Close-ups: an emotive language in manga

ABSTRACT

Manga is typically recognised in the Western world by the distinct visual styles of its characters and the vast array of symbolic signs that indicate various emotions and physical reactions. However, research into the use of visual techniques in the development of emotional life in manga is far from sufficient. This paper aims to explore the adoption of the cinematic technique – close-ups in manga – as a narrative tool to communicate a character’s emotions and build tension between panels. It draws examples from two manga and conversations with 16 young British readers to examine the impact of close shots on reader engagement.

KEYWORDS:

• Emotion
• manga
• close-up
• reader
• cinema

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author.

Notes

1. This paper is based on a PhD study carried out at the University of Cambridge. The author is currently affiliated with the Moray House School of Education at the University of Edinburgh.

2. In the ninjia world, a genin (low ninjia) needs to take the Chûnin Selection Exam to be promoted to a middle-rank ninja.

3. Shizuka bit Zero after killing his parents, thus leaving a shared blood bond between them.

4. Manga is read from right to left, top to bottom.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Yi-Shan Tsai

Yi-Shan Tsai completed a PhD degree at the University of Cambridge. She is currently a research associate at the Moray House School of Education at the University of Edinburgh.