Kakimoji S.O.S #19 – Tomizawa sensei Kakimoji special! (PART 01)
Kakimoji fans, CIAO! To help us study the power Kakimoji further, we’ll be taking at a look a very special manga masterpiece. Today’s title is… Tomizawa sensei’s “MENKICHI THE AVENGER” (KOROSHIYA MENKICHI, 殺し屋麺古) !! If you haven’t heard of this manga, then reMENber the title and find it in MANGA HOT!“WOW! I can finally read this manga online! I need to install the app ASAP!” Yes, PenMaru… and just for you, here’s a very brief description of this fantastic work:
MENKICHI is a manga that combines two very different things…ramen and a sweeper!Ryoto Akagi, the protagonist, runs a very successful ramen shop. Though friendly and good natured, not to mention an amazing ramen cook, Ryo hides another, darker side… a deadly assassin!Much like Robin Hood of old, Ryo uses his deadly talents for good, not evil. As a guardian to his surroundings, Ryo holds a state ‘killing license’, allowing him to dispense justice where the law has failed.
Now you’re up to speed, let’s take a look at the protagonist of today’s article, the Kakimoji used in Tomizawa sensei’s masterpiece! ① Noises heard consciously / Noises heard unconsciously Are you consciously aware of the noises around you? The world is full of noises, and we as human’s are experts at unconsciously blocking out sounds as we go about our daily business. Let’s try to classify these noises:* Background speech* Footsteps* Sound of a vehicles* The sound of the wind* Birds and insects* BGM heard from convenience store speakers As you can see, the list could be endless with virtually infinite types of sounds. All you Kakimoji masters out there will be well aquatinted with “Zawazawa” (to be noisy), the Kakimoji used to express the noise of a bustling city. But for now, let’s look at “conscious noises”. “Conscious noises” here are very much a meta occurrence, unique to manga. Even if the character is unconscious of the noises, by using Kakimoji, we readers certainly are. This is a very cartoonist approach. Consciously Look at these 3 panels… In the long shot, where a man goes down a staircase, we see the ‘sound’ of footsteps (“Katsun Katsun”), drawn in small speech bubbles. An unmistakable noise (unconscious even if you hear it), but why drawn the footsteps noise Kakimoji in this speech balloons? As we become consciously aware of these small footsteps, we develop a somewhat sad and lonely impression. Once we become conscious of minor sounds, we become aware of the paradoxical relationship with have with silence.Unconsciously Well, let’s take a look at the following page. The footsteps represented by “Katsu Katsu” are considerably stronger than before, with the acute sound of high heels hitting the ground. The Kakimoji used is greatly represented with a strong design. However, the character is looking at the person to whine she is approaching, making her unconscious to the big sounds of the footsteps. Although it is expressed as a loud sound, when comparing it with the earlier Kakimoji, this is an “unconscious” Kakimoji! ② Feminine and Masculine Kakimoji Often in manga, it is important to express the contrast between female characters and male characters. By giving clear charm to both the female and male characters, we can add elements that empathize specific emotions. Difference in attack power
ぐわ (GUWA, a scream)
ゴッ(GO, hard sound)
A woman brandishes a knife, on the brink of attack, yet the kakimoji is styled in a pretty, feminine font. Whereas the man, posses the solid Kakimoji “GO!”, drawn in a strong and bold design. … and now, RAMEN TIME!🍜
PACHI! (Sound of the chopsticks)
Zu… (Sound of the noodles been eaten)
Zuzuzuzu (Noodles eaten with great effort)
HAFU HAFU (Blow sound)
The woman eating the ramen is styled in a pretty and elegant format, while the man is disordered and unstylish … a big difference indeed! MENKICHI does not only possess Kakimoji as sound effects, but also takes advantage of the feelings and personality of each character. This wonderful manga feature continues again next week with part 2! I’ll be here once you finish your noodles! CIAO! Hey, why not jump over to MANGA HOT now you’ve finished and see all Tomizawa sensei’s Kakimoji in action! CIAO!! FOLLOW ME for more Kakimoji tips! TwitterFacebook …and remember to use the hashtag #kakimojisos 😉 Making a Mangaka: #8 Katsuhiro Otomo
To say Katsuhiro Otomowas a game changer, is an understatement. With an early education gained within the enveloped darkness of a movie theatre, the multi-award winning Mangaka developed a vision of cinematic proportions. A vision that crossed mediums, languages and continents, and ushered the world of Japanese manga and anime into the lives of countless fans around the world.
