The world of graphic novels, manga, and anime have a language all of its own. Use this a guide to help you better understand these formats.
Anime - any animated series or movie that comes from Japan. Formerly Japanimation.
Bishojo - Beautiful girl.
Bishonen - Beautiful boy.
Dojinishi - Someone who publishes their own work. Also a term to describe fan fiction.
Fan Service - Scantily clad characters or sexual innuendo for the enjoyment of the intended audience.
Graphic Novel - In some cases they are simply comics bound in book format, while others are a story represented in the sequential art format. An important thing to remember about graphic novels is that they are a format, not a genre.
Hentai - Manga and anime with sexual content.
Josei - Manga for older teen girls and women.
Kodomo - Manga for younger children.
Mangaka (Manga-ka) - A manga artist or creator.
Manhwa - Korean manga.
Mech/Mecha - Manga that includes mechanical items, specifically robots.
OEL - Original English Language. This refers to manga that is created by English speaking person but done int he Japanese format.
Otaku - A fan or enthusiast of manga, anime, and video games.
OVA (OAV) - Original Video Animation. Anime that is released directly on video without a theatrical release.
Seinen - Manga for adult men.
Shonen - Manga for teen boys (between 10 and 18 years).
Shonen-ai - "Boys love." Refers to non-explicit romance between male characters. (See Yaoi.)
Tankobon - A trade paperback series collection. Also refers to a story told in one volume.
Yaoi - Manga that includes romance between male characters (intended for a female audience)> In the US, it refers to explicit sexual content.
Yuri - Manga that includes romance between two female characters (not necessarily a sexual relationship).
