|
Archive-name: manga/guide/part2
See reader questions & answers on this topic! - Help others by sharing your knowledge This FAQ, as well as the other anime/manga newsgroup FAQs and info articles written by Steve Pearl, are available from the Official Anime/Manga FAQ page at http://www.cybercomm.net/~starbuck/FAQ.html The FAQs on that page are always the most recent version (The monthly posts are posted directly from that directory!) Usenet Manga Guide April 1996 (version 6.03) Part 2/3 compiled and edited by Iain Sinclair (axolotl@socs.uts.edu.au) ---------------------------------------- Miyazaki Hayao $@5\:j=Y(B The renowned director of anime films. Anime-only credits include Famous Detective Holmes and Future Boy Conan. He has had a long association with Studio Ghibli $@%9%?%8%*%.%V%j(B, creators of Grave of the Firefly, Omoide Poroporo, Umi ga Kikoeru $@3$$,J9$3$($k(B and Heisei Tanuki Gassen Ponpoko $BJ?@.C,9g@o$]$s$]$3(B. Miyazaki's 1995 anime movie Mimi wo sumaseba $@<*$r$9$^$;$P(B was adapted from a manga by Hiiragi Aoi $@I"$"$*$$(B (published by Shueisha, 1990, Y370). ------------------------ People of the Desert $B:=$NL1(B - serialized on Shonen Shojo Shinbun, 1969. Written under the Akitsu Saburo pseudonym. The Journey of Shuna - serialized on Animage AM JUJU, June 1983. An all-watercolor manga which looks more like a miniature roman album than a manga; considered to be a NausicaM-d prototype by some. It's based on a Tibetan folktale about a prince's journey to find wheat for his people. NausicaM-d of the Valley of Wind $@Iw$NC+$N%J%&%7%+(B - serialized on Animage (Tokuma Shoten), 1986, 6 volumes: 1-4/Y690, 5-6/Y380, anime comics 6 volumes @ Y380. Laputa, the Castle in the Sky $BE76u$N>k%i%T%e%?(B - published by Tokuma Shoten, 1986, anime comics 4 volumes @ Y710. My Neighbor Totoro $@$H$J$j$N%H%H%m(B - published by Tokuma Shoten, 1987, anime comics 4 volumes @ Y610. Kiki's Delivery Service $@Kb=w$NBp5^JX(B - published by Tokuma Shoten, 1989, anime comics 4 volumes @ Y690. The Age of Hydroplanes published on Model Grafix, 1991. This color short story was the original inspiration for the Porco Rosso anime. Kurenai no Buta [Porco Rosso] $@9H$NFZ(B - published by Tokuma Shoten, 1992, anime comics 4 volumes @ Y590. Miyazaki Hayao Miscellaneous Notes $@5\:j=Y$N;(A[%N!<%H(B - artbook, published by Dainipponkaiga $@BgF|K\3(2h(B, 1992, Y2300. Mononoke Hime $@$b$N$N$1I1(B - published by Tokuma Shoten, 1994, Y3000. A hardcover, all-colour album on his upcoming movie, scheduled for completion in 1996. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Monkey Punch $@%b%s%-!=!&%Q%s%A(B Stated influences include Sergio Aragones and Harvey Kurtzman (from the US MAD Magazine). He also wrote a foreword for the Japanese edition of the Death of Superman comic. ------------------------ Lupin III $@%k%Q%s;0@$%+%j%*%9%H%m$N>k(B - published by Chuokoronsha, 2 volumes @ Y1200, anime comics 12 volumes @ Y680. The original Lupin stories were quite violent, and had more implied sex (and naked bodies) than the current incarnation, New Lupin III $B?7C[(B$@%k%Q%s;0@$(B (published by Chuokoronsha, 4 volumes @ Y1300). Cagliostro's Castle $@%+%j%*%9%H%m$N>k(B 2 volumes @ Y680. Pinky Panky $@%T%s%-!=!&%Q%s%-%#(B - serialized on Action, 1988, Y600. