Japanese manga has conquered bookshelves, inspired blockbuster adaptations and attracted millions of devoted fans worldwide. Now, its artistic legacy is taking centre stage at one of New York's leading cultural institutions.

The Brooklyn Museum is hosting Art of Manga, an ambitious exhibition featuring more than 600 drawings that trace the development of Japanese comics across generations.

Running from 3 October 2026 to 31 January 2027, the exhibition offers visitors a rare opportunity to discover the creative processes behind some of manga's most influential works.

Following its earlier presentation at San Francisco's de Young Museum, the exhibition arrives in Brooklyn with an expanded focus on fan participation and the relationship between artists and their audiences.

<h3>How Manga Became A Global Phenomenon</h3>

Manga has evolved into one of Japan's most successful cultural exports, influencing animation, fashion, gaming and contemporary visual art.

According to Japanese government figures, the international manga market reached approximately ¥300 billion, or nearly $2 billion, in 2024. In the United States, manga has consistently outsold American superhero comics since 2018.

These figures illustrate the enormous international appeal of Japanese storytelling, which encompasses everything from science fiction and fantasy to romance, historical drama and everyday life.

Exhibition curator Nicole Coolidge Rousmaniere believes manga has developed a visual language that resonates with audiences across cultural boundaries. Its expressive characters, cinematic compositions and distinctive storytelling techniques have helped transform a Japanese art form into a worldwide creative movement.

<h3>Rare Artwork From Legendary Creators</h3>

One of the exhibition's greatest attractions is its collection of original manga drawings, known as genga.

Unlike printed comic books, these works reveal the artists' individual techniques, including delicate pencil lines, carefully constructed compositions and intricate details.

Among the highlights is an original drawing from the final page of Tetsuya Chiba's celebrated boxing manga Ashita no Joe. The image depicts protagonist Joe Yabuki sitting exhausted in the corner of a boxing ring, wearing a faint smile.

Another remarkable piece is an unfinished pencil self-portrait by the late artist Jiro Taniguchi, displayed outside Japan for the first time with permission from his widow.

Such works are exceptionally difficult to obtain, making the exhibition a significant event for collectors, art enthusiasts and manga fans.

<h3>Step Inside JoJo's Bizarre Adventure</h3>

Visitors can also encounter the extraordinary imagination of Hirohiko Araki, creator of the internationally popular series JoJo's Bizarre Adventure.

His monumental 2018 artwork There Is Always a Traitor consists of 12 panels arranged into a life-sized composition.

The installation invites viewers to imagine themselves entering Araki's fictional universe, surrounded by its distinctive characters and dramatic imagery.

The exhibition also showcases manga's remarkable stylistic diversity, demonstrating how different artists use composition, movement and visual expression to create compelling narratives.

<h3>Why Fans Are Part Of The Exhibition</h3>

The Brooklyn Museum is encouraging visitors to celebrate their favourite characters through cosplay.

Fans are welcome to arrive wearing costumes inspired by manga, although costume accessories and props must be left in the designated cloakroom.

This welcoming approach reflects the exhibition's emphasis on community participation.

Curators Joan Cummins and Pauline Vermare worked closely with manga publishers, editors and artists to ensure that the presentation respected the creative traditions behind the works.

The process involved extensive negotiations over artwork loans, exhibition design and promotional materials. These collaborations were especially important because original manga illustrations are rarely released for international exhibitions.

<h3>A New Experience For Art Lovers</h3>

Art of Manga also challenges traditional expectations of museum exhibitions.

Rather than presenting visitors solely as observers, the curatorial team hopes to encourage discussion and feedback, reflecting the close relationship between manga creators, editors and readers.

The exhibition demonstrates how contemporary popular culture can enrich conversations about artistic technique, cultural identity and storytelling.

For longtime manga enthusiasts, it offers the chance to encounter extraordinary original illustrations. For newcomers, it provides an accessible introduction to an art form that continues to influence global creativity.

With its combination of rare masterpieces, immersive installations and fan-friendly experiences, Art of Manga promises a memorable cultural adventure in Brooklyn.