Manga is a style of Japanese comic books or graphic novels that originated in Japan. The term "manga" refers to both comics and cartoons in Japan, but outside Japan, it typically means comics originally published in Japan. Manga features a distinct artistic style and is known for its immersive storytelling primarily through pictures, with relatively less reliance on text. Manga covers a wide range of genres including action, adventure, comedy, romance, science fiction, fantasy, horror, sports, and many others. It is published in chapters, usually in manga magazines, and then collected in volumes called tankōbon. Manga is mostly published in black and white, though some special editions are in full color. It has a rich history dating back to Japanese scrolls from the 12th century and took its current form around the late 19th century. Manga is widely read by people of all ages in Japan and has gained a significant global audience with its unique art style and storytelling approach. Manga is usually read from right to left, which is the original format used in Japan. The word manga itself translates roughly to "pictures run riot" or "pictures unbounded," emphasizing the visual storytelling aspect. In summary, manga is a Japanese comic book or graphic novel known for its distinctive art style and diverse genres that has grown into a major cultural and publishing phenomenon both in Japan and worldwide.