What do you think?
Rate this book
Japan's Manga Revolution: From Painted Scrolls to Comic Books 1680 -1920
Journey through Japan's illustrated history and discover the roots of manga before it took the world by storm.
In this compelling survey, art historian Andreas Marks traces the development of Japanese illustrated books in premodern times. As early as the 17th century, Japanese publishers were producing thousands of illustrated titles on subjects ranging from religion and poetry to celebrated beauties, famous kabuki actors, farting warriors, and adventure tales. This flourishing book culture laid the foundation for the vibrant manga and comics industry of today.
Marks explores this evolution through five key works,
Kitagawa Utamaro's Illustrated Book of Selected Creatures (1788) — a beautifully illustrated collection of plants and animals paired with poetry.Hokusai's Sketchbooks (early 1800s) — featuring hundreds of innovative drawing and design ideas by Katsushika Hokusai, whose work influenced many renowned European artists. The New Illustrated Water Margin — Hokusai's adaptation of a Chinese novel about a band of fictional heroes with superpowers, offering a bold reimagining of the story.The Tale of Shiranui (1849 - 1910) — an adventure novel serialized over six decades.The early-20th-century Current Affairs Manga — the first periodical to use the word "manga" in its title, providing illustrated commentary on contemporary political events.
Japan's Manga Revolution offers the first comprehensive overview of Japan's rich tradition of illustrated storytelling and its lasting impact on visual culture worldwide.
In this compelling survey, art historian Andreas Marks traces the development of Japanese illustrated books in premodern times. As early as the 17th century, Japanese publishers were producing thousands of illustrated titles on subjects ranging from religion and poetry to celebrated beauties, famous kabuki actors, farting warriors, and adventure tales. This flourishing book culture laid the foundation for the vibrant manga and comics industry of today.
Marks explores this evolution through five key works,
Kitagawa Utamaro's Illustrated Book of Selected Creatures (1788) — a beautifully illustrated collection of plants and animals paired with poetry.Hokusai's Sketchbooks (early 1800s) — featuring hundreds of innovative drawing and design ideas by Katsushika Hokusai, whose work influenced many renowned European artists. The New Illustrated Water Margin — Hokusai's adaptation of a Chinese novel about a band of fictional heroes with superpowers, offering a bold reimagining of the story.The Tale of Shiranui (1849 - 1910) — an adventure novel serialized over six decades.The early-20th-century Current Affairs Manga — the first periodical to use the word "manga" in its title, providing illustrated commentary on contemporary political events.
Japan's Manga Revolution offers the first comprehensive overview of Japan's rich tradition of illustrated storytelling and its lasting impact on visual culture worldwide.
- GenresHistory
224 pages, Hardcover
Published October 21, 2025
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 1 of 1 review
June 10, 2026
This is a great book. Beautifully laid out, not afraid to highlight what the book is about. Manga.
Andreas Marks writing and research is really digestible. If not a little inconsistent at times.
An example of this would be how at the start of book, Marks added the dimensions of art. However by "Early Uses of the Term Manga" this is no longer applied.
I was so surprised by the development of the craft as well. As early as the 1780s, we've been adding words alongside art for story building.
Every era of the art is immaculate, definitely preferred the coloured pieces. Kitagawa Utamaro's Illustrated Book of Annual Events in the Pleasure Quarters was a favourite.
I had to do a triple check when I saw Kitazawa Rakuten was mentored by an Australian! Frank Arthur (1869-1959).
I must admit that I was quite disappointed that there was no mention at all about modern manga. No mention of Jump Shonen or even the transition of popular word wide media attention from the spread of animie.
Not to mention the fact that as of 2026 Eiichiro Oda (creator of One Piece) is 7th highest read fiction writer of all time.
This feels important and it was ignored.
That being said it's still a really good piece to have in your coffee table collection. It adds a bit of sophistication.
Andreas Marks writing and research is really digestible. If not a little inconsistent at times.
An example of this would be how at the start of book, Marks added the dimensions of art. However by "Early Uses of the Term Manga" this is no longer applied.
I was so surprised by the development of the craft as well. As early as the 1780s, we've been adding words alongside art for story building.
Every era of the art is immaculate, definitely preferred the coloured pieces. Kitagawa Utamaro's Illustrated Book of Annual Events in the Pleasure Quarters was a favourite.
I had to do a triple check when I saw Kitazawa Rakuten was mentored by an Australian! Frank Arthur (1869-1959).
I must admit that I was quite disappointed that there was no mention at all about modern manga. No mention of Jump Shonen or even the transition of popular word wide media attention from the spread of animie.
Not to mention the fact that as of 2026 Eiichiro Oda (creator of One Piece) is 7th highest read fiction writer of all time.
This feels important and it was ignored.
That being said it's still a really good piece to have in your coffee table collection. It adds a bit of sophistication.
Displaying 1 - 1 of 1 review