by John Rendace

Created on: July 26, 2010

It simply isn't fair to choose a single favorite manga series. There are several different demographic structures into which manga is organized. While the lines between the different levels are increasingly becoming blurred, I still feel it's fairer to choose both a favorite Shonen and Seinen series.

Shonen manga, and anime, is said to be the demographic for boys. Despite this name, Shonen series are the most popular among any age group. Gender too has little bearing on who enjoys Shonen manga; it's simply popular with all fans, and among this demographic manga from Shonen Jump magazine is the world's popular.

That's not simply a catchphrase; many of the most popular stories have run in the Japanese magazine. Therefore, it seems fitting that I would have to say that my favorite Shonen manga series is Bleach by Tite Kubo. With a plotline that incorporates elements of both the fantasy and horror genres, Kubo spins a tale that is both well constructed and fresh.

The series' main character, Ichigo Kurosaki, is a typical tough guy archetype. However, he's given a number of facets to his personality to keep him from being too one-dimensional. Along with a cast of other original characters, the experimental punkish graphics are a major draw to the series.

While some might criticize the series for being too long, I would argue that it's longevity should be celebrated. As a story that involves a young soul reaper going after errant spirits, Bleach is a series that can always find a new enemy to fight or a new quest to embark on without coming off as too stale.

As for Seinen, Shirow Masamune has been one of the finest creators of science fiction in the world of manga. His Ghost in the Shell series is a brilliantly crafted combination of cyberpunk adventure and philosophical expose of a technological society. The series constantly grapples

Perhaps most interesting is the way in which the main character, Motoko Kusanagi, changes throughout each new interpretation. A bit snide and humorous in the original manga, she is a completely different individual. The stoic Major seen in the TV anime is yet another incarnation in which the dynamic Kusanagi character changes.

Perhaps this constant alternation of the timeline, and its main character, allow the Ghost in the Shell saga to never grow dull. I would never be one to criticize a manga series solely on length. Instead, I would simply ask myself if it always kept a fresh air about it.

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