Name: Katsuhiro Otomo (大友克洋 Ōtomo Katsuhiro)
Born: April 14th, 1954
Place of Birth: Tome, Miyagi Prefecture, Japan
Speciality: Mind Power!
ABOUT
It’s safe to say that Katsuhiro Otomo is a movie buff. Growing up in Tome, Miyagi Prefecture, the young Otomo would travel miles to his nearest cinema to catch the latest blockbuster, exhibiting a dedication to the arts that would permeate much of his future career.
Graduating high school in 1973, Otomo undertook the tried and tested route of all young dreamers, a move to the big city. Tokyo not only offered a good college degree, but placed the imaginative, small town boy into the very heart and soul of manga. That same year, Otomo published his first work, a manga adaption of French novelist Prosper Mérimée’ novella Mateo Falcone, called A Gun Report.
Otomo would spend much of the 70’s juggling his college studies and creating short stories for manga magazine Action Deluxe. Then, in 1979, the young mangaka began work on his first serialized manga, Fireball. Though never completed, the themes of Fireball would not only pave the way for Otomo’s breakout work Domu, they would also dominate much of his career, both on paper and the silver screen.
Domu: A Child’s Dream was serialized from 1980 – 1983, but it wasn’t until the work was collected and published in book form that the world began to take note of this young creator. Winning the prestigious Niho SF Taisho award, Domu began to open up many doors for Otomo, not least offering him the chance to try his hand at directing.
1982 was a huge turning point for Otomo. Not only did he make his anime debut with Harmagedon, as writer and character designer, the year would also mark the publication of his most celebrated work, AKIRA. Taking 8 years to complete, with a total of 2000 pages of artwork, AKIRA would catapult Otomo’s career to the dizzying heights of global success.
Following on from his directorial debut with a segment in the 1987 anthology anime Neo Tokyo, Otomo felt ready to tackle the big screen adaption of his still running manga masterpiece, AKIRA. Though initially unhappy with the final product, 1988’s AKIRA anime was an instant cult classic, thanks to its iconic soundtrack, care of full time science professor Tsutomu Ōhashi, and visuals ablaze with fast paced action and unforgettable characters, all playing out under the vibrant glare of a cyberpunk neon skyline.
Thanks to the global success of AKIRA, Otomo’s creative vision was in high demand. From a stint on DC’s Batman with the Black & White anthology to directing anime classics, including JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure, Steamboy and live action movies World Apartment Horror and Mushishi, Katsuhiro Otomo straddled the creative divide of manga artist and film director with ease.
In 2012, Otomo announced plans for a return to manga with a series set in the Meiji Era of Japan, and though currently in ‘development hell’, the series will mark his biggest manga commitment since AKIRA. With a career peppered with a plethora of cult classics, across a multitude of multi-media platforms, Katsuhiro Otomo can be forgiven for making his audience wait. After all, we know it will be worth the wait.
MY THOUGHTS
The term ‘Renaissance man’, much like ‘genius’ is banded around with much abandon these days. But in the case of Katsuhiro Otomo, both terms are well deserved. Mangaka, screenwriter, artist and director, Otomo handles each of these responsibilities with a dedication bordering on the obsessive. But in the case of manga, what makes Otomo stand apart from many of his contemporaries is undoubtedly his scope for storytelling, a scope very much grounded in the world of cinema.
In his breakout hit Domu: A Child’s Dream, a tale of an elderly psychic serial killer, rampaging around his apartment block, Otomo introduces many of the themes that will permeate much of his future work. But it’s how he ‘directs’ the story that really stands out.
With the majority of the action taking place in a single location, a council run apartment complex, Otomo expertly guides the reader by employing a “bait and switch” method. Indeed, this playful approach is most apparent by introducing the protagonist halfway through the manga. This mash-up of sci-fi and “Hitchcockesque” suspense was unlike any manga at the time, more suited to a standalone ‘graphic novel’, or ‘movie’ than manga magazine serial.
Where Domu was an experiment in suspense, 1982’s AKIRA was an explosive treatment of the action blockbuster. At over 2000 pages, the manga is surprisingly quick to read, thanks to Otomo’s liberal use of epic chase scenes. But don’t let that fool you into approaching this as a mindless, Saturday night, popcorn laden offering of escapism.
At its very heart, AKIRA is a story about friendship. Strip away the themes of ‘playing god’, political intrigue and the breakdown of society and we see two ‘brothers’, ripped apart by the circumstances of their surroundings. Created at a time when “bosozoku” bike gangs were a common sight on the streets of Japan, it’s no wonder that Otomo chose to focus the story from the point of view of disadvantaged youths, forgotten by the corrupt system that made them.
