Learned otaku are familiar with Frederik L. Schodt's Manga! Manga! The World of Japanese Comics, published in 1983 and referred to by some as the "Bible of on Japanese Comics" for its analysis of the state of manga both inside and outside Japan. Presented as a series of essays, Manga! Manga goes beyond manga to examine its impact on society and the entertainment industry. Now Schodt has updated his analysis with the release of Dreamland Japan: Writings on Modern Manga in which he examines the origins of manga and the many genres in which it appears today.

Okay, here's the skinny: Dreamland Japan is an extremely informative examination of the world of manga. Thanks to Schodt's expertise on Japanese culture and the manga medium, this book is both educational and entertaining. His writing style is easy to read and... the things he knows! You thought you knew a lot about manga? Read this book and you'll learn things about this magical medium that you never imagined. Schodt starts by looking at the history of manga and goes on to cover genres you didn't know existed. Thought it was all giant robots and catgirls? Don't expect to read about Ranma 1/2 or Sailor Moon. Schodt looks at manga artists working in the lesser-known, cutting edge genres, including Buddhist philosophy, New York street life, gay romance, and the battle against censorship. And, of course, there's a whole chapter on Osamu Tezuka, the "God of Comics".

Dreamland Japan illustrates the amazing breadth of the manga medium, showing that it has room for every vision, every dream.