What is early manga?

Early manga originated in Japan in the late 19th century and early 20th century. It was heavily influenced by Western art styles, particularly American comics, and developed into its own unique style that emphasized storytelling and character development. One of the earliest manga artists was Rakuten Kitazawa, who is credited with creating the visual language and format of modern manga. Another key figure was Osamu Tezuka, who developed manga into a legitimate form of storytelling and created several iconic characters such as Astro Boy and Kimba the White Lion. Many early manga were serialized in newspapers and magazines, and often targeted a younger audience. Today, manga is a global medium with a diverse range of genres and styles, enjoyed by fans around the world.