Katsuhiro Otomo’s big screen anime adaption of AKIRA, burst onto the scene in 1988, forever changing the way the West viewed ‘cartoons’. A visual assault to the senses, the epic tale was burgeoning with arresting action scenes, exquisitely developed characters and an absorbing plot to rival the most iconic sci-fi epics of the age. AKIRA not only proved to be a dangerously effective “gateway drug” to Japanese manga and anime for millions around the world, including myself, it established Otomo as an adept, almost masterful auteur.
Reading the manga of Otomo, his talents as a film director are ever present. With wide angle vistas, panning shots and effective use of close-ups, each page works just as well as a movie storyboard as it does a comic book. But then, that’s what sequential art is. Visual storytelling in any medium, is only as good as its ‘director’, a fact Katsuhiro Otomo is only too aware of.
MANGA
A Gun Report – 1973
Short Peace – 1979
Highway Star – 1979
Fireball – 1979
Dōmu – 1980
Kibun wa mō Sensō – 1980
Sayonara Nippon – 1981
Akira – 1982
Visitors – 1984
Kanojo no Omoide… – 1990
The Legend of Mother Sarah (Writer only) – 1990
ZeD (Writer only) – 1991
SOS! Tokyo Metro Explorers – 1996
Batman: Black & White #4 (The Third Mask) – 1996
Hipira: The Little Vampire (Writer only) – 2001
Park – 2006
DJ Teck’s Morning Attack – 2012
Manga nutcracker #19 – Azumanga Daioh Azumanga DaiohBy Kiyohiko AzumaPublished in Dengeki Daioh 1999 – 2002
“High school life of some eccentric students and their teachers”
Have you ever heard of a Yonkoma? The 4 panelled, comic strip manga can provide short term laughs, but can they satisfy the appetites of epic story lovers? In a word, yes! Yonkoma manga is a perfect tool to build up small parts of a much larger story. This week, I will shine a light on this overlooked format of storytelling with a shining example of Yonkoma manga! Azumanga Daioh is a delightful, “slice of life” manga, consisting of short Yonkoma moments in the daily goings on of a high school. Centering on 6 schoolgirls and two of their teachers, the manga begins each day anew and focuses on a specific issue in each Yonkoma. Beginning with English teacher Yukari Tanizaki, the manga firmly establishes her relationship with her students, along with her attitude towards the job. We then get introduced to the 6 student misfits of this unnamed high school:Chiyo Mihama is a pig-tailed genius who skipped 5 years and now has to adapt to her first year of high school. The hip Sasaki, who despite her sporty physique, painstakingly hides her shyness to create many funny misunderstandings about her.Ayumi or “Osaka”, that in spite of having her home city as a nickname, can’t live up to the vibrant exuberance of Japan’s “second city” with her slow and daydreaming demeanor.Koyomi the most mature of the group, therefore the responsibly smart and sporty girl that unexpectedly has a crushing complex about her weight and singing.The always energetic Tomo is always challenging everyone to contests, despite never winning.As the story progresses, we are introduced to other teachers and new students, giving us a delightful ride of the ups and down of high school life!
The caption on the left cover says ” Yonkoma manga of the 21st century started here”
Nutcracking time
Azumanga Daioh not only gives us a great examples of interesting moments in life, it offers the chance to really dig deep into complex characters.Kiyohiko Azuma reminds us that a good story doesn’t need superpowers, fantasy settings or explosive weapons to make a lasting impression. Indeed, this “fly on the wall, slice of life” perfectly timed comedy celebrates the subtle events that make up our lives, providing instantly relatable moments. The characters in Azumanga Daioh are expertly crafted, with each harboring strengths and weaknesses that are not only relatable, but perfectly shine a light on the high school dilemmas we all remember! At its very core, it’s the character that drive this unusual manga. Whether it’s a student or a teacher, the faults of each character, played out in four paneled adventures, endear them to the reader instantly. Both nostalgic and pioneering, Azumanga Daioh will make you wish for those heady school days again, yearning for both the good times, and the bad!
So maybe even I can make a Yonkoma manga of my life as a ninja!!