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Nagai Go $@1J0f(B $@9k(B In his heyday, in the early 70s, this veteran artist was responsible for pushing the boundaries of manga productivity and good taste. Even today, he is still quite active, (including reprints, 54 works were released between 1990 and 1992). Most of his mangas contain strong doses of trashy sex and violence. Ishikawa Ken $@@P@n8-(B (best known for Miroku $@5uL5@o;N#M#I#R#O#K#U(B - serialized on Shonen Captain 1988-90, 5 volumes @ Y370) is a protege of Nagai's. His art and style is quite similar, except for the noticeable lack of H material. ------------------------ Harenchi Gakuen $B%O%l%s%A3X1`(B - serialized on Shonen Jump 1968-70. This title was publicly burnt by some parents' groups. (As a result of this harassment, he wrote Abashiri Ikka.) Devilman $@%G%S%k%^%s(B - serialized on Shonen Magazine, 1972, 5 wide-ban volumes @ Y980. After many years, demons (Nagai calls them daemons) are awakening. Fudo Akira is convinced by his best friend to participate in an occult ritual which would allow the merging of a daemon with himself, giving him the powers of a daemon but the mind of a human being. Various battles ensue as daemons try to destroy mankind. Shin Devilman is the 'further adventures' of Fudo Akira. Mazinger Z $@%^%8%s%,!<#Z(B - serialized on Shonen Magazine, 1972, 3 wide-ban volumes @ Y690. The original "giant robot" classic, which was translated into several different languages. (The idea came to him one day while he was stuck in a traffic jam.) Cutey Honey $@%-%e!<%F%#!<%O%K!<(B - serialized on Shonen Champion, 1975, wide version 1 volume/Y1000. Cutey is an android girl whose big ability is to change costumes, each of which has different powers. She fights a whole series of super villianesses lead by this one arch-villainess, who she fights at the end of the series (does this sound familiar?). The manga is definitely violent, sexy, and pretty outrageous in parts. The anime is toned down substantially. (Apparently, this is still running somewhere, but it's proven hard to track down.) Shuten Doji $@!{E7F8;R(B - published by Kodansha, 1980, 6 wide-ban volumes @ Y980. It's about a baby who was brought to our world by an oni (ogre). A childless couple, who happened to be praying at a shrine for a child, take the baby from the oni and adopt him. When he reaches highschool, he begins to have doubts about whether he is human or oni. There always seems to be a mysterious force helping him, perhaps an invisible oni. Soon, a mysterious cult of oni worshippers target him because they believe he is the incarnation of Shuten Doji who, in their hiearchy of gods, is the lightbringer or disrupter of darkness. Lots of battles, graphic violence, mysticism, tying in with folklore, eventual time travel, dimensional travel, and very interesting plot twists. Violence Jack $@%P%$%*%l%s%9%8%c%C%/(B - serialized on Shonen Magazine, 1973-7, 7 wide-ban volumes @ Y1100. New Violence Jack $@?7%P%$%*%l%s%9%8%c%C%/(B - published by Manga Goraku, 1983, Y1100. An earthquake causes the Kantou plain to detach from the Japanese mainland (Honshu). As those who are left struggle to survive, a gigantic hero known as `Violence Jack' appears. Hanappe Bazooka $@2VJ?%P%:!