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I know the term 4koma only from the _.hack_ series, in which it normally
relates to the parody manga _.hack//4koma_ , and it's also the title of the
bonus videos unlocked in _.hack//G.U._ on the desktop.

However, I have seen the term 4koma used in other places, so I am wondering if
the term 4koma is a generic term used to describe something, and if so, what
it actually means.


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2013-10-24T22:51:53.880
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2015-08-15T17:30:18.930
2013-10-24T23:17:19.073
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question
terminology
Is the term 4koma a generic term?


**4koma** (pronounced **yonkoma** ) is a Japanese word meaning "4-panel"1, and
refers to a type of manga which is formatted as a series of four vertically-
stacked panels. This term is used in contrast with "regular" (non-4koma)
manga, which do not typically adhere to a rigid panel structure.2

Here is an example from one very long-running (and famous in Japan) 4koma
manga, _Sazae-san_ :3

![Sazae-san 4koma strip from July 4,
1962](https://i.stack.imgur.com/x2634.jpg)

Some of the most famous 4koma manga among Western audiences are _Azumanga
Daioh_ , _Lucky Star_ , _Hetalia_ , and _K-ON_. As this list suggests, the
4koma format is heavily populated by gag comedy manga.

* * *

1 from 四 _yon_ "four" + 齣 _koma_ "scene, frame, panel"; usually written 四コマ
today.

2 Think of 4koma as being sort of like your bog-standard weekday newspaper
cartoons (at least in the US) in that sense - 3 or 4 panels, and no real
freedom as to how to use the space available.

3 Note that most 4koma these days have narrower panels (usually square),
allowing two 4koma to be printed side-by-side on paper with a standard A or B
aspect ratio


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2013-10-24T23:15:11.350
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2015-08-15T17:30:18.930
2015-08-15T17:30:18.930
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answer