Manga fans in Goa have reason to rejoice — the Manga Club Goa has opened its doors in Panaji
CHRISTINE MACHADO
Chan Yangya’s journey into the world of Manga began with a fascination for global creative trends and the timeless allure of Japanese storytelling. “I had long been captivated by the enchanting films of Hayao Miyazaki, and as my daughter grew, I found myself searching for stories that could nurture her imagination while imparting meaningful values. That’s when I truly began exploring Manga,” she says, adding that the aesthetics, layered storytelling, and emotional depth drew her in immediately. “It was more than just entertainment — it was art, philosophy, and emotion, all intricately woven into black-and-white panels.”
Over the years, Manga has long surpassed national borders and grown into a global phenomenon. “From the legendary Osamu Tezuka to contemporary masters like CLAMP, Junji Ito, and Inio Asano, Manga has reshaped how we experience narrative and art,” says Yangya. While India — and Goa in particular — has its share of Manga lovers, Yangya believes that Manga spaces remain fragmented and often isolated.
“Goa, with its spirit of openness and artistic curiosity, felt like the perfect place to change that. However, despite being a cultural melting pot, it lacked a space for Manga enthusiasts,” she says.
This realisation led Yangya, who is the Goa representative of The Shop in Panaji, to launch the Manga Club Goa. The club operates out of The Shop’s Panaji location and held its first meet-up recently. “Rooted in heritage yet always forward-looking, The Shop reflects the very ethos of this club — building something contemporary without erasing nostalgia. It offers the right mix of intimacy, creativity, and accessibility to make the Manga Club Goa feel like a home for readers, artists, and dreamers,” says Yangya. The club meets every other Sunday and is designed as a relaxed, recurring ritual.
“At the heart of each meeting is a Manga exchange table — a shared, ever-evolving collection of Manga titles. Participants can bring a book they’ve read and loved, or are ready to pass on, and pick up something new,” she explains. This encourages access and sharing in the most analog and heartfelt way — through physical books exchanged by hand.
Beyond the exchange, meetings also feature free-flowing, moderated discussions. “Whether it’s a character arc that moved you, a striking panel design, or debates about shonen tropes or gender representation, this circle is for collective reflection,” says Yangya. “Over time, these might evolve into more formal Manga Salons with guest speakers — artists, translators, and scholars.”
Looking ahead, the club also plans to host workshops by local illustrators, cultural scholars, and comic book artists — all with the aim of helping participants explore Manga creation and grow from readers into creators. “This is more than a club,” says Yangya. “It’s a collaborative, creative, community-driven movement.”
