Shonen Jump. (2009). San Francisco, CA: Viz Media.
Plot Summary: Based on the popular Japanese magazine, Weekly Shōnen Jump, this revamped version called, Shonen Jump, has been retooled as a monthly publication for English readers and the American audience. Targeted towards young adult males (though their circulation demographics include a high percentage of teen female readers), the first issue sold over 300,000 copies and required three printings to meet consumer demand. Each issue is comprised of chapters from seven manga series, plus product reviews for anime/manga related games and toys, articles on Japanese language and culture, interviews with artists, manga news, fan sections, letters from readers and interactive games reviews. Issues also sometimes include trading cards for manga/anime collectible card games and video game demo discs.
Critical Evaluation: This publication is sizeable and features a full length story in each issue. The artwork is sophisticated and the storylines are complex and more engaging than I expected. It’s a great resource for anime and manga fans, plus their corresponding website offers features about manga artists and previews of upcoming issues. Subscibers have a special web section where they can preview chapters from the publisher’s affiliated publications, download desktop wallpapers, send ecards and play games. If a library can’t afford to purchase a whole collection of anime, this is one subscription magazine that will stay current and will definitely circulate with teens.
Reader’s Annotation:
If you love manga and anime, here’s the ultimate monthly magazine for you.
Information About the Author:
In 2002, Viz Media began publishing the magazine and adapting it to appeal to American audiences. They launched a huge multi-million dollar marketing campaign to boost sales and included ads for shows already popular on Cartoon Network, who in turn, provided sample chapters and streaming video content on it’s Adult Swim website. Its circulation has currently exceeded 215,000. It’s considered one of the most successful and widely read manga publication in America. It was awarded the ICv2 "Comic Product of the Year" award in December 2002.
Genre:
Teen Issues: Death and Deadly Disease, Mental, Emotional and Behavioral Problems, Gangs, Crime and Criminals, Physical and Emotional Abuse
Contemporary Life: Coming of Age, Romance
Adventure: Survival, War, Heroism
Fantasy: Mythic Reality, Myth and Legend, Fairy Tales
Heroes and Heroines: Magic, Mythical Creatures
Alternate/Parallel Worlds: Time Travel
Science Fiction: Alternate Worlds, Aliens, Post Apocalyptic
Paranormal: Ghosts, Monsters, Werefolk and other Beasties, Unexplained Phenomena
Historical Fiction: Different time periods
Alternatie Formats: Graphic Novels/Manga
Curriculum Ties: Art class, Social Studies class, History class, Psychology class, Book clubs, Social clubs, Recommendations for Young Adult Reluctant Readers
Booktalking Ideas:
1.) The use of illustrations for storytelling
2.) The quality of manga art
3.) Themes of manga
4.) Why mange is so popular with teens
5.) The similarities/differences between manga and American comics
Reading Level/Interest Age: Grades 8-12
Challenge Issues/Defenses:
Potential Challenges:
• References to sexual behavior
• Depictions of violence
• Content includes references to drinking
Defense Strategy:
• Provide our Collection Development Policy (which includes Young Adult scope): http://ww2.cityofpasadena.net/library/collection.asp
• Provide book reviews by actual readers on a publicly accessible website:
http://www.amazon.com/Shonen-Graphic-Contains-Yu-Gi-Oh-Hakusho/dp/1591162114
• Provide articles or websites of why teens love mange with recommendations:
http://www.teenvoices.com/issue_current/articles/nav_08_manga.htm
http://manga.about.com/od/recommendedreading/tp/top10shonen.htm
Why This Book Was Included: Though I’m not a huge manga fan, I wanted to acknowledge it’s popularity among teens and provide at least one title on this blog list. Shonen Jump is professionally presented, with quality artwork and compelling stories.
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