Columbus Public Library Guide to Manga

Manga is chiefly categorized by audience first, then genre. This page will simply cover the four types of audiences to which manga are marketed. If you are looking for more information on manga genres and sub-genres, then check out: Beginner's Guide to Manga 3: Genres and Subgenres.

Shonen

Shonen often features lots of action, comedy, and some coming-of-age camaraderie between characters. Examples include Naruto, Fullmetal Alchemist, My Hero Academia, & The Promised Neverland.

Shojo

The focus here is less on the action and more on drama, emotion, and, almost always, idealized romance. Like shonen manga, shojo manga usually features the coming-of-age story of a young protagonist. You can usually identify shojo covers by their use of pretty pinks, flowers, or other cutesy images. Examples include Sailor Moon, Fruits Basket, and Skip Beat!

Seinen

Just like shonen manga, seinen manga features action and violence, but with a more serious or darker tone, as well as adult content such as sexual situations, graphic violence, or foul language. Examples include Tokyo Ghoul, One Punch Man, and Jojo's Bizarre Adventure.

Josei

Josei manga often features more mature narratives exploring romantic and personal relationships, told in greater depth than their shojo counterparts—but this is not always true. Unlike shojo manga, which almost always follows a female protagonist, josei manga often features male and female protagonists. Examples include Honey and Clover and Princess Jellyfish.

Reference: New York Public Library. (2018) A Beginner's Guide to Manga. https://www.nypl.org/blog/2018/12/27/beginners-guide-manga