India's youth are increasingly drawn to the captivating worlds of manga and anime, fueling a surge in fandom and inspiring a new wave of local creators. With its intricate storylines and captivating art styles, anime has become a source of entertainment and inspiration for many in India. This cultural phenomenon has grown from a niche interest into a mainstream passion, influencing art, fashion, and even language among young Indians.
Explosive Growth of Anime and Manga in India
Over the last decade, manga and anime have witnessed incredible growth in popularity within India, driven by easy access and enthusiastic fans. India now boasts the second-largest anime market globally, with an estimated 180 million fans, trailing only China. This immense fanbase is projected to significantly contribute to the global expansion of anime, potentially driving 60% of its growth. The Indian anime market was valued at $1,642.5 million in 2023 and is expected to reach $5,036.0 million by 2032.
Several factors contribute to this surge. Streaming platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Crunchyroll, and Disney+ Hotstar have made anime readily available with subtitles, catering to Indian audiences. E-commerce giants like Amazon and Flipkart have also expanded the accessibility of manga, alongside specialized stores catering to fans.
Inspiration for a New Generation of Creators
The popularity of manga and anime extends beyond mere entertainment; it ignites creativity and inspires young Indians to express themselves through art. Many artists are now blending Indian themes and mythology with Japanese manga styles, resulting in unique creations.
Jazyl Homavazir, based in Mumbai, stands out as India's first award-winning manga artist. For years, Homavazir has been creating characters inspired by Indian mythology using manga art styles. His web manga, The Beast Legion, garnered significant readership, and his recent trailer for The Vrindavan Chronicles, featuring Lord Krishna, has gained over 127,000 views on Instagram in under a week.
Aparna Chaurasia, another artist from Madhya Pradesh, published her manga, Soul Contract with Cosmics, blending Indian cultural aesthetics with Japanese manga styles. Her inspiration came from Sanjay Leela Bhansali's films, resulting in a story about a young girl who disguises herself as a boy to attend gurukul.
Challenges and Opportunities
Despite the growing enthusiasm, Indian manga artists face challenges, including a lack of local publishers and distributors. Jazyl Homavazir notes the need for a better ecosystem to support local talent and help them reach a wider audience.
The Indian government, recognizing the potential, is taking steps to promote anime and manga artists, aiming to bring them out of the niche. Initiatives like the Waves Anime & Manga (WAM) Contest, a collaboration between the Indian Comics Association (ICA) and the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB), provide a platform for artists to showcase their talent and gain industry exposure.
Anime Communities and Cultural Impact
Anime's influence extends beyond artistic expression, fostering communities and cultural exchange. Anime clubs have sprung up in cities across India, providing spaces for fans to connect, share their passion, and participate in cosplay events. These gatherings celebrate Japanese culture and offer a platform for budding animators to showcase their work.
Moreover, anime's universal themes of friendship, family, and perseverance resonate deeply with Indian Gen Z. Many viewers find the characters' struggles with identity, acceptance, and loss relatable, offering emotional support and valuable life lessons. The stories often teach the importance of fighting battles and dealing with challenges with patience.
Anime has become a new cultural language for Indian Gen Z, influencing their emotions, values, and aspirations. As one fan put it, watching anime characters overcome challenges "gives us hope and sometimes even a roadmap for our own lives".
