Manga and Graphic Novels

In the novel-driven world of popular fiction, graphic novels and short-short stories haven’t had much of a place—until recently. In this program, Art Spiegelman, author of the Pulitzer Prize-winning Maus; Giller Prize-finalist John Gould, writer of 55 fiction and palm-of-the-hand stories; and others who are daring to be different share their successes with these robust genres. Topics range from the influence of manga on the rise in popularity of graphic novels to a growing respect in literary circles for compressed forms of fiction. Portions of graphic novels by Spiegelman and others and readings by Gould are included. (29 minutes)

Katsushika Hokusai, probably the most famous Japanese painter and printmaker of his generation, worked during the Edo Period. A multi-faceted artist, his work is labyrinthine, likely comprising some 30,000 prints, not counting his oil paintings and books he illustrated. The painter's life was rich, his work prolific, and both were imbued with a multitude of signs most of which are unknown to us. This program takes us on a journey in the company of his enlightened admirers—Japanese connoisseurs, who are familiar with these signs.

From emakimono to manga, ukiyo-e to shodo, yamato-e to origami – the world of Japanese art is steeped in history, and it continues to amaze today. Our animated friend Norman steers an entertaining ride through the characteristics, history and cultural context of the main traditional forms of Japanese art, including some of the more unusual ones, and finishes with a look at art in modern Japan.

Filmed in Japan, this program pushes beyond the stereotypes to objectively examine the history of manga, how manga are drawn, and manga’s influence on Japanese life as illustrated by cosplay bars, where people dress up as their favorite characters; manga kissa, 24/7 manga cafés; and Comicket, the twice-annual comics market that draws hundreds of thousands of visitors. The program also introduces viewers to a cross-section of mangaka icons: Vagabond creator Takehiko Inoue; Naoki Urasawa, author of The Pushman and Other Stories; Jiro Taniguchi; Yoshihiro Tatsumi; and Kan Takahama. (Portions in Japanese with English subtitles, 52 minutes)