My cel phone is just about 6 months old at this point, but globally, it’s so far behind the curve it’s sad. Still, even if I had the most badass cel in the world, I’m not sure I’m really into trying to read comics on the damn thing. In Japan, however, they’re doing just that. Over 300 titles are available for a 315 yen (about $2.90) a month subscription fee through Sony alone, and it’s an industry niche that’s still growing fast. Even more annoying better, the comics are somewhat interactive with the phone vibrating to heighten the emotional resonance of certain panels and scenes.

Cell-phone comics use a technology called Comic Surfing, developed by Tokyo-based venture firm Celsys, which takes viewers through manga stories at a carefully calculated speed and sequence.

The manga frames are specially formatted to fit on tiny mobile phone screens. Pop-up frames and vibration during action scenes add to the drama. Cell-phone comics with preprogrammed sound effects are also coming soon, said Toppan Publishing spokesman Katsunori Onishi.

Tanaka said Sony Pictures Entertainment has signed exclusive contracts with 10 popular manga artists, including Shigeru Mizuki, creator of Gegege no Kitaro — a 1970s classic featuring a young ghoul boy who fights monsters.

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