When it comes to popularity and profitability the too have some similarities but more than a few differences too.
To the uninitiated anime and manga are cartoons, to the devoted they are a way of life with a culture, sub-cultures and huge interest. Is one more popular than the other? Could one exist without the other?
The potential profitability of anime and manga shouldn’t be overlooked. The art is awesome, the films are interesting (if you are lucky enough to watch a version in a language you can understand) and some generations almost seem addicted to the plots and story-lines.
As an example go and watch naruto shippuden episodes, the naruto series has lots of series, plots, sub plots and some fine art. There are books, dvd’s, posters and in general a huge range of merchantability and people of all age ranges and walks of life are into it.
The best part – Naruto Shippuden is a small section of the overall Manga and Anime marketplace.