"Art of Manga" at the de Young:

This fall, the de Young Museum in San Francisco will host "Art of Manga," the first large-scale exhibition in the Americas dedicated to manga as an art form. Running from September 27, 2025, to January 25, 2026, the exhibit will showcase more than 700 original drawings by iconic Japanese artists, including Akatsuka Fujio, Araki Hirohiko, Chiba Tetsuya, Oda Eiichiro, Tagame Gengoroh, Takahashi Rumiko, Tanaami Keiichi, Taniguchi Jiro, Yamashita Kazumi, Yamazaki Mari, and Yoshinaga Fumi. Many of these works have never been publicly displayed before, offering a rare opportunity to experience the creative power and social impact of manga up close.

Curated by Nicole Coolidge Rousmaniere, the exhibition traces manga’s roots from traditional Japanese painting and 18th-19th century woodblock prints to its contemporary forms, highlighting its evolution as both a cultural and artistic force. Visitors will learn not only about the history and reading techniques of manga but also about its editorial processes, genres, and the growing influence of digital technology. The exhibition concludes with a look at Shueisha’s Manga-Art Heritage initiative, which merges manga and fine art through limited-edition blockchain-authenticated prints, reflecting manga’s ongoing transformation in the digital age.

“Captivating millions around the world with dynamic graphic narratives, manga is one of the most significant visual mediums of our time,” said Thomas P. Campbell, Director and CEO of the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco.

Manga’s journey from serialized print stories in Japanese magazines to a global digital phenomenon mirrors broader shifts in media consumption. The rise of digital platforms has made manga accessible to readers worldwide, breaking language and geographical barriers. Today, manga is not only a staple of Japanese culture but also a significant influence on global entertainment, fashion, and youth culture, with the market projected to reach over $42 billion by 2030, largely driven by digital consumption.

While some artists continue to cherish traditional tools—pencil, pen, ink, and paper—most manga today is created digitally. Artists use LCD pen tablets and digital pens, which replicate the tactile feedback and expressive linework of analog tools while offering the flexibility of instant editing, an infinite color palette, and the ability to import photos or backgrounds. Hybrid workflows are common, blending hand-drawn sketches with digital finishing touches to optimize both speed and artistic expression.

Manga’s digital transformation has inspired new formats and platforms globally. In South Korea, "webtoons" have become a dominant force, designed specifically for vertical scrolling on smartphones and tablets. Platforms like LINE Webtoon and KakaoPage have made it easy for creators to publish and monetize their work, attracting millions of readers worldwide.

This model has influenced English-language and international platforms, such as:

• Webtoon (LINE Webtoon): The world’s largest webtoon platform, hosting creators from around the globe in multiple languages.
• Tapas: Popular for independent and serialized comics, supporting a diverse range of genres and creators.
• Manga Plus by Shueisha: Offers simultaneous English releases of major Japanese manga titles.
• ComiXology and Kindle: Provide digital manga libraries for Western audiences.
• Global platforms like Lezhin, Tappytoon, and WebComics: Serve readers in English, Spanish, French, and more, further expanding the reach of Asian comic art.

These platforms empower independent creators, enabling them to reach international audiences without traditional publishing constraints. Digital distribution also fosters vibrant fan communities, where readers interact with creators and each other, shaping the evolution of stories and genres.

--Articles Referenced in this Blog---

Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco. "Art of Manga" Press Release 

Artnet News. "The Enduring Art of Manga Gets the Spotlight in a San Francisco Show"

GetPeech Blog. "The Evolution of Manga: Charting the Shift from Print to Digital Platforms"

Grand View Research. "Manga Market Size, Share & Growth | Industry Report, 2030"

Niponica No.36. "Tools the Manga Artist Cherishes"

About the Author

Nikki Lopez is a seasoned professional with over a decade of experience in the startup world, specializing in leveraging creative content and community building to empower content creators. Known for a strategic approach and a deep understanding of audience needs, Nikki has a proven track record of leading the development of engaging content strategies and guiding the growth of thriving communities. Her leadership focuses on fostering meaningful interactions and impactful journeys for both creators and their audiences.