OEL or "Global" Manga

Is anyone familiar with the recent rise of OEL or, as Tokyopop has begun calling it, "global" manga? I'm an artist attempting to break into the industry, and I'm just rather curious where ya'll as comics fans stand on American-made manga. It is Asian-inspired art created by Americans (and many other nations, as there are several German, Australian, Canadian, and British titles out from Tokyopop). I've been a manga fan for years, and a webcomics fan for almost as long. I've even (finally) begun my own webcomic (and yes, I already hate it because my art sucks. >.>).

Also, and do forgive me for not being very aware of protocol in these parts as I'm yet a fledgling American-comics fan, can anyone suggest any comics for me that would help in my studies? I'm attempting to bring a bit more American into my style, as it isn't very unique at the moment.

I was actually unaware of the idea that Americans COULD make manga (silly idea in my head, of course) until I picked up Tavisha and Rikki Simmons' Shutterbox. If you're unaware that you've picked up an OEL title, here are some in case you have:

Mark of the Succubus
Steady Beat
MBQ
Off*Beat
Sea Princess Azuri
Roadsong
Dramacon
Bizenghast

[Tsunulia]

I haven't heard of any of those titles before.........


Anyways, I'm currently working on a manga as well. I was thinking about getting Dark Horse to buy it though......

Dark Horse is harder to break into because they're wary of failing sales. (Because of Megatokyo, which was a MAJOR flop. -___-()) TPOP makes it really, really easy. All you have to do is follow some very simple rules (okay, not so simple--they're downright confusing at times). But if you follow them and there's an editor willing to work with you and your art/story, you got a shot.

Hmm...those aren't the only titles out, they're just the one's that I personally have read. There's also Psycomm, Van Von Hunter, My Cat Loki (not out yet), Fool's Gold (also not out yet), and...I'm forgetting an awful lot. TPOP has teamed up with so many new artists and writers that it's hard to keep track of them all.

If you're wanting to work with any publisher in the States, I'd definitely look into those titles and find out for yourself why they were accepted. In particular, Dramacon and Steady Beat have found a WIDE audience acceptance rate.

I'm not sure about what Dark Horse's acceptance policy is, but with TPOP, if you've got the skills and the story, you've basically got it made.