Manga dominates the German comic market, with a notable rise in sports-themed comics inspiring youth participation in sports clubs. Over three decades, manga sales have flourished, particularly with titles like ‘Dragon Ball’ and ‘One Piece.’ The resurgence of sports manga, fueled by popular series such as ‘Haikyu!!’ and ‘Blue Lock,’ reflects changing interests and a growing appreciation for athletic narratives among German readers, promising a brighter future for this genre in the country.
In Germany, a significant portion of the comic market is dominated by manga, which features unique and captivating graphics. Recently, a particular genre has gained traction, successfully inspiring children to join sports clubs in large numbers.
Over the past three decades, manga has become a staple in the German comic scene, with two-thirds of all comics sold being manga titles. As reported by Kai-Steffen Schwarz, the head of the manga division at Hamburg’s Carlsen Verlag, the annual revenue remains consistently around 100 million euros.
Younger readers are especially drawn to manga volumes imported from Japan. Action-packed titles like ‘Dragon Ball’ by Akira Toriyama and ‘One Piece’ by Eiichiro Oda are among the top sellers, with ‘One Piece’ boasting over 100 volumes and more than 500 million copies sold worldwide.
The Rise of Sports Manga in Germany
A new wave of interest has emerged for sports manga in Germany, which has enjoyed a complex publishing history. In Japan, sports manga have been part of the cultural landscape since the mid-20th century, gaining momentum after the 1964 Tokyo Olympic Summer Games sparked a sports boom.
The narratives within sports manga often reflect values intrinsic to Japanese culture, featuring protagonists who embody determination, perseverance, and discipline through their athletic journeys. These stories highlight not only individual growth but also the significance of teamwork and community, resonating with the collectivist ideals of Japanese society.
Impact of ‘Mila Superstar’ on German Youth
In the 1990s, Japanese sports stories gained immense popularity on German children’s television. Series like ‘Die Kickers’ and ‘Captain Tsubasa’ captivated young audiences, while ‘Mila Superstar’, which follows a young volleyball player’s passion, sparked a notable surge in volleyball participation among girls and young women—an event now referred to as the ‘Mila Effect’, with membership in volleyball clubs increasing by 77% during its airing.
Despite the initial success of these television shows, German comic publishers struggled to replicate this enthusiasm in the book market. Early on, the manga readership tended to be quite homogeneous and less inclined towards sports-themed stories. Additionally, the risk involved in publishing long-running sports series made it challenging to maintain reader engagement throughout the run.
Attempts to introduce ‘Slam Dunk’, the world-renowned sports manga with over 185 million copies sold, in Germany faced challenges due to a lack of interest in the past. However, the landscape has shifted recently, aided by streaming platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Crunchyroll, which have increasingly featured popular sports anime.
Growing Popularity of Sports Manga
Notable series such as ‘Haikyu!!’, ‘Blue Lock’, and ‘Kuroko’s Basketball’ have developed a dedicated following in Germany, leading to increased interest in their corresponding manga adaptations. The demand has surged, with ‘Haikyu!!’ selling over 40,000 copies during the pandemic, while ‘Blue Lock’ achieved impressive sales of over 235,000 copies last year, according to Crunchyroll.
Even ‘Slam Dunk’ is gradually capturing the attention it deserves, suggesting that the late appreciation for sports comics is finally taking hold in Germany. This changing tide indicates a promising future for sports manga in the German comic landscape.