Manga Mondays: Art & Story

Today's Topic: Art & Story ~ How does affect you?

To those avid Manga readers and Anime watchers, we stumble across a variety of styles in the art we see. We see our stereotypical to our old style of Manga/Anime. We like the stories for the stories, and we like the art for the art. I sound kind of redundant right? It probably doesn't make much sense to you, does it?

What I mean by those two statements is that we appreciate those Mangas for its art and story line. Those are essentially what draws people into it. However, we see those stories with just the terrible plot lines with the super amazing art and vis versa, like I had explained Here (Style ~ Make or Break a Manga/Anime?) Basically, it is the same principles applied here. However, in this post, I want to focus on the essential question of whether the art and story affect your manga experience.

Well, to be honest, it should and shouldn't affect you.

Why you ask? Well, here's my reasons why:

~~Should Affect You~~

Art: Art is basically the whole premise of any animations and comics, including Manga and Animes. Essentially, if something is pleasant to the eyes, whether it is the background, character designs, or movement, we will watch it, absorb it, and enjoy it. We are affected by the art because we enjoy it in some way, shape, or form. The art in a Manga or Anime (Gonna initial that as MoA) is important to keep us entertained.

Story: Okay, so you've got your art. All good, you can make a MoA. BUT HOLD IT RIGHT THERE! Obviously, you will bore the heck out of every single person if you just put pretty art up without a meaning. Story is important whether you are drawing a comic or just a regular picture. Every picture tells a story, and as artists, they need to convey that story to the audience through the picture. 

Ask yourself: Why is he mad about that? What caused the problem? What led them to become lost? How will they resolve the fighting and conflict? 

We answer these questions through the story that is conveyed in the picture: Oh, I see why he is upset. Now I understand why she is acting this way. That's why he looked so pissed off.

The story is a such a key part of any MoA that you basically can't even have anything of a book without one.

~~Shouldn't Affect You/Isn't Used Well/HOLYCRAPWHY!?~~

Art: Okay, so bad art will always be bad art. However, just because one art isn't as mainstream as another doesn't mean it is bad. There are a lot of art styles that are non-mainstream that are wonderful and amazing to look at. However, like I said, bad art will always be bad art. If the art is mixed with a super interesting plot line, I would definitely suggest giving the MoA a chance. Yet, keep in mind that if it has a bad story line and bad art, then... Well.. You know... >.> *looks at MoA dump pile*...

Story: THIS PART ISN'T ABOUT HOW THE STORY "DOESN'T AFFECT YOUR EXPERIENCE:" THIS IS Why Story Is So Important In MoAs!! Story matters. I DON'T GIVE A CRUDE IF YOU THINK THAT THERE IS A STORY BEHIND ALL THE STUPID SCENES, ESPECIALLY IN DRAGON BALL Z WHERE IT TAKES FREAKING SEASONS TO UNLEASH ONE ATTACK

THAT DOES ABSOLUTELY NOTHING!!

(Disclaimer: I love Dragon Ball Z. Please do not think that I hate it, but that statement is the truth.) I mean, Dragon Ball Z does have a plot line, but every episode or chapter is filled with talking, and then the next BAJILLION chapters are filled with convoluted insults or fighting that is so super-human and wayyy too god-like for a fantasy/fiction story. It makes me epicly /facepalm.

So, with that, I'd like to ask you for a favor:

For those who have read Manga or watched Anime with that art that you just hate or dislike with a fiery passion, please, please, not just for my sake but for the Mangaka's sake, to read the story or watch the episode. I know it will be difficult, especially if the art really sucks in your opinion, universally, or otherwise, but you never and may never know how much you will fall in love with that story and just keep reading it again and again.

Well, even if you don't complete my favor, I'm glad you could join me for this Monday's Feature. If you have any topics you want to discuss on this feature, feel free to leave a comment below and ask a question I can elaborate on (Or multiples if you wish)!

Inked with Brilliance and Love,

Sara