<%+(B - published by Young Jump, 1985, 5 volumes @ Y600. Hannape's life is interrupted by two demons. One is this green cloaked male being with a bazooka. The other is a female furry being with a tail, which projects her magic. Among the things that occur is that Hannape is cursed with his index finger resembling a sexual organ and any time it is pointed at a female (humanoids at least), they become sexually aroused. As you might guess, it gets fairly extreme. It is amazing that despite the fact that he has not really changed his drawing style that much, he still manages to convey a sense of sexual voyeurism. At first, he didn't want to do that aspect of it, but meeting the author (Koike Kazuo) changed his mind. The anime is tame by comparison, but still funny. Mazin Saga $@%^%8%s!&%5!<%,(B - serialized on Young Jump and Bears Club, 1991-2, 3 volumes @ Y1200. Sequel to Mazinger Z - Earth is destroyed, Mars is invaded. THE BIRD - currently serialized on Young Jump, 1994, 2 volumes @ Y500. SF/beast-people in LA. The usual outrageous stuff. Super Saiyuki $@%9!<%Q!<@>M75-(B - published by Kadokawa Shoten, 1991, Y900. Nagai's version of Wu Cheng-En's Chinese classic Journey to the West (known in Japanese as Saiyuki), which concerns the many and varied exploits of Monkey, `Great Sage, Equal of Heaven'. Mao Dante $@Kb2&%@%s%F(B - published by Chuokoronsha, Y1350. Kekko Kamen $@$1$C$3$&2>LL(B - published by Shuueisha, 1993, 3 volumes @ Y600. Great Mazinger $@%0%l!<%H%^%8%s%,!<(B - published by Taitosha, 1989 2 volumes @ Y700. Nagai Go Manga Taizenshu $@1J0f9kL!2hBgA4=8(B - published by Tairiku Shobo, 1987, 3 volumes @ Y1200. Susa-no-O Densetsu $@@(%N2&EA@b(B - published by Kadokawa Shoten, 1985-8, 7 volumes @ Y630. Nagai Go Jisenshu $@1J0f9k<+A*=8(B - published by Asahi Sonorama, 1992, Y1400. Dokura no tachi $@qqqp(B$@$N4[(B - published by Nihon Bungeisha, 1995, Y980. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Nagano Mamoru $@1JLn8n(B Nagano was ``just another Gundam fanboy'' before he came to the notice of the creator of Gundam, Tomino Yoshiyuki $BIYLnM3M*5((B. ------------------------ Fool for the City - published by Kadokawa Shoten, 1988, 1 volumes @ Y880. An unimpressive early effort. The Five Star Stories $@%U%!%$%V%9%?!=J*8l(B - currently serialized on Newtype, 1988, 7 volumes @ Y900. Grand, sprawling interstellar empires saga. Distinctive ``look and feel'', especially the mecha designs. There is an electronic book published by Sony, The Five Star Stories Chronicle 2. (Nagano once talked about using Silicon Graphics computers to render fleets of mecha.) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Nagano Noriko $@1JLn$N$j$3(B Nagano Noriko is a resident manga artist for Tokuma Shoten. Her mangas are known for their twisted humour, association with otaku culture, and endless variations on the ``geek meets girl'' theme. Nagano's `Megane-kun' character, who resembles Brains (from Thunderbirds), appears in all her mangas. A full list of her published work appears as an appendix to Ken nii-chan. ------------------------ Sci-Fi Motion [$B$b!<$7$g$s(B] - published by Tokuma Shoten, 1986; reprinted by ASCII, 1995, Y640. Nagano's first major manga; at least one new instalment was published on Comic ASCII in 1994. Don't desert me Daisy $B8+!{$F$J$$$G%G!=%8(B - serialized on Shonen Captain, 1989, 3 volumes @ Y500, out of print (ASCII may reprint it soon). Most of Nagano's mangas, starting with this one, feature the same basic plot: a shy nerd falls in love with a beautiful girl, but she doesn't want anything to do with him. Rapidly becoming obsessed, the nerd uses his scientific genius to spy on her and win her over. Kure Kure [Give Me] Tama-chan GIVE ME $@$?