Anime and manga are no longer just entertainment from Japan, they are global cultural powerhouses that inspire millions of fans every day. Whether you grew up watching Dragon Ball Z on TV, bingeing Attack on Titan on Crunchyroll, or reading manga classics like One Piece, the world of anime and manga has probably touched your life in one way or another.
But what if you could step inside that world for real?
That’s exactly what happens at Heroes Made in Asia 2025, where anime and manga come alive through cosplay, collectibles, food, and most important a passionate fan community.
Table of Contents
What Are Anime & Manga?
At its core, anime refers to Japanese animation, while manga refers to Japanese comics or graphic novels. Think of manga as the blueprint and anime as the moving, colorful adaptation* that often brings these stories to life.
Unlike Western comics and cartoons, anime and manga cover a huge variety of genres. They’re not just for kids; there’s a story for every age group and taste. From shonen (action-packed adventures aimed at young men) to shojo (romantic tales for young women), from slice-of-life dramas to epic fantasy sagas, the possibilities are endless.
*Not all anime are based on manga originals like Code Geass or Cowboy Bebop were created for the screen and became fan favorites.
A Brief History of Anime & Manga
The roots of manga can be traced back to Japanese woodblock prints and early illustrated books. But it wasn’t until the mid-20th century that manga took its modern form, thanks to pioneers like Osamu Tezuka, often called “God of Manga” (マンガの神様, Manga no Kami-sama). His works, such as Astro Boy, shaped the way manga looked and felt for generations to come.
Anime quickly followed, with studios like Toei Animation and later Studio Ghibli pushing the medium into cinematic art. Classics like Spirited Away, Dragon Ball, and Sailor Moon introduced millions of fans to a new world of storytelling.
According to Netflix, more than 50 percent of its members, amounting to over 150 million households, or an estimated 300 million viewers, now watch anime.
Why Fans Love Anime & Manga
If you Google “Why do people love anime and manga so much?” you’ll quickly end up on platforms like Quora or Reddit, where fans share their personal reasons:
“Because it has the best fan service.”
“Because it’s beautiful and unique in style.”
“Because the stories are truly out of this world.”
“Because it’s emotional, relatable, and full of unforgettable characters.”
“Because the music, humor, and even the facial expressions are unlike anything else.”
Many fans also point out that anime doesn’t just show a simple fight between good guys and bad guys. Instead, the stories often focus on complex characters with both strengths and flaws. This makes the storytelling feel more real and gives fans something deeper to connect with.
But perhaps most importantly: anime and manga bring people together. Fans don’t just watch or read; they share, cosplay, draw, write, and celebrate their passion—both online and at events like Heroes Made in Asia.
Popular Genres vs. Demographics in Anime & Manga
One of the biggest confusions in anime discussions is the difference between genres and demographics.
Genres tell you what kind of story you’re getting (action, romance, horror, fantasy, comedy, etc.).
Demographics tell you who the story was originally marketed to (kids, teens, men, women).
Here’s how it works in practice:
Anime Demographics
Kodomo (Children, <13) – Fun and educational stories for kids, such as Doraemon or Pokémon.
Shonen (Boys, 13–18) – Action-packed adventures full of friendship and growth, like Naruto, One Piece, and Dragon Ball.
Shojo (Girls, 13–18) – Romance-driven stories, often emotional and stylish, such as Fruits Basket or Sailor Moon.
Seinen (Men, 19–40+) – Darker or more complex themes, from crime thrillers to psychological dramas. Examples: Tokyo Ghoul, Berserk, Ghost in the Shell.
Josei (Women, 19–40+) – Realistic stories about love, work, and daily struggles. Examples: Nana, Paradise Kiss.
👉 Important note: these are not genres. A shonen series can be about action (Naruto), romance (Nisekoi), or comedy (Lucky Star). The demographic just shows the intended readership, not the type of story.
Popular Genres
Action – Explosive battles and fast-paced adventures (Attack on Titan, Demon Slayer).
