The Best Anime About Making Manga

Key Takeaways

Manga creators Tsugumi Ohba and Takeshi Obata are known for their work on popular series like Death Note and Platinum End.
BAKUMAN。is an anime series that offers a behind-the-scenes look at the competitive world of manga publishing.
Despite facing release challenges in America, BAKUMAN。is worth watching for its portrayal of the difficulties of making manga.

As a long-time manga and anime enthusiast with a heart full of nostalgia for the golden days of Shonen Jump, I can confidently say that BAKUMAN is a hidden gem worth unearthing for any fellow connoisseur of Japanese pop culture. This series, created by the legendary duo Tsugumi Ohba and Takeshi Obata, offers an unparalleled glimpse into the gritty, grueling world of manga creation – a world that many casual fans have never truly seen before.

If you’re perusing this webpage, it’s likely that you enjoy reading manga and watching anime. A once obscure market has grown into a multibillion-dollar empire, and the United States has been hopping aboard for quite some time now. So, what goes into crafting a manga?

What are some of the challenges creators may face? Lucky for you, there is an anime series that follows (more or less) what it’s like to work in the manga industry (and believe it or not, it may be one of the best shows you haven’t seen).

Who Are Tsugumi Ohba and Takeshi Obata?

The duo Tsugumi Ohba and Takeshi Obata are widely recognized in the world of manga creation. Tsugumi Ohba, the writer among them, is celebrated for crafting intricate, psychologically deep narratives, while Takeshi Obata, the artist, receives acclaim for his meticulous and emotive illustrations. They achieved fame especially for their joint work on the hit series Death Note, a psychological thriller revolving around a notebook that can cause death by inscribing names, and Platinum End, a tale about a competition to determine who will succeed God as the highest being in the universe. Both of these stories were adapted into anime productions.

Their Other Hits

Apart from the two well-known series, Tsugumi Ohba also collaborated with manga artist Robico on a brief series titled “Skip! Yamada-kun“. Besides this, Tsugumi Ohba is recognized for creating artwork for “Hikaru no Go”, a successful Shonen Jump series focusing on a boy’s quest to become a professional Go player with the guidance of an ancient spirit. This series predates “Death Note”. While these series are all considered great in their own right, they also worked on another series that centered around an uncommon theme and would ultimately prove to be an unexpected success as well.

What is BAKUMAN。?

The story “Bakuman.” follows two ambitious high school students, Moritaka Mashiro, an aspiring artist, and Akito Takagi, a gifted writer, as they join forces to make their mark in the competitive world of manga creation. This series provides a fascinating glimpse into the challenges and triumphs of the manga publishing industry, as the duo strives to produce a blockbuster series amid tight deadlines and creative hurdles. Their journey is filled with obstacles, from relationship issues to artistic strife, as they chase their dreams and maneuver through complex relationships. Interestingly, this series is partially based on the real-life experiences of its creators, making it unique in a genre where few expected a manga about manga creation to become popular. However, the team behind “Death Note” proved that they could turn any subject into a successful franchise.

The History of BAKUMAN。in America

Although BAKUMAN has achieved significant success in Japan, its distribution in America has encountered some obstacles. The manga has been fully released by Viz Media and can be read using a subscription to the Shonen Jump app in America. Unfortunately, the anime didn’t have the same luck initially. The first two seasons were licensed by Media Blasters, with a dub cast announced as well, but the sales for the first DVD release of seven episodes led to the cancellation of plans for subsequent DVDs and a combined Blu-Ray disc that would include episodes from both discs. Viz Media eventually acquired the rights to the anime, but they have yet to continue its distribution on DVD or Blu-Ray as of now.

Why The Series is Worth Seeing

Apart from being produced by the same team as Death Note, Bakuman is a must-watch for enthusiasts of compelling storytelling due to its insightful depiction (in an entertaining manner) of the grueling reality behind manga creation. Long hours, irascible editors, fruitless brainstorms, confined working environments with no leisure time for personal interests – these are just some of the challenges faced by artists in this industry, often leading to burnout and mass-produced manga. In essence, Bakuman offers a raw, honest look at an environment that consumes creators mercilessly. While certain aspects are exaggerated for comedic purposes, the authors use this series as a platform to express their frustrations with the industry, even hinting at potential alternate endings for Death Note.

Although the manga industry might appear relentless and challenging, the series offers an exhilarating glimpse into the process of creating manga, filled with powerful adversaries and other intriguing elements. Audience members often find themselves immersed in the protagonists’ journeys, eagerly cheering them on as they navigate numerous hurdles. Despite its uncertain release history in America, the success of shows like “Death Note” and “Hikaru no Go” has sparked more interest in the series. Although DVD releases may be scarce, fans can stream it on platforms such as Hulu and Disney+ (with a bundle option available), and all three seasons are accessible! Therefore, those seeking another shounen adventure, along with a glimpse into the darker aspects of their beloved pastime, have an extraordinary gem waiting to be discovered.

2024-09-25 01:33