I asked lightheartedly on Twitter "Is there something wrong in getting medical advice from a Manga comic book?" because I have found the information in The Manga Guide to Physiology  to be more complete and understandable than many medical websites. Of course the book should not replace a medical professional but it does give a very comprehensive look at the workings of the human body.
And, of course, the format of the book (Manga comic book with an interesting story line and great illustrations) makes it more readable than a textbook. I found myself saying "Just one more chapter" which would never have been the case in a typical physiology text book.
Like the other Manga guides the information is presented using young characters involved in something to keep your interest. In The Manga Guide to Physiology a Nursing School freshman named Kumiko needs to pass a test on the human body in order to compete in the campus marathon which she is simultaneously training for. She is tutored by a young professor who turns out to be someone unexpected.
Don't be fooled and think that because of this background story the information is fluff. The information presented is detailed but presented in a clear manner with examples that will make you understand the subject rather than help you memorize facts. In addition there is always an "Even More About…" section that gets into more details for those who want it.
The sections give a complete look at how the body works:
- The Circulatory System
- The Respiratory System
- The Digestive System
- The Kidneys and Renal System
- Body Fluids
- The Brain and Nervous System
- The Sensory Nervous System
- The Musculoskeletal System
- Cells, Genes and Reproduction
- The Endocrine System
The No Starch Press Manga series and in particular this book, The Manga Guide to Physiology, have become a valuable platform to learn some complicated subjects in an engaging way.
Great Lakes Geek Rating: 4.5 out of 5 pocket protectors.
Reviewed by Entreprenerd Dan Hanson, the Great Lakes Geek (1/17)What are you reading? Let us know at dan@greatlakesgeek.com
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to be more complete and understandable than many medical websites. Of course the book should not replace a medical professional but it does give a very comprehensive look at the workings of the human body.