Key Contents
- Manga artists Tsugumi Ohba and Takeshi Obata are known for their work on popular series such as Death Note and Platinum End.
- Bakuman is an anime series that provides a behind-the-scenes look into the competitive world of manga publishing.
- Despite its difficulties in getting a release in the United States, BAKUMAN。 is worth watching for its depiction of the challenges of creating a manga.
If you’re reading this site, chances are you read manga and watch anime. What was once a niche market has now become a multi-billion dollar industry, and America has been embracing this privilege for years. But what does it take to make manga?
What are some of the challenges creators might face? Luckily, there’s an animated series that (almost) follows what it’s like to work in the comics industry (and believe it or not, it might be one of the best shows you’ve never seen).
Who are Tsugumi Ohba and Takeshi Obata?
Tsugumi Ohba and Takeshi Obata are a famous manga artist duo. Tsugumi Ohba is known for creating complex and psychological stories, while Takeshi Obata is praised for his detailed and expressive works. They are best known for their collaboration on the popular series. Death NoteA psychological thriller about a notebook that can kill people if you write their names on it. Platinum EndA story about a contest to determine who will replace God as the universe's supreme being. Both series were adapted into anime.
Their other hits
In addition to these two series, Oba also worked on the following shorter series: Skip! Yamada-kun With the mangaka Robiko. Tsugumi Ohba is also known for providing artwork for Hikaru no Go, a popular Shonen Jump series about a boy who tries to become a professional Go player with the help of an ancient ghost. This series was created before Death Note was created. While these series are both controversial but great series, they also worked on another series that revolves around an unusual theme (and would become an equally unusual hit).
What is it Bakuman.?
Bakuman.is the story of two high school students, ambitious artist Moritaka Mashiro and talented writer Akito Takagi, who team up to become successful manga artists. The series takes a behind-the-scenes look at the competitive world of manga publishing as the two work tirelessly to create a hit series. Along the way, they face numerous challenges, from tight deadlines to creative difficulties, while still pursuing their dreams and maintaining their relationship. The series, which is heavily autobiographical for the two men, was unusual in that few would have thought that a manga series about creating manga could become so popular. Of course, if someone could turn the subject into a hit franchise, Death Note Could do it.
History of Bakuman.In the United States
Despite the success Bakuman。In Japan, there were a few hurdles to its release in the United States. While the manga was released in its entirety courtesy of Viz Media (you can read the entire series in the US by subscribing to the Shonen Jump app), the anime wasn't so lucky. The first two seasons of the show were licensed to Media Blasters (with the dubbed cast also announced), but after the first DVD was released with seven episodes, plans for a follow-up DVD (along with a BluRay containing the episodes from both discs) were canceled due to poor sales. Viz Media eventually licensed the anime, but as of this writing, they have not continued to release the series on DVD or BluRay.
Reasons to watch this series
Except for the following facts by the producer: Death Note I made it, Bakuman。 is a must-see for fans of good storytelling, as it shows (in a funny way) how difficult it is to make a living as a comic book artist. There are long hours, demanding editors, story ideas that go nowhere, cramped work environments, and no free time to pursue personal interests. In many ways, it's the most honest depiction of an industry that's devouring artists and ruining comics. Some elements are stylized for comedic effect, but the two creators air their grievances about the industry in the show (including hints that they might want to end it). Death Note(Unlike the ending of the series)
Despite the fact that the comic industry seems like an unforgiving machine, the series is still fascinating in the way it depicts the process of creating comics (including superpowered rivals and all), drawing viewers into the protagonists’ journey and rooting for them to succeed despite all the obstacles in their path. And despite its shaky release record in the United States, Death Note and Hikaru no Baduk More people are finding this series. While DVD releases are rare, the series is available to stream on Hulu and Disney+ (with bundle options!) And yes, all three seasons are available. That means fans who want to follow the other boys’ journeys (and maybe get a little insight into the darker side of their favorite hobby) will soon have a treasure trove of things to discover.
