch of classic manga.
Cast an eye on stuff by Tatsumi Yoshihiro, Tezuka Osamu, Tamura Yumi and Otomo Katsuhiro at the moment.
Cast an eye on stuff by Tatsumi Yoshihiro, Tezuka Osamu, Tamura Yumi and Otomo Katsuhiro at the moment.
» pyrolobus on August 30th, 2016, 1:17am
Hayate no Gotoku, if this is considered classical mediocre, then i'm currently reading it previous week. Now continue on rundown appartment arch. XP
» cecropiamoth on August 30th, 2016, 10:41am
For a really classic (old) manga try "Nononba" by Shigeru Mizuki. It dates from, probably, the '60s, and is a memoir of the creator's childhood in the 1930s, nicely fictionalized with youkai.
Drawn and Quarterly did a great translation and it's still available. It's very moving and also gives you a chance to escape all the standard tropes and genres of manga that grew up later and now have become virtually set in stone.
https://www.amazon.com/NonNonBa-Shigeru-Mizuki/dp/1770460721/ref=sr_1_1?s=books& ie=UTF8&qid=1472578504&sr=1-1
Drawn and Quarterly did a great translation and it's still available. It's very moving and also gives you a chance to escape all the standard tropes and genres of manga that grew up later and now have become virtually set in stone.
https://www.amazon.com/NonNonBa-Shigeru-Mizuki/dp/1770460721/ref=sr_1_1?s=books& ie=UTF8&qid=1472578504&sr=1-1
» ebisu on August 31st, 2016, 8:24am
I chose within last year even though maybe I haven't read a classic this last year by the definition in the post (before I had read Black Jack too or Nausicca (and others) when they were already considered classic). I consider manga like Berserk, Hajime no Ippo or even One Piece classics at this stage even though they are ongoing and their authors art has evolved. Dragon Ball is mentioned as an example, but we're getting new material related to the franchise. I read Azumi which has this old feeling, and then coinciding with the first post ideas (pre-2000, complete) I recently read the old adaptation of the game Mother 2: Gyigas strikes back which was a nice one volume, but not known nor a proper classic.
» cecropiamoth on August 31st, 2016, 10:47am