Would love to hear your thoughts so follow me on Twitter – @SmacViVi Facebook – Vivi Fabbri Smac Don’t forget to use the #manganutcracker SMAC! MANGA DOJO #14 – "A story is, WHO / DOES WHAT/ HOW / and ENDS UP WITH WHAT!" <Characters>Penmaru Is a ninja dog who dreams of becoming the greatest manga creator in the animal world. To help achieve his dream, Mocchi gives him a mission… “Learn how to create manga at the Manga Dojo.” Often listens to Anime songs while working. “Shihan” Manga Master The master of the dojo and Penmaru’s tutor in the ways of manga. An experienced editor who has worked in the manga industry for over 30 years. Often listens to the sound of rain while working (Trust me, it works!!). <Previously in Manga Dojo>Penmaru is a Ninja dog who is studying how to create good manga.From “the steps to drawing manga” to “how to STEAL ideas”, his tutor – Manga Shihan’s lessons are always wakening!What will he learn this time?
Ep.14 ”A story is, WHO / DOES WHAT/ HOW / and ENDS UP WITH WHAT!”
Welcome back folks, for another fun installment of the ‘Weekend Yokai Hunter!’ I trust you’ve all had a fun-filled week? If not, allow me to turn that frown upside down as I invite you to join me on my venture into the mischievous and downright wacky world of TANUKI!
My first encounter with these creatures was actually within a couple of months of moving to Japan when I discovered the animated works of Studio Ghibli. I immediately fell in love with titles such as ‘My Neighbor Totoro’, ‘Spirited Away’, and my personal favorite ‘Princess Mononoke’, but It wasn’t until I saw their 1994 classic ‘Pom Poko’ that I found myself a new favorite animal. If their cuteness and mischievous personality wasn’t enough to capture my heart, their anatomy certainly was!
WHAT ARE…Tanuki?
Despite often being mistranslated into English as “raccoon” or “badger,” Tanuki are actually a subspecies of the Asian raccoon dog. Though an actual animal, they have a very long history in Japanese folklore dating as far back as the Nara period (AD 710 – 794) but it wasn’t until the Kamakura period (1185 – 1333) that their role in folklore really began to take root. Tanuki, you see, are also Yokai.
What better way to club a catfish, than with your nutsack?
Possessing the incredible magical ability to assume the shape of any object or person they desire by placing a leaf on their head, Tanuki also have the exclusive bragging rights of being the creature with the biggest scrotum known to man. I’m not even kidding, their testicles are simply HUGE! Impressive as their ballsacks may be however, they actually play a crucial role in their everyday lives since they use their magical, ludicrously elastic scrotums in a number of mind-boggling ways, ranging from transformation, to fishing, catching birds, sailing and even sumo! Known for their love of alcohol, Tanuki are also famous for their mischievous behavior and enjoy nothing more than tricking humans. Popular methods include, conjuring up illusions, imitating the shape of regular household items, making noises outside by drumming on their bellies, and most common of all, assuming human form. Shape-shifting is so fun for them in fact, it’s said that the most adept of Tanuki have actually assumed a human form and gone on to work in society as priests and high-ranking government officials! Talk about being grandmaster-level pranksters!!
HUNTING FOR…Tanuki.
Bow to the might of these plums!
So then, how does one go about meeting these cheeky little buggers? Visitors to Tokyo will be pleased to know that there are in fact two locations worth checking out. The Chingodo shrine at the Sensōji temple in Asakusa is a great place to visit for tourists who could use a quick respite from the otherwise bustling temple street nearby. My personal favorite location though, is the Yanagimori shrine in Akihabara. Despite being very close to the station, it somehow remains rather well hidden as it sits just across from the Kanda river. Yanagimori shrine is a great place to both avoid the electrical gadget-hungry masses, and to enjoy some peace and quiet with the city’s Tanuki community. Visitors that make it there during the cherry blossom season will also reap the added benefit of enjoying the huge sakura tree that stands proudly in the center of the shrine grounds. Don’t forget to check out the beautifully endowed Tanuki at the entrance too!
Tanuki TODAY!
Tanuki have well and truly embedded themselves in popular Japanese culture. Not only have they been featured in countless manga and anime over the decades such as Rumiko Takahashi’s hugely popular ‘Inuyasha’, Masashi Kishimoto’s ‘Naruto’, and Cocoa Fujiwara’s ‘Inu x Boku SS’, they’ve also sneaked their way into the childhoods of millions around the world who grew up playing Super Mario Bros. 3 and beyond – who can forget that awesome Tanuki outfit that granted our Italian heroes such awesome flying powers!? Like the mighty Kappa, Tanuki also have a food dish named after them in the form of tanuki udon which is a bowl of thick noodles containing flakes of fried tempura batter. (Curious readers will be pleased to know that tanuki udon DOESN’T contain scrotum extract – I’ve already checked!). In fact, whether you visit the countryside or the city, you’d be hard pushed to NOT see a Tanuki depiction. They’re quite literally everywhere from train doors to convenience store point cards making them quite possibly the most popular Yokai of all!
