Understanding the background and development of Japanese comics magazine such as ‘Shonen Jump’ is an alternative way to investigate the relationship between commerce and culture. ‘Bakuman’ is seemingly less compelling than classic comic such as ‘Dragon Ball’ and ‘One Piece’, with the two main characters as high school students ─ Moritaka Mashiro and Aikito Takagi who are passionate about drawing and literature, trying to make their way to become professional comic artists. ‘Bukuman’ unfolds one after another adrenaline-rising scenes, a combined effort from writer Tsugumi Ohba and comic artist Takeshi Obata.
 
Virtual meets reality in ‘Bakuman’ ─ the characters’ virtual comic ‘Trap’ is published alongside ‘One Piece’ and ‘Naruto’. The relationship between different characters is complex, essentially made of a mixture of competition and admiration. The main character is not unlike many young comic artists in real life, entering competitions hoping to gain an entry to the industry. The curious group includes star student, middle-aged comic artist, rock star and more. Under the arrangement of publisher Shueisha, some become assistants eventually, while others get luckier. Fate carries the characters along and stories take shape around them.
 

Another highlight of ‘Bakuman’ is the relationship between comic artists and editors. ‘Tokiwa: The Manga Apartment’ by director Jun Ichikawa touches on this subject, but the editors are made to be anonymous in the film, more like a tool to chase up pending assignments. On the other hand, ‘Bakuman’ draws a realistic picture of these relationships ─ that the editors are often significant in building a comic artist’s career. The weekly reader’s vote is key to Japanese comic system. The editor advises comic artists on their style and story, to ensure their prime position week after week. An editor’s sensitivity towards the work can make or break a comic artist’s career. Editors and comic artists often treat each other like friends or colleagues, and sometimes not unlike boss and worker, author and reader. Imagine acclaimed comic artists Akira Toriyama, Eiichiro oda, Takehiko Inoue, Tsukasa Hojo, Masami Kurumada, Yoshihiro Togashi, Masashi Kishimoto, Buronson, Tetsuo Hara, Yōichi Takahashi and Hirohiko Araki going through a similar stage, one cannot help but to be captured by the world in ‘Bakuman’.

Text: BEBOP | Translation: dilettante | Update: 7 May 2010
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SHUEISHA
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CULTURECOM COMICS
culturecom.com.hk/comic