How To Cite Manga In MLA?

When it comes to academic writing, understanding how to cite manga in MLA format is essential for students and researchers alike. Citing your sources accurately ensures that you give proper credit to the original creators and bolster your credibility as a writer. In this article, we will break down the process of citing manga using the Modern Language Association (MLA) style, providing examples and guidelines to help you navigate this unique medium.

Understanding MLA Citation Basics

MLA citation style is widely used in the humanities, particularly in literature and cultural studies. It emphasizes the author's name and the page number, creating a straightforward way to reference sources. To effectively cite manga, you'll need to understand a few key components of the MLA format.

Core Elements of MLA Citations

The core elements required for MLA citations include the following:

• Author(s)
• Title of work
• Title of container (if applicable)
• Other contributors (if relevant)
• Version (if applicable)
• Number (if applicable)
• Publisher
• Publication date
• Location (such as page numbers or URL)

Example of a Manga Citation

For manga, the general format for citing in MLA is as follows:

Author Last Name, First Name. Title of Manga. Translated by Translator's Name, Publisher, Year of Publication.

Here’s an example with actual content:

Oda, Eiichiro. One Piece. Viz Media, 1997.

Citing Different Types of Manga

In manga, different variations may necessitate specific citation formats. Below, we discuss how to cite various types of manga effectively.

Citing Manga Volumes

When citing a specific volume of a manga series, include the volume number in your citation. The format is similar to the general one but includes this additional detail.

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

Example:

Oda, Eiichiro. One Piece, vol. 1. Viz Media, 2003.

Citing Manga Anthologies

For anthologies or collections containing multiple works, adjust your citation accordingly. Include the title of the anthology and the specific manga title if only one work is cited.

Editor Last Name, First Name, editor. Title of Anthology. Publisher, Year of Publication.

Example:

Mizuki, Shigeru. Shigeru Mizuki's Showa: A History of Japan. Drawn & Quarterly, 2015.

How to Cite Online Manga

With the rise of digital media, many manga readers access content online. Citing online manga requires additional information, such as the URL or DOI.

Format for Online Manga

Here’s a guideline for citing online manga:

Author Last Name, First Name. Title of Manga. Publisher, Year of Publication, Website Title, URL.

Example:

Kubo, Tite. Bleach. Viz Media, 2001, Shonen Jump, www.viz.com/shonenjump/bleach.

Understanding In-Text Citations for Manga

In-text citations in MLA format utilize the author's last name and the page number where the information was found. This applies to manga citations as well.

Example of In-Text Citations

When referring to a specific panel or dialogue in your text, format as follows:

(Oda 45)

This indicates you are referencing page 45 of Eiichiro Oda’s One Piece.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Citing Manga

To ensure your citations are correct, be mindful of these common pitfalls:

Overlooking essential details

Always include all necessary components of the citation. Missing even one element can lead to confusion about the source.

Incorrect formatting

MLA has specific rules for italics, punctuation, and ordering. Ensure that your formatting aligns with the latest MLA guidelines.

Neglecting to update citations

If accessing newer editions or translations, update your citations to reflect the most current information available.

Conclusion

Knowing how to cite manga in MLA format enhances your academic writing and shows respect for the work of manga creators. By following the outlined guidelines, including specific examples, you can effectively incorporate manga into your research while adhering to MLA standards. Remember, accurate citations not only bolster your credibility but also enrich the integrity of your scholarly work.