Yanagimori Shrine in Akihabara, Tokyo.
So there you have it, a walk on the wild side with the cheekiest, yet most lovable Yokai Japan has to offer. As I gear up my backpack and prepare for my next weekend skirmish with the supernatural, I invite you all to be on your guard too – especially in the face of any too-good-to-be-true situations. Remember, if you see testicles or a tail, it can’t be trusted!!
Till next time!
Kakimoji S.O.S. #18: City Hunter: the Hard Boiled Protagonist
Kakimoji fans, ciao! Today is the second installment of ‘Kakimoji in City Hunter’…the hard boiled chapter! Do you remember the protagonist Ryo’s “comical Kakimoji” that I introduced in the last week’s article? …yeah, this one!
※ First of all, let’s be honest and recognise this man’s pure passion for beautiful women!
Now, I want you to see the expression of the hero in the next moment when the gag scene turns around and a serious story develops. Now, take a look at Ryo’s expression once the gag scene ends a serious moment develops…
※ Not the same person, you say?
As explained last week, “City Hunter” is often presented with the genre “hard boiled comedy”. Although it is a comedy but not too jokingly, it is a genre that is based on the super talented and professional ability of Hojo sensei who makes the reader laugh and constantly excites with hard boiled (but not too hard!) scene – always with an exquisite balance. As mentioned last week, City Hunter is often described as a “hard boiled comedy”, with its heady mix of outlandish hijinks and tense shoot outs. In today’s article, I will introduce you to the serious, hard-boiled and powerful elements of City Hunter, and the Kakimoji used to enhance these scenes. By all means, compare the following Kakimoji with their comedic counterparts, but please take note of the variety of expression that can only be found in manga!
・ドッドッド (DoDoDo) – Helicopter engine sound ・キュイーン (Qyuiin) – Sounds that determine a missile is ready to be shot ・シュバム (Shbam) – Sound of a missile gun ・ドゴオオオオン (Dogooooon) – Impact sound
Did you notice? The page above is full of Kakimoji, representing the sounds emitted from machines. Take a look at all the sounds emitting from a single helicopter! Such a rich variety of Kakimoji in each panel. Look at the arrangement and design of the Kakimoji, they are rough, bold and striking, suggesting a comical scene. I can even imagine the comical stylized Kakimoji, introduced last week appearing in the next page… “Did you call me?”HEY! Is this guy trying to taking my place as funny mascot of the SMAC! team?! Ahem… Let’s continue… The Kakimoji on this page seem to say to the reader “We speak louder than words!”. The design of the Kakimoji ググッ (Gugu) is black and sharp.The design of ババッ(Baba), representing the sound of torn clothes, is drawn very roughly, contrary to the softness of the fiber and the intensity of the impact and magnitude of the feeling are felt. It’s impressive how ギラッ (Gira), which is a “no sound Kakimoji” (silent Kakimoji introduced in the previous article), leaves a strong feeling in the reader! The strong power of the eyes is transmitted by only the picture. I was thinking of finishing this week’s article about the Kakimoji of CITY HUNTER with this final page, but I have to tell you one very important thing, that can only be learned from this great sensei’s work. As you can see, by NOT using Kakimoji on this page, the manga creator (Hojo sensei here and you in your first professional manga!) can make readers focus only on the conversations! Remember that the depth of the work will become even bigger with balance and speed! See you next time for more Kakimoji magic! CIAO!! FOLLOW ME for more Kakimoji tips! TwitterFacebook …and remember to use the hashtag #kakimojisos 😉
Making a Mangaka: #7 Tetsuo Hara
This week, I look to the second judge of SILENT MANGA AUDITION® and a legend in his own right. A giant of Shonen, this man is responsible for kick starting many a manga fan’s love for the genre. From exploding heads to sweeping historical epics, he has delighted, excited and gruesomely satisfied the imaginations of countless manga readers, for over 30 years…this week, I jump into the explosive mind of TETSUO HARA!
Name: Tetsuo Hara (原哲夫 Hara Tetsuo)
Born: September 2, 1961
Place of Birth: Shibuya, Tokyo, Japan
Speciality: Explosive punches!
ABOUT
Born in Shibuya, Tokyo, Tetsuo Hara knew from an early age he wanted to create manga. Attending the same high school ‘manga club’ as KochiKame creator Osamu Akimoto, albeit 10 years on, the young manga hopeful’s dreams of becoming an assistant to his hero were dashed when he caught the wrong bus to Akimoto’s studio, becoming hopelessly lost in the process!
