Check out a Bakuman vol 1 review, a manga by the creators of Death Note, after the break.
It’s no secret, after the success of Death Note, that Bakuman had some seriously big shoes to fill. Death Note, a Manga that sold incredibly, told the story of Yagami Light and the Shinigami Ryuk; as the former looks to create his own criminal free utopia. Bakuman? Well, it’s a manga about two characters making manga. Wait, what? That’s right, the story is about Moritaka Mashiro and Akito Takagi; and their journey into the world of creating manga.
“This story, I’m sure, is a reflection of the creators love for creating manga”
Anyone who knows me, about 3 people then, will find it strange I love Bakuman so much. It has no battles after all. WRONG. A battle isn’t just physical, a battle can be mental. In this case it’s the battle to get a manga published! In volume 1 we find out that drawing the popular Japanese art style isn’t as simple as picking up a pencil, no, it’s about learning to use ink, adding screen tones, and more. It’s almost painful, as a fan, to see behind the curtain. Whenever I read a manga, now, I know that the author(s) has worked his ass off.
The story itself is a slice-of-life drama with comedy elements, and romance. Romance plays a very important part. I would not spoil it, so don’t worry, but it’s quite cute. The actual core of the story? As mentioned, it’s about creating manga. The, I must say extremely cool, main characters desperately want to create a manga that will become an anime.
The first volume shows how the two met, and their initial attempt at creating a Manga. Mashiro is the artist, who’s uncle used to draw manga, and Takagi is the storyline writer. The two quickly find out that it’s way harder than it appears. What I loved most about this 1st volume, apart from the amazing artwork, is the clear love for the medium. This story, I’m sure, is a reflection of the creators love for creating manga, and I dare say it may contain some of their frustrations too.
So, that artwork? Yeah it’s great. I have Death Note sitting on my shelf, which floats more towards realism, and it’s strange how different the art style is. Bakuman goes more towards the Jump* style I’m used to. Is that a bad thing? Hell no, some manga’s just suit different styles. On an amusing note, I love how while reading Bakuman; you’re learning about how the artists are drawing, and how the story lines are developed. Isn’t that deliciously surreal?
*Bleach etc.
Overall thoughts:
Love manga? You will buy this. I am seriously ending on that.
Bakuman Volume 1 is available from: