Inspired by the increasing popularity of "manga" in the U.S., the Los Angeles Public Library and publisher Tokyopop have launched a program featuring colorful Japanese-style comic book characters to promote teenage reading and literacy.
The Manga Madness Summer Reading Club kicked off June 15 at the city's central library headquarters. It is the first collaboration of its kind between a U.S. library and a manga publisher.
"The teens are very interested in the genre and its distinctive and wonderful art style and action stories," said Georgette Todd, manager of the Los Angeles Public Library's young adult services, which helps organize and select the theme for the annual summer reading program.