Soon after graduating high school, Hara finally achieved his dreams by assisting Yoshihiro Takahashi, creator of Silver Fang: The Shooting Star Gin. Emboldened by the methods and techniques learned under a professional manga creator, the fledgling mangaka entered the 33rd Fresh Jump Award, organized by Shueisha, securing himself the top prize with boxing manga Super Challenger. With his second boxing manga, Mad Fighter, following soon after, Hara had the opportunity to really flex his illustrator muscles and perfect a punch that would shake the world of manga!
Hara’s first chance at serialized work came in the form of Iron Don Quixote for Weekly Shonen Jump. At the suggestion of his new editor, none other than COAMIX CEO, Nobuhiko Horie, the story shone a light on the world of motocross, a hot topic at the time. Though only lasting 10 weeks in serialization, Iron Don Quixote firmly established Hara’s unique style, with many character designs looking strangely familiar, and a foreshadowing of things to come.
Horie was enamored by Hara’s style, paying particular attention to the way the enigmatic mangaka could draw a punch. Indeed, the then young editor fondly remembers physically recoiling from the inked fist on the page, securing in his mind, Hara’s next project. By chance, Horie happened upon an account of a disastrous acupuncture experiment he found in a book on Chinese medicine, thus planting the seeds for the biggest, baddest most explosive manga ever to ‘hit’ Japan.
Hokuto no Ken (Fist of the North Star) was a revolution in manga. By utilizing Hara’s faultless ability to draw arresting fight scenes, coupled with script writer Busonson’s knack for inducing ‘manly tears’, the tales of Kenshiro quickly gripped the readers of Weekly Shonen Jump and played a huge part in raising the print run from 3 million copies to 4 million, then 5 million a week!
Following the success of Hokuto, Hara turned his attention to historical events. Hana no Keiji (The Flowery Keiji: At the Other Side of the Clouds) wasn’t only an epic, action packed, blood gurgling samurai adventure, loosely based on the real life Maeda ‘Keiji’ Toshimasu, it would also be one Hara’s last major series for Shueisha.
In 2000, Tetsuo Hara, along with Tsukasa Hojo, Ryuji Tsugihara and Editor Horie teamed up and formed COAMIX. Hara decided to revisit the world of Hokuto and create a prequel for COAMIX’s new weekly manga magazine, Weekly Comics Bunch. However, Souten no Ken (Fist of the Blue Sky), featuring the adventures of Kenshiro’s ancestor during WWII, proved a struggle for the legendary manga creator.
With a gruelling schedule and an ailing eye condition, Hara’s output slowed considerably, prompting talk of retirement. But with an unshakable need to create, he soon started a new, historical series, Ikusa no Ko, The Legend of Oda Nobunaga, proving Tetsuo Hara to be a resilient as the seven scarred hero that catapulted this Tokyo native to the heights of manga success.
MY THOUGHTS
I first encountered the work of Tetsuo Hara, not through his manga, but rather the anime interpretation of his greatest masterpiece. Fist of the North Star was an assault to the senses. Not only did it satiate the adolescent need for epic fight scenes, it also played a big part in showing me the power and unlimited potential of manga.
Like all great manga, Hara places the focus squarely on his characters. From Hokuto to Souten,the presence of his protagonists are larger the life, with manga panels barely containing the awesome power they possess. But the power is not merely in their fists (or pressure poking fingers!), but rather their ability to confront their foes with an open mind and open heart.
Kenshiro, the iconic hero of Hokuto no Ken is a fine example of this. Good, almost to the heights of messianistic interpretation, Kenshiro not only exhibits a need to make a broken world a better place, but sees the answer to this conundrum in the goodness of those around him. This huge leap of empathy is best seen in the many foes he encounters. Rarely does an enemy of Kenshiro not find redemption in our hero’s forgiving nature.
Of course, not all Hara creations are as inherently good as Hokuto’s Kenshiro. The titular hero of the 90’s historical epic Keiji, is brash, willful and possesses a rebellious streak that would make Hokuto’s own free spirit, Jura of the Clouds proud! Loosely based on the historical figure of the same name, Maeda Keiji was a “Kabukimono”, the rebellious samurais of the Sengoku period. These “punk rockers”, though roaming around in gangs, shocking people with their outlandish fashions and generally drinking inn’s dry, were samurai at heart, and with that, they were chained to the tenants of Bushido.
No matter how rebellious or impossibly good Hara’s characters are, they all possess one thing – a sense of nobility. Even the most dominating, ambitious and hate filled creations live within the guiding light of Bushido. This is most brilliantly exemplified in a giant called Raoh!
