DC Boss Admits Manga Is Better than American Comics (& What the Big Two Can Learn from It)

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For the first time in years, DC Comics is leading American superhero comic sales, but they still aren’t the overall best-selling comic publisher. That’s because manga continues to dominate the charts – it’s been the top seller for years and is incredibly popular in bookstores nationwide. Manga sales have been steadily increasing since 2014, becoming a major part of American pop culture. While the Marvel Cinematic Universe has boosted superhero visibility, American comics haven’t been able to match manga’s widespread appeal.

DC and Marvel are both aware of manga’s growing influence. DC Comics’ Jim Lee recently discussed this in an interview with NikkeiXTrend, a Japanese publication. Lee, who leads DC Comics, talked about how manga has impacted culture and what DC can learn from the Japanese comic industry’s success.

Lee Admits That American Comics Can Learn from Manga’s Example

Lee discussed the growing popularity of manga and Asian culture in the West, offering some insightful thoughts on the topic. He believes the strength of manga and anime lies in its storytelling, and he wonders why Western comics haven’t achieved the same impact. He points out that while American comics largely focus on superheroes, manga in Japan is considered more like general literature, appealing to a broader audience with diverse genres – everything from cooking to sports. He’s encouraged by manga’s success, seeing it as a benchmark for the Western comic industry and a source of valuable lessons. He feels the larger manga market offers a model for growth and innovation.

Lee quickly identified the key reasons for manga’s popularity. The incredible diversity of manga titles – covering everything from popular action stories to sports, cooking, and romance – stands in contrast to the relatively narrow focus on superheroes in American comics, which limits its appeal. Additionally, while comics and animation are often seen as just for children in Western cultures, Japan views manga and anime as legitimate art forms enjoyed by people of all ages. Lee also pointed out that young people often seek out trends that feel uniquely their own, and manga offers that novelty in the West. Unlike superhero comics with decades-old characters, manga consistently introduces fresh stories and settings that resonate with younger readers.

Lee believes DC Comics is making a smart move by looking to manga for inspiration. While DC is known for its superheroes, it’s also historically strong in horror and science fiction. Recently, DC has been expanding into more everyday stories, like the “Fire and Ice” series, “Trinity: Daughter of Wonder Woman,” and the newer “Supergirl” comics. They’re also creating young adult stories that use superhero characters in fresh, non-traditional ways, mirroring the success of manga. Plus, the return of the Vertigo imprint promises even more diverse content, which is great for the comics industry.

DC Comics has a strong history of creating great comics, but their sales numbers still lag behind those of manga. It’s encouraging that DC’s leadership is looking to manga for inspiration. Historically, DC has been a pioneer in the comic book world, particularly in recent decades. If they can adopt some of manga’s storytelling techniques, increase the volume of their releases like the manga industry does, and push American comics in new directions, it would benefit everyone. Ultimately, offering a wider range of stories means more options for fans, and that’s what fiction is all about.

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2026-01-27 00:12