Here is some vocabulary with definitions for those of you unfamiliar to the world of manga/anime.
Anime is a controversial term, but I’m going to use it to refer to media originating in Japan as well as influenced by Japanese style animation media (like Korean, Chinese, and U.S.-produced works). Note that Anime is a MEDIUM not a GENRE. These days, critics are becoming more conscious about the difference, but there was a time when film critics would lump all anime into a single genre, ignoring the wide range and depth of genres within Anime. Japanimation refers to anime that is produced “in Japan” – but many of these are made with out-sourced Korean labor, so it’s complicated. See Wikipedia for more.
Manga is comic-book format anime-style literature. Basically: stylized comics originally from Japan or strongly influenced by Japanese anime style. Manga are written/drawn by manga-ka. See Wikipedia for more.
Gekiga (劇画) is Japanese for “dramatic pictures.” The term was coined by Yoshihiro Tatsumi and adopted by other more serious Japanese manga-ka who did not want their trade to be known as manga or “irresponsible pictures.” Also, “alternative manga.” Magazines that feature gekiga: Axe, Garo.
Anime Convention – much like any other convention, this is an event in which enthusiastic fans and providers of anime/manga goods and culture come to buy and sell merchandise on the Show Floor (or Show Room). There are usually a lot of advance screenings, panels with industry heads, and signings. There is usually a musical concert and a cosplay contest.
The Show Room (other cons call it The Dealers’ Room”) is where all the loot is. The big distributors and comics suppliers (or “dealers”) set up stations or booths to hawk their wares. Those expensive entrance fees get you discounts on most merchandise in the Show Room, plus “SWAG” – “free” stuff that is usually just promotional material that weighs you down (short for Stuff We Always Get).
Cosplay is when fans dress up as their favorite comic/manga/cartoon/anime character. In a cosplay contest, there is a row of judges who comment on hand-made costumes (based on originality) and the performance of the cosplayer.
Medium -
Genre -
Style -
Content -