As I have gained in years, so too has my appreciation for this character. What I once saw as a down and out villain, I now see a complex and conflicted, but above all, noble character. Driven by equal parts, impossible ambition and searing jealousy, the strongest Brother of Hokuto finds redemption in his final moments with a new found respect and limitless love for Kenshiro.
This ability to see the good in everyone is the real beating heart of Hara’s work. In a world on the brink of a real life political apocalypse, now is a timely opportunity to revisit Tetsuo Hara’s creations. No matter how hopeless the situation may seem, or how desperate these times appear to be, by looking through the hate and into the hearts of those conflicted around us, we can help bring them redemption through understanding and patience. After all, if a world conquering maniac on a horse can see the good in this world, we all can.
Ikusa no Ko: The Legend of Oda Nobunaga (2010–current)
NEXT WEEK: Katsuhiro Otomo
Manga nutcracker #18 – The Witch's Monstrous Paintings
The Witch’s Monstrous Paintings Hachi 2017 ~ Published by Shueisha
“A girl’s creation will stop at nothing to keep his promise to her, all the while learning about the complexity of humanity.”
If you were not human, what would motivate you? What would you live for? This is the starting point for Loki, the protagonist of The Witch’s Monstrous Paintings,.His best friend, a girl named Aisya, has an incredible talent, the ability to create miraculous drawings! But with great powers, there will always be people who wish to exploit them for their own agenda. The exhaustion of over using her power starts to show when Aisha`s health begins to deteriorate. Always by her side, Loki starts to worry about her condition and begs her to stop drawing. However, his pleas meet deaf ears, as everyone seems to keep pushing Aisha to draw, with little care for the consequences.Once rumors about the power of the painting’s failing start to spread, Aisha`s life is plunged into danger. Unable to watch his friend in such peril, Loki tries to help, where he learns he cannot touch her! In fact, he cannot touch anything! Realizing he is just another of Aisha`s paintings, Loki feels powerless! Luckily Aisha is eventually saved, but Loki is left feeling hopeless as his new found reality becomes apparent. Hoping to change the situation that her paintings have brought to the world, Aisha gives Loki a mission, burning all the magical paintings! Loki starts a journey filled with magical battles and complex human emotions!
Nutcracking time
The way this manga “shows” the protagonist’s “weakness”, by action rather than dialogue is a great example of how to keep turning each page in wonder.Reading the first pages I actually believed Aisha and Loki were having direct conversations, as I assumed he was a real, ‘flesh and blood’ character. Big was my surprise when I eventually noticed the small hints left on each page, showing the protagonist’s weakness.This is a prime example of telling a story through images alone! If the story had started “This is Loki and he cannot be seen by anyone”, the surprise would have been lost, giving you no reason to turn the next page.Even though he isn’t human, the introduction of Loki can be compared to that of a newborn. He’s apathetic to his surroundings, while at the same time, developing an emotional attachment to Aisha.Seeing the treatment of Aisha at the hands of those around her, Loki slowly learns to hate, envy and question humans. Especially when he sees Aisha, desperately holding on to hope even in difficult situations.I particularly enjoyed the following quote by Loki.
“Humans have a body and a voice that can move freely, that should be more than enough.”
This perfectly captures the theme of the story, as presented in the first volume. Loki’s journey will eventually take him to a magical battle with his promise to his mistress, all while existing as an abstract form of human nature. The Witch’s Monstrous Paintings is, in essence a critique on human nature as seen through the eyes of an outsider. Though not a new concept to storytelling, the fact that our protagonist is a drawing, is not only a fine example of “meta” in manga, it’s a lesson in taking something old, and making it new. Surely, the oldest trick in the artists paint box!
” Loki is unique! just like me! Giving a new view to our friends! The readers!”
Was this article helpful ? Do you have a favorite non-human character? Would love to hear your thoughts so follow me on Twitter – @SmacViVi Facebook – Vivi Fabbri Smac Don’t forget to use the #manganutcracker !!! SMAC! MANGA DOJO #13 – "NEVER STEAL CHARACTERS!" <Characters>Penmaru Is a ninja dog who dreams of becoming the greatest manga creator in the animal world. To help achieve his dream, Mocchi gives him a mission… “Learn how to create manga at the Manga Dojo.” He’s scared of ghosts. “Shihan” Manga Master The master of the dojo and Penmaru’s tutor in the ways of manga. An experienced editor who has worked in the manga industry for over 30 years. He’s scared of the sound it makes when somebody scratches a chalkboard. <Previously in Manga Dojo>Penmaru’s precious Neta-Notebook fell down the toilet!!Seeing Penmaru driven to despair, Shihan tells him that ideas can be “STOLEN” under ONE condition… the creator makes it better using their own originality.What could “originality” mean!?(さらに…) Weekend Yokai Hunter #2
Well hello there my fellow scare-seekers! I trust you’ve all had a fright-filled week!
