I know it is not Japanese....but he is very inspired by their work (see link to interview with author that I have posted) and he has copied the style of a manga (size, cells, and basically whole construction and look of books). That is why I refer to it as a "manga" instead of a graphic novel. Also it might help those who are going out to look for these in the store to know that they are almost always found in the manga section of the store (due to their size and cut they are usually placed in that section). I am a big fan of both manga and comics, and maybe it is just a personal glitch of mine, but I just always think of it as a manga, especially after reading interviews with Bryan Lee O'Malley and looking at his other work. Sue me.