Top 10 Anime Exploring the Manga Industry

Manga stands as one of Japan’s most significant forms of entertainment, and its intrinsic connection to anime accentuates its cultural relevance. Each year, numerous new manga titles are released, and while not every series achieves success, it is clear that the manga industry remains a vibrant and unstoppable force.

The realms of manga and anime explore a diverse array of themes and narratives, including the very process of manga creation. Understanding the inner workings of the manga industry can be truly fascinating. Below are some noteworthy anime that delve into the experience of making manga.

Updated October 15, 2024, by Hamza Haq: Observing the creative journeys behind the beloved characters, intriguing plotlines, and dynamic scenes that define manga has become an unexpectedly popular theme. Many slice-of-life anime feature a mangaka—an individual who creates manga—as the central character. These series often romanticize the taxing reality of the industry and the relentless push to produce more volumes daily while still showcasing the profound impact manga has on audiences.

10 A Galaxy Next Door

A Galaxy Next Door - Best Anime Love Stories in the 2023 Spring Season

A Galaxy Next Door follows the journey of a struggling mangaka who unexpectedly becomes a guardian to his younger siblings after his father’s passing. Managing the challenges of his career and family life, he hires a new female assistant, who reveals herself to be a princess from a race of Star beings. A chance encounter where he touches a enchanted pen marks him as the princess’s destined partner.

This anime blends elements of romantic comedy with slice-of-life storytelling in a sci-fi context, emphasizing the evolving relationship between Ichiro (the main character) and Shiori (the princess), while also highlighting the manga industry. The comedic interactions with children provide a balance of humor and poignant moments throughout the series.

9 Denki-Gai

Denki-Gai immerses viewers into life at Umanohone bookstore, a hub for manga, doujin, light novels, and games, as seen through the eyes of Umio, an avid otaku seeking work amidst his passions. Although Umio is the primary focus, the other store employees play pivotal roles as well. The narrative is sprinkled with references to popular anime and light novels, creating a relatable experience for fans.

This series serves as a delightful, comedic exploration of life within a bustling manga store, celebrating the fantasy of immersing oneself in the culture without any overarching missions—just the enjoyment of everyday interactions. The realistic character dynamics paired with a touch of light romance makes it a charming watch.

8 Comic Party

In Comic Party, Kazuki Sendo and his friend Taishi Kuhonbutsu attend the vast dojinshi event, Comic Party, at Tokyo Big Sight. Inspired by the diverse artistic talent showcased, Kazuki, who is an artist himself, is motivated by Taishi to create his own dojinshi.

This title, which originated as a dating simulator, highlights the world of dojinshi—self-published manga crafted by enthusiasts. Within Japan, the dojinshi culture holds immense popularity, with many creators eventually transitioning into professional manga artists.

7 Comic Girls

Kaoruko Moeta is a high school mangaka facing challenges in gaining recognition in her magazine. Her editor advises her to move to a special dorm for mangaka, aimed at enhancing her skills. Within the dorm, Kaoruko quickly bonds with other aspiring manga artists.

Comic Girls is a delightful slice-of-life series depicting a group of young women as they collaborate to enhance their manga creations, each exploring different genres along the way.

6 Dojin Work

After losing her convenience store job, Najimi Osana seeks a new career path. Upon seeing her childhood friends Tsuyuri and Justice thriving as dojin artists, she decides to join their ranks.

Dojin Work emphasizes the comedic aspects of the dojinshi scene rather than delving deeply into the craft itself. The series focuses on the humorous dynamics between its quirky cast, while still illustrating the dedication dojinshi creators devote to their passion.

5 The Comic Artist And His Assistants

The Comic Artist and His Assistants Cover Art

Yuki Aito, a somewhat lewd yet successful mangaka, constantly finds his antics moderated by his diligent assistant Ashisu Sahoto, who works to keep him on track and prevent him from losing focus.

The Comic Artist and His Assistants, authored by the mind behind Dojin Work, presents a comedic glimpse into the manga industry. While the focus is on the industry and manga production processes, the eccentric supporting characters bring extra charm to the series.

4. Kakushigoto

Kakushi Goto is a well-regarded mangaka who operates his own publishing company. However, given the risqué nature of his work, he is fiercely protective of his daughter Hime, determined to hide the truth of his profession from her.

Kakushigoto, a slice-of-life comedy from the creator of Sayonara, Zetsubou-Sensei, offers not only the unique perspective on the manga industry but also emphasizes dark humor, erratic miscommunications, and the peculiarities of being a parent.

3 Monthly Girls’ Nozaki-kun

Chiyo and Nozaki of Monthly Girls' Nozaki-kun

Chiyo Sakura harbors feelings for her classmate, Umetaro Nozaki. When she confesses her love, Nozaki mistakenly thinks she is his fan. To her surprise, he is a secret shojo mangaka working under a pseudonym, prompting Chiyo to assist him with his manga to get closer to him.

Monthly Girls’ Nozaki-kun is a riotously funny romantic comedy filled with quirky characters. While primarily a comedy, it also provides insights into the life of a mangaka.

2. Genshiken

In Genshiken, new college students Kanji Sasahara and Makoto Kosaka join a cultural club dedicated to celebrating otaku hobbies, including anime, manga, and video games. Alongside them is Kosaka’s girlfriend, Saki Kusakabe, who holds a strong disdain for otaku culture. The series follows their adventures within the club.

While Genshiken broadly addresses otaku culture, it includes significant discussions about dojinshi, especially as the characters take on creating an anthology. The series provides a relaxed yet informative look at the dojinshi community.

1 Bakuman

Moritaka Mashiro is passionate about two things: drawing and his classmate, Miho Azuki. When his classmate Akito Takagi discovers his talent, he proposes they create manga together. Aware of the challenges from his late uncle’s experiences, Moritaka makes an impulsive promise: if their manga adapts into an anime and Miho voices the main character, they will marry.

Bakuman is crafted by the renowned duo behind Death Note: Tsugumi Ohba and Takeshi Obata. They infuse thrilling shonen elements into what would typically be a slice-of-life story, transforming the manga production journey into a high-stakes, exhilarating adventure.

Source