Manga and bande dessinée are forms of narrative expression using pictures and text, but there are significant differences in their styles and characteristics.
Manga developed mainly in Japan and is characterized by its distinctive black-and-white color scheme.
Bandes dessinées, on the other hand, were developed in Europe (especially in France and Belgium), and many color works are considered to have high artistic value.
This article details the differences between manga and bande dessinée in terms of style, story, and production methods.
Manga and bande dessinée: stylistic differences
First, we will explain the difference between manga and bande dessinée in terms of drawing and expression.
For cartoons
Manga is a form of pictorial storytelling that developed mainly in Japan and has a unique way of expression. The use of color in manga is generally black and white, but color works also exist.
In black-and-white works, the artist brings out expressive power through shading and line thickness, while in color works, the artist’s vivid colors are appealing.
The manga drawing style is characterized by the fast progression of the story, with many unique expressions of character emotion and sound effects.
In addition, the panel layout and organization is free and easy for readers to follow.
In the case of bande dessinée
Bande dessinée is a form of pictorial storytelling that developed in Europe (especially France and Belgium) and is considered to be of high artistic value.
The use of color in bandes dessinées is common, and is characterized by rich color expression.
In addition, the backgrounds and characters are painted with fine detail, with an emphasis on intricate depiction and realism.
Note that the layout of the panels is based on a constant composition, and the clear line drawings are impressive.
Manga and Bande Dessinée: Differences in Story
Manga and bande dessinée also differ in their stories, as explained below.
For cartoons
Manga is a pictorial narrative that developed mainly in Japan.
The wide range of genres, including action, fantasy, romance, and mystery, depict a variety of stories that will interest readers.
In addition, in manga, the emphasis is on character growth and change, which is often central to the story.
One of its unique features is its effective portrayal of emotions and action scenes in a unique way of expression.
In the case of bande dessinée
Bande dessinée stories emphasize reality and depth.
Many of the stories are based on social issues, history, and culture, and are rich in elements that make the reader think, and the story progresses slowly, often with careful portrayal of the characters’ feelings and situations.
The emphasis is on realism, and the use of detailed descriptions to depict scenes and the psychology of the characters is a hallmark of the company.
Manga and bande dessinée: differences in production methods
Manga and bande dessinée differ not only in style and storyline, but also in production methods.
For cartoons
The production of a manga begins with the author coming up with the story, designing the characters, and deciding on the panel layout and composition.
Then, drafts are made on manuscript paper, and line drawings, tones, and effect lines are added to complete the work.
In many cases, cartoonists hire assistants to share the workload and improve efficiency.
The assistant’s role is to help the cartoonist concentrate on the main characters and important scenes by providing backgrounds, line effects, and applying tone.
In the case of bande dessinée
The production of a bande dessinée often involves separate roles for the artist and the illustrator.
The artist comes up with the story and writes the scenario, and the illustrator typically draws pictures based on the story.
This division of labor often results in high-quality work because the story and pictures are created by specialists in their respective fields.
In addition, since color is common in bandes dessinées, a colorist in charge of color may be added.
summary
Manga and bande dessinée show significant differences in three aspects: style, story, and production method.
Manga is based on black and white, characterized by unique expressions of character emotion and sound effects, and the story develops quickly and in a wide variety of genres.
In production methods, it is common for cartoonists to hire assistants to help them work more efficiently.
Bandes dessinées, on the other hand, are often color works, characterized by detailed depictions and reality-based narratives, with the artist and illustrator taking on separate roles, and high quality work is often produced by specialists.
Thus, manga and bande dessinée are forms of expression that each have their own unique appeal, and understanding them can lead to an appreciation of different cultures.
