Chennai Book Fair Sees Surge in Manga Popularity Among Youth
The Chennai Book Fair witnessed a remarkable trend this year as Japanese manga comics captured the hearts of young visitors. On Friday, M J Rayyan, a Class IX student, made a special trip to the fair with a clear mission. He aimed to purchase the 93rd volume of the widely loved manga series 'One Piece', which carries a price tag of 7,000 rupees.
"I want to collect all volumes of this manga," Rayyan shared enthusiastically. "I have been reading them digitally. Now I want a hard copy. It has a perfect translation of the story from Japanese." His dedication highlights a growing preference among teens for physical editions of their favorite stories.
Manga Draws Crowds Across Age Groups
Rayyan was far from alone in his passion. Organisers from Bapasi noted that Japanese manga has become a major attraction at the fair, appealing to children, teens, and young adults alike. These comics often feature periodical tales where a male protagonist pursues an extraordinary ambition. He overcomes numerous challenges through the power of friendship and intense battles.
The rising popularity of manga coincides with an increase in platforms that live-stream anime. This accessibility fuels the craze further. "Children's book stalls that sell usual fiction books now have sections for manga," explained Guru, a member of the Bapasi organising committee.
Stalls Report Strong Sales and Engaging Activities
Popular manga series like Naruto, Death Note, and One Punch Man are flying off the shelves. Madhu from Dream Ways Publications revealed impressive sales figures. "We have sold about 2 lakh worth of manga so far," she stated, underscoring the commercial success of these comics at the event.
Stalls enhanced the experience with life-size cut-outs and posters of anime characters, proving an instant hit among teens. Bapasi member Shankar Gomathinayagam believes this craze is only set to rise. For instance, The Learner Circle stall featured a photo point with two anime characters where children eagerly posed for pictures.
"We have a stall that promotes anime content. Children can sketch their favourite anime characters, and register for a contest," Gomathinayagam added. This interactive element drew significant attention.
Engagement Extends Beyond Children
S Jeevitha, business head at Image stall, observed a broader demographic engaging with the activities. "The stall was intended for children, but we have young adults sketching too," she noted. This indicates that the appeal of manga and anime spans various age groups, making it a unifying cultural phenomenon at the fair.
The Chennai Book Fair continues to evolve, reflecting changing reading habits and interests among the youth. With manga sales booming and interactive stalls thriving, the event showcases a vibrant blend of literature and pop culture.
