Old school American comic books are getting made into movies, but Japanese-styled manga is capturing a new generation of graphic novel readers. If you're not acquainted with this burgeoning publishing trend, this North Bay Report offers an introduction.

Many bookstores now carry shelves full of manga titles, which are often published in extended series. But with so much product available, how are discerning readers to tell which ones are worth their money or time? One way is to consult Jason Thompson's book .

Visually, manga is much like the Japanese style of animation known as anime. An explanation of the differences and similarities between Manga and Anime can be found here .

Follow this link for a basic history of manga

If the American health care delivery system we have today is broken – and a great many people think it is – what would a good, functional system look like? And how would we get there from here? E.J. Neil, co-chair of the North Sonoma County Health Care District, which operates the Community Hospital in Healdsburg, shares some thoughts, both on today's ">North Bay Report , and as part of a lively panel conversation to be held at the Raven Theater on June 26th .