$^$A$c$s(B - published by Tokuma Shoten, 1987, 1 volumes @ Y880. God Save the Sugekoma-kun [$@$9$2$3$^$/$s(B!] - currently serialized on Young Magazine, 1992-present, 6 volumes @ Y530. A series of short stories centering on Sugekoma, a highschool prodigy with severe behavioural problems, and Miss Matsuzawa, the teacher who he ties up all the time. It's a big send-up of S/M cliches, H manga, SF, and the otaku mentality. Nagano's art is at its most refined in this manga. There are minor subplots concerning other students - eg. Junko Fujieda, who can't stand perverts, they make her violent; and Murata, a masochist who's infatuated with her. ``A Takahashi Rumiko manga on all imaginable drugs.'' Science Boy Zeroichi-kun $B2J3X>/G/#0#17/(B - published by ASCII, 1993, 580. Probably Nagano's most warped manga, consisting of short SF stories and various self-indulgences. Ken nii-chan $@#K#E#N$K$$$A$c$s(B - serialized on Comic Raising (Wanimagazine-sha), 1994, Y580. A mad scientist, Ken, comes after his childhood playmate Megumi - now a university student - holding her to a promise she made when she was 3 years old. Slightly more racy than her other mangas. Nagano Land $B%J%,%N%i%s%I(B - published by Tokuma Shoten, 1994, Y990. A compilation of two unusual mangas that were - serialized on Animage in the late 1980s. The first, Majokko Son-Son $BKb=w$C;R%=%s%=%s(B, appeared in the margins of the letters pages, 120cm wide x 1cm high. It was originally space-filler for anime song listings. Beat Paradise $@$*$A$3$_E79q(B was a series of nostalgic ramblings about anime and Nagano's childhood. Most of her stock characters appear as narrators; Hakase-kun (Megane-kun), Anime-kun, Zo-kun, Baba, Nagano herself, and Muska (the evil agent from Laputa). Manga Hishou!! Kaby Rich Daisaku-sen $B%^%s%,!!I,>!!*!*!!3t%j%C%ABg:n@o(B - with Kimura Keiko $BLZB<2B;R(B, published by $B@GL3=j8&5f2q=PHG6I(B, Y980, 1988, now out of print. Otaku no Goshujin $@%*%?%/$N8f!{?M(B - published by Take Shobou, 1993, Y700. Honeymoon Planet $@%O%M%`!<%s%W%i%M%C%H(B - published by ASCII, 1994, Y580. Contains another list of all Nagano's published work to date. Mogukko Mog-tan $@$b$0$C$3%b%0%?%s(B - irregularly featured on Animage, 1993-present. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Nasu Yukie $BFa=#@c3((B ------------------------ This is Greenwood $@$3$3$O%0%j!<%s!&%&%C%I(B - published by Hana to Yume, 1988-91, 11 volumes @ Y390. Story set in the dormitory of Ryokuto Highschool, called Ryokurin, dubbed ``Greenwood'' by the students. Hasukawa Kazuya went to stay in the dormitory because his only brother, Kazuhiro, got married and his wife, Sumire, is Kazuya's first love. In Greenwood, Hasukawa met his dorm-mate, Kisaragi Shun, and Ikeda Mitsuru and Tezuka Shinobu, two sempais who live next door. Greenwood is a place full of weird people. Flower Destroyer $@%U%i%o!=!a%G%9%H%m%$%d!<(B - published by Hana to Yume, 1987, Y360. Youma Shuurai! Fukushuuki $@MEKb=1Mh!*I|=254(B - published by Hana to Yume, 1990, Y370. Dark Age $@%@!<%/!&%(%$%8(B - published by Hana to Yume, 1993, Y390. Tenshi to Diamond $@E7;H$H%@%$%d%b%s%I(B - published by Hana to Yume, 1993, 3 volumes @ Y390. Sorekara Doshita no? Koneko-chan $B$=$l$+$i$I$7$?$N!);FG-$A$c$s(B - published by Hana to Yume, 1994, Y390. Gakko $B7n8w(B - published by Hana to Yume, 1994, 4 volumes @ Y390. