While all my friends are hanging out at Stampede, and having fun in the great outdoors, I’m at home, glued to the computer. All alone, without any contact from the outside world… really, it’s not as bad as it seems. I have the internet. My life would be nothing without the internet.
So, what do all day? Some people YouTube. Others go on Facebook. Not me. Instead, I read shoujo manga. It occupies me day and (well into) night. Now, if it’s that captivating, what could it possibly be?
To get really technical, manga are comics that originate from Japan, with varying art styles. They’re like western comics, but BETTER. Shoujo however, is a very specific subset of manga. Basically, it’s super girly manga that features too perfect relationships, dumb/clutzy girls, and charming and or/dark guys. That’s just the stereotype, but it fits 80% of shoujo manga out there. There could be a template for shoujo manga plots – they’re so horribly predictable.
It sounds really stupid. That’s what I thought too. Being hooked on shonen manga/anime for my whole life, shoujo sounded ridiculous and like a waste of time. Once you start reading it, your views will soon change. Although it’s still often stupid and a waste of time, it’s highly, HIGHLY addictive. I mean, while you know how it’s going to end off the bat, it’s still so wonderful! I really can’t explain it. However, don’t go thinking that all shoujo manga is predictable and repetitive – there are actually some extremely original, funny, even profound stories out there.
Girls love this stuff. Some of my more mature male friends read it too. Mature, because they’ve sucked up their shame, and have learned to connect to their inner girl. Learning to appreciate the girly, shallow aspects of life is just as important as sophistication and wisdom.
Then and again… it just might be me.
To get started on your epic quest of staying at home and not having a social life enlightenment, go HERE! You’ll find a bunch of great mangas that will be sure to keep you entertained. Even if you’re not into this kinda thing, at least you can laugh at how stupid all the characters are.
And finally, while reading manga off the internet is fun and all, be sure to support the mangaka (artists) by buying a few of their books!