How To Cite A Manga In MLA?

Learn how to cite manga in MLA format with clear examples and detailed instructions for volumes, chapters, and different editions.

Ani

July 9, 2025 12:00 AM

Learning how to cite a manga in MLA format is essential for students and researchers working with Japanese comics. Proper citation not only gives credit to the original creators but also enhances the credibility of your own work. In this article, we will explore the correct methods for citing manga using MLA style, providing you with clear examples and detailed instructions.

Understanding MLA Citation Format

MLA (Modern Language Association) style is widely used in the humanities, particularly in literature and cultural studies. Knowing how to cite a manga in MLA format helps maintain academic integrity by appropriately acknowledging sources. The basic structure includes key elements such as the author, title, publisher, and date of publication.

Basic Structure of an MLA Citation

The general format for citing a book, which includes manga, in MLA style is:

Author Last Name, First Name. Title of Work. Publisher, Year of Publication.

Example Citation

For instance, if you are citing "Naruto" by Masashi Kishimoto, the citation would look like this:

Kishimoto, Masashi. Naruto. Viz Media, 2003.

Citing Manga Volumes vs. Individual Chapters

When learning how to cite a manga in MLA, you need to distinguish between citing an entire volume and citing individual chapters. Each has its specific format, which is crucial to follow for clarity.

How to Cite a Single Volume

To cite a single volume of a manga series, use the following structure:

Author Last Name, First Name. Title of Work. vol. Volume Number, Publisher, Year of Publication.

Example of a Volume Citation

If you want to cite volume 5 of "Attack on Titan" by Hajime Isayama, it would be formatted as follows:

Isayama, Hajime. Attack on Titan. vol. 5, Kodansha Comics, 2014.

How to Cite an Individual Chapter

If you’re referencing a specific chapter from a manga volume, the format changes slightly:

Author Last Name, First Name. "Title of Chapter." Title of Work, vol. Volume Number, Publisher, Year of Publication, pp. Page Range.

Example of a Chapter Citation

Horikoshi, Kohei. "That Is My Hero." My Hero Academia, vol. 1, Viz Media, 2015, pp. 1-18.

Citing Different Editions of Manga

When citing different editions of manga, such as hardcover or paperback versions, it's important to indicate the edition type, especially if it differs from the standard version. This ensures accuracy in citations and gives the reader clarity on the source material.

How to Indicate an Edition

To include the edition type in your citation, place it after the title. The format is as follows:

Author Last Name, First Name. Title of Work. 2nd ed., Publisher, Year of Publication.

Example of an Edition Citation

For instance, if you were citing the second edition of "One Piece" by Eiichiro Oda, it would look like this:

Oda, Eiichiro. One Piece. 2nd ed., Viz Media, 2007.

Common Challenges When Citing Manga

Many people encounter challenges when figuring out how to cite a manga in MLA format. Here are some frequent issues and their solutions:

Missing Publication Information

When information such as the publisher or year of publication is missing, check reputable databases or the publisher's website to gather necessary details. Failing to provide complete citation information can lead to questions about your sources.

Multiple Authors or Artists

If a manga has multiple authors or artists, list them according to their contribution. If one person is the primary creator, cite them first, followed by others as contributors.

First Author Last Name, First Name, and Second Author Last Name, First Name. Title of Work. Publisher, Year of Publication.

Example of Multiple Authors

An example would be:

Miyazaki, Hayao, and Takashi Kondo. Spirited Away. Studio Ghibli, 2001.

Conclusion

Learning how to cite a manga in MLA format requires understanding the specifics of MLA guidelines and applying them correctly to your references. With the right structure, you ensure that your writing remains credible and respects the original works. By following this guide, you’ll be able to create accurate citations for any manga you wish to reference in your scholarly work.

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