Romance – Heartwarming or dramatic love stories (Your Name, Toradora).
Comedy – Lighthearted humor or parodies (Gintama, Nichijou).
Fantasy / Isekai – Otherworldly adventures (Sword Art Online, Re:Zero).
Slice of Life – Everyday moments full of charm (Clannad, Barakamon).
Horror / Thriller – Dark, psychological, and suspenseful stories (Death Note, Another).
From children’s shows to mature dramas, and from epic action to quiet slice-of-life, anime and manga offer both a genre for every taste and a demographic for every audience.
The Most Popular Anime According to MyAnimeList
At Heroes Made in Asia, you’ll find countless fans cosplaying characters from the most beloved and popular anime of all time. According to MyAnimeList, these titles rank among the absolute favorites:
Attack on Titan (Shingeki no Kyojin)
Death Note
Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood
One Punch Man
Demon Slayer (Kimetsu no Yaiba)
These series have become true pop culture classics, touching millions of viewers and uniting fans worldwide in their love for anime.
Complete your Manga shelf at Heroes Made in Asia
For many fans, manga isn’t just something to read, it’s something to collect, cherish, and display. Whether you’re searching for rare first editions, beautiful box sets, or unique doujinshi (self-published manga), collecting is a way to express your love for Japanese pop culture.
At Heroes Made in Asia, the leading anime and manga convention in the Netherlands, you’ll find a diverse range of manga sellers and there’s something for every kind of collector.
🎯 Collector’s tip: Some editions may sell out quickly, so make sure to get there early. Heroes Made in Asia is the perfect place to grow your manga collection and discover new favorites.
The Anime & Manga Community at Heroes Made in Asia
At the event, fans can:
Join meet & greets with voice actors and creators.
Attend live panels and Q&A sessions about their favorite series.
Celebrate anime through Cosplay, where characters are brought vividly to life.
It’s a chance to connect with fellow enthusiasts, make new friends, and share your passion.
FAQ: Anime & Manga at Heroes Made in Asia
General Event Experience
Fans can look forward to special guests, panels, workshops, Cosplay, exclusive merchandise, and an amazing fan community.
No, the event also features Gaming, Cosplay, Asian Food, Merchandise, and Cultural Workshops & Masterclasses.
Yes! Whether you’re a first time anime watcher or a hardcore otaku, there’s something for everyone.
Yes, Anime & Manga is for all ages, and so is Heroes Made in Asia. As a family-friendly event we offer all kinds of activities for kids.
Anime & Manga Content
Yes! From classics to new releases, plus exclusive editions.
Yes! Every edition of Heroes Made in Asia invites talented Mangaka’s, both established names and upcoming creators. You’ll get the chance to watch live drawing sessions, ask questions about their work, and even get a signed sketch or autograph. It’s a unique opportunity to meet the people behind the stories you love.
Yes, professional artists host manga drawing workshops where you can pick up tips and techniques.
Definitely! Meet & greets, panels and Q&A sessions with anime voice actors are part of the program.
Cosplay & Community
Absolutely! Cosplay is one of the highlights of Heroes Made in Asia, you can join or watch people in Cosplay during the Cosplay Catwalk, Cosplay Contest or at every corner of the event.
Not at all! Many visitors attend in casual clothes, so you’ll feel right at home either way. But if you’ve ever wanted to step into the shoes of your favorite character, Heroes Made in Asia is the perfect place to do it. Cosplayers are encouraged, celebrated, and make the event even more colorful and fun.
Yes, there are many photo locations and themed backdrops perfect for Instagram-worthy pictures.
Conclusion: Why You Can’t Miss Anime & Manga at Heroes Made in Asia
At Heroes Made in Asia 2025, you’ll experience the world of Manga & Anime in real life: from cosplay and workshops to food, games, and exclusive collectibles.
If you’ve ever dreamed of stepping into the world of your favorite anime, this is your chance.
