What role do manga artists, known as mangaka, play in the creation of a manga series, and how does this process differ from the creation of Western comics?
What are the key differences between manga and other types of comics, such as American or European comics, in terms of storytelling, art style, and cultural themes?
How has the international popularity of manga influenced the global comic industry, and what impact has it had on the creation and distribution of comics outside Japan?
In what ways do Korean webtoons and Chinese manhua differ from traditional Japanese manga, both in content and in the way they are published and consumed?
What are some of the critical themes and social issues commonly explored in contemporary manga and Asian comics, and how do they reflect the societies in which they are created?
3. **What roles do cultural themes and historical contexts play in the narratives of popular manga series, and how do they resonate with both domestic and international audiences?