[Critique by work category] Frame Manga, Independent Manga, On-line Manga, Others

On-line Manga entries, which numbered 12 last year, increased to 33 this year. There were a larger number of entries from abroad than from Japan, indicating the growing recognition of this award worldwide. Many of the works were breaking free of the limitations of drawing on paper, making use of digital features for movement, sound, and color. However, when the emphasis of a work becomes movement, it tends towards animation, which cannot be recognized as a manga; this is a challenge for the future. Independent Manga takes the number one ratio in the Manga Division; this is probably because the Manga Division in the Japan Media Arts Festival is becoming more widely known. Among them, there was a work adopting a painting technique, and also some characteristic works with new expressions done by digital means. They were unique, but it was a pity that there was a lack of stories. Although the Frame Manga received a slightly increased number of applications, there were few one-frame manga applications. Nonetheless, there were many well made pieces and they had their own taste distinct from Story Manga. I am expecting many more applications for the Frame Manga next time.