Learning with manga: The Japanese Language Center in Bellevue, Wash., is offering a "Manga Course" that uses popular manga to supplement the textbook Japanese for Busy People:

"This course is open to teens and adults. It is designed for those who love Manga and have a beginner's level of Japanese skill. This course is perfect for those who wish to learn casual Japanese language. You will learn standard Japanese conversation including grammar for one hour using the regular textbook and for another hour using Manga as alternate text for each lesson. This course is designed to cover reading (Hiragana/Katakana and 100 Kanji), writing, listening, and speaking the Japanese language."