My first Kappa manga!
As we head into the weekend, it’s time for me to begin my search for the creepiest creatures Japan has to offer. So, without further ado, join me as I grab my trusty lamp and shine a light on the most well-known Yokai of them all; the mighty KAPPA!
I first fell in love with Kappa when I encountered Mizuki Shigeru’s manga masterpiece, ‘Kappano Sanpei’. In Mizuki’s manga, the main protagonist, Sanpei, befriends a Kappa after being mistakenly abducted by one whilst floating on his raft. After much surprise on both sides, the two quickly forge an inseparable friendship as Sanpei takes the Kappa under his wing, and teaches him about the human world. Not only is the story heartwarming, but the innocent antics the Kappa gets up to in its quest to assimilate itself into human society really resonates with me as an immigrant in a country that at times also feels like a totally different world.
WHAT ARE…Kappa?
Kappa (which literally means ‘river child’ in english) are mythical river-dwelling amphibious creatures that are usually the same size as a human child, and are characterized by their typically green skin colour, turtle shell like carapace, fishy odor, webbed hands and feet, beaked mouth, and a bowl-shaped depression on top of their head containing water that is said to be the source of their power. Pretty freaky wouldn’t you say?
Though often depicted in popular culture as being cute, amiable creatures who often lend their assistance to humans, Kappa are also known for having a vicious streak (I’ll get to that in a bit). Polite, yet mischievous by nature, Kappa have three loves which they simply cannot live without; cucumbers, sumo wrestling and a penchant for extracting shirikodama. Their fascination with the latter, being the cause of their blame for drownings up and down the country throughout the years. Shirikodama you see, is said to be a mythical ball of energy located within the anus of human beings. Yep, you read that right. Hapless river paddling folk who have their shirikodama removed by a Kappa are said to instantly lose their energy and drown as a consequence, making the cuddly Kappa, not as friendly as they’re often portrayed!
Villagers would attempt to lure Kappa by using their shirikodama as bait!
HUNTING FOR…Kappa.
So, where you can find them? Well, if you’re super lucky, you might spot one along any of Japan’s riverbanks or marsh areas but, if you wanna get real up close and personal, I know just the place!
Situated in Kappabashi, Tokyo, the famous Sōgen-ji Kappa-dera temple not only stands in an area of the city once said to be plagued by the creatures, but it’s also home to a “real” mummified Kappa arm! I could barely contain my excitement when I saw the arm, they’re real I tell ya, REAL!! I definitely recommend visiting the temple if you’re interested in creepy Japanese folklore like myself – just be sure to take an offering of some cucumbers lest you find yourself unable to sit down again! 😉
The legendary Sōgen-ji Kappa-dera temple!
Kappa TODAY!
Evidently I’m not the only one enamored by Kappa either. Over the past century, the lovable green water imps have wriggled their way into Japanese culture from manga titles such as ‘Mizu no tomodachi Kappa-man’ by Masaya Tokuhiro, and ‘How to raise a Kappa’ by Yūgo Ishikawa to multi-award winning animated movies such as 2007’s ‘Summer Days with Coo’. They’ve become the center of adoration among many festivals nationwide and even have a type of sushi called Kappamaki (cucumber rolled in vinegared rice) named after them. Kappa have become so well known in fact, even Hollywood gave them a nod of recognition when they sent a certain four Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles back in time to Japan and got mistaken for them! Whichever way you view Kappa, they are very much here to stay and I for one, couldn’t be happier.
For those of you wanting to whet your pallet (or the top of your head) with more Kappa goodness, be sure to check out the amazing SILENT MANGA AUDITION®
Grand Prix runner-up entry ‘Kappa from Kumamoto’ by Nao & Navinkin! Pretty sweet wouldn’t you say? Now, with my cucumbers offered and my shirikodama intact, I wish you all a great weekend as I head off in search of my next Yokai. Just remember, next time you take a stroll along the river, don’t get too close to the water’s edge, unless you’re wearing ironclad pants of course!
Tomizawa sensei’s “MENKICHI THE AVENGER” (KOROSHIYA MENKICHI, 殺し屋麺古) !! If you haven’t heard of this manga, then reMENber the title and find it in MANGA HOT! 
