Manga:Whimsical Pictures1You could probably name several superheroes featured in popular American comic books, but you may not know that many Japanese comic books are even more beloved worldwide. Comic books and graphic novels produced and published in Japan are called manga. This term is often confused with anime, which is Japanese animation. The word manga comes from two Japanese characters: man, meaning “whimsical,” and ga, meaning “pictures.” The phrase “whimsical pictures” is a perfect description for this diverse medium loved by so many.2Manga got its start in the twelfth century when Japanese monks drew animals behaving in humanlike ways onto scrolls. Books with pictures surrounded by dialogue appeared in the eighteenth century. During World War II, manga was used to promote Japanese government ideals. Then, American comics were introduced in Japan, which caused a turning point. Manga shifted away from being a wartime tool. In 1952, Osamu Tezuka, known as the “Father of Manga,” created one of the most successful manga series: Astro Boy. He drew characters from different angles, used close-ups and other new techniques, and included themes uncommon in comics, such as grief, hate, and hope. Osamu’s art and writing style influenced most modern manga that followed.3Although American comics inspired modern manga, there are differences. American comics are in color, but manga is typically black and white. Instead of being read from left to right, manga is read from right to left. And while American comics are aimed at teens, manga is well-liked by people of all ages. In fact, manga is so popular that it is even more profitable than American comics. It is estimated that manga creators made more than five billion dollars in 2020, while the American comic industry earned only $1.28 billion.4Manga’s popularity likely stems from its varied subject matter and genres. There is literally something for everyone! There are five main genres: Shōjo, Shōnen, Kodomomuke, Josei, and Seinen. Shōjo includes stories like Sailor Moon. It is geared toward girls with romantic, magical, or comedic themes. Shōnen includes stories like Dragonball. It is action, fantasy, and adventure written for boys. Kodomomuke, including the hit Pokémon Adventure series, is for young children. Josei and Seinen have older characters and are aimed at adults. However, there are no rules; people may enjoy any genre, regardless of sex or age. The volume and variety of manga is the key to its great success.

Question

Manga:Whimsical Pictures1You could probably name several superheroes featured in popular American comic books, but you may not know that many Japanese comic books are even more beloved worldwide. Comic books and graphic novels produced and published in Japan are called manga. This term is often confused with anime, which is Japanese animation. The word manga comes from two Japanese characters: man, meaning “whimsical,” and ga, meaning “pictures.” The phrase “whimsical pictures” is a perfect description for this diverse medium loved by so many.2Manga got its start in the twelfth century when Japanese monks drew animals behaving in humanlike ways onto scrolls. Books with pictures surrounded by dialogue appeared in the eighteenth century. During World War II, manga was used to promote Japanese government ideals. Then, American comics were introduced in Japan, which caused a turning point. Manga shifted away from being a wartime tool. In 1952, Osamu Tezuka, known as the “Father of Manga,” created one of the most successful manga series: Astro Boy. He drew characters from different angles, used close-ups and other new techniques, and included themes uncommon in comics, such as grief, hate, and hope. Osamu’s art and writing style influenced most modern manga that followed.3Although American comics inspired modern manga, there are differences. American comics are in color, but manga is typically black and white. Instead of being read from left to right, manga is read from right to left. And while American comics are aimed at teens, manga is well-liked by people of all ages. In fact, manga is so popular that it is even more profitable than American comics. It is estimated that manga creators made more than five billion dollars in 2020, while the American comic industry earned only $1.28 billion.4Manga’s popularity likely stems from its varied subject matter and genres. There is literally something for everyone! There are five main genres: Shōjo, Shōnen, Kodomomuke, Josei, and Seinen. Shōjo includes stories like Sailor Moon. It is geared toward girls with romantic, magical, or comedic themes. Shōnen includes stories like Dragonball. It is action, fantasy, and adventure written for boys. Kodomomuke, including the hit Pokémon Adventure series, is for young children. Josei and Seinen have older characters and are aimed at adults. However, there are no rules; people may enjoy any genre, regardless of sex or age. The volume and variety of manga is the key to its great success.

Which evidence from "Manga" MOST STRONGLY supports the author's claim that manga is more popular than American comics?

A.
You could probably name several superheroes featured in popular American comic books, but you may not know that many Japanese comic books are even more beloved worldwide. (paragraph 1)

B.
Books with pictures surrounded by dialogue appeared in the eighteenth century. (paragraph 2)

C.
Although American comics inspired modern manga, there are differences. (paragraph 3)

D.
It is estimated that manga creators made more than five billion dollars in 2020, while the American comic industry earned only $1.28 billion. (paragraph 3)

Answer 1

D. It is estimated that manga creators made more than five billion dollars in 2020, while the American comic industry earned only $1.28 billion. (paragraph 3)