Japanese Fantasy Manga

Japanese Fantasy Manga is one of the first books to fully examine the cross-cultural overlap between Japanese manga and Western fantasy characters. This comprehensive guide identifies characters that appear in fantasy manga by: most notable features; mythological origins (ranging from Greek myths to Biblical figures); and, of course a stunning, full-page illustration. Organized into three chapters (Characters, Vocations, and Superpowers), this volume will fully flesh out the most popular characters and themes in fantasy manga today: Chapter 1: Characters - elves, dwarves, hobbits, mermaids, giants, gods: gods, angels, devils, fairies: demons, vampires, goblins: dragons, unicorns, chimeras: Oni, Tengu, Yokai, Kaiju, etc. (monsters unique to Japanese culture); Chapter 2: Vocations (ranging from the medieval to contemporary); Swordsman, archer, wizard, and blacksmith, and knight; and, Policeman, businessman, musician, doctor, nurse, and teenager; and, Chapter 3: Superpowers (ranging from the ordinary to the extraordinary): Magic, sorcery, and healing; Weapons handling (swords, spears, brass knuckles, etc.); Robot operations, animal domestication; and, Singing, dancing, teaching. In the same vein as anime/fantasy video game franchises such as The Legend of Zelda and Final Fantasy , Japanese Fantasy Manga will appeal to video game, manga, and fantasy fans across the globe.