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Narita Minako $@@.EDH~L>;R(B Her works deal with human relationships, life, ideals, friendship, etc. very well. This sets her manga apart from those shojo mangas which only focus on love or magic. (born 5 March 1960, Aomori; debut July 5, 1977; blood type AB) ------------------------ Cipher - serialized on Hana to Yume 1985-90, 12 volumes @ Y390. One of the most famous shojo manga which made Narita Minako the most popular 3rd generation shojo mangaka. The story is about a pair of twin brothers, Cipher and Siva, their close friendship and individual happenings in their life. A big part of the story takes place in New York, which shows how much the author likes the city. Cipher the video book - published by Hakusensha, Y1240. Alexandrite - serialized on Hana to Yume 1985-90, 12 volumes @ Y390. Sequel to Cipher. Alien Doori $@%(%$%j%"%sDL$j(B - serialized on Hana to Yume, 8 volumes @ Y390. Aitsu $@$"$$$D(B - 2 volumes @ Y390. Ten no Shinwa ji no Shinwa $@E7$N?@OCCO$N?@OC(B - published by Hakusensha, 1988, Y780. Narita Minako Character Book $B@.EDH~L>;R%-%c%i%/%?!=(B$@%V%C%/(B - published by Hakusensha, Y1030. Miki & Yuuti $@$_$-!u%f!=%F%#(B - serialized on Hana to Yume, 2 volumes @ Y370. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Nekobe Neko $@G-It$M$3(B A shojo manga writer, who won the 2nd Nakayoshi New Writer award with First Date. (born 19 October) ------------------------ Dokkin Timeslip $@$I$C$-$s%?%$%`%9%j%C%W(B - serialized on Nakayoshi, 1988, Y370. Penguin Tanteidan $@%Z%s%.%sC5DeCD(B - serialized on Nakayoshi, 1990, Y380. Kingyou Chuihou! $@$-$s$.$gCm0UJs!*(B [Warning, Goldfish!] - serialized on Nakayoshi, 1989-93, 8 volumes @ Y390, anime comics 4 volumes @ Y800. This is a cute manga about highschool life. Chitose has to change to a poorer school due to the death of her rich father. But the business of her father had collapsed, and the only thing she was left with was a pink (!) goldfish (that can fly). She met Wapiko, Shu and Aoi in her new school, but soon knew that the poor school is too poor to continue its operation. Accidentally, she got several billions of dollars left in the bank by her father, and she re-built the poor school. Full of funny cute stuff, and popular in Japan. Kirara Note $B$-$i$i2;Ih(B - serialized on Nakayoshi, 1995, Y390. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Nobe Toshio $@LnItMxM:(B ------------------------ Nozomi Witches $@$N$>$_(B$@%&%#%C%A%#%:(B - serialized on Young Jump 1986-present, 42 volumes @ Y500. Nozomi Witches used to be the number one serial on Young Jump during its peak around 89-90. During its beginning (vol. 1-5) it concentrated on this young, talent, ex-actress high school girl who returns from New Zealand, and she met her next door neighbor Ryotaro. (The 15 year old male lead of this story.) The next phase of this series is around vol 6-17, with the main emphasis shifting from Nozomi to Ryotaro as he tries to qualify for the Seoul Olympics. From vol. 18 on is the current phase of this manga (which Nobe called Book II). It's about Ryotaro's pro boxing life, and the parallel life of his boxing friend/enemy/soulmate Yugo Fukuyama. At this stage the drama side of the story is almost non-existent, and there is really no suspense between Nozomi and Ryotaro. Character designs also changed. Myu no Densetsu $@%_%e%&$NEA@b(B - published by Shogakukan, 5 volumes @ Y850. An OK fantasy adventure story, with some H towards the end. Himiko triangle $@%R%_%3$H$i$$$"$s$0$k(B - published by Shogakukan, Y370. Yayoi no Ozora $@Lo@8$NBg6u(B - serialized on Young Jump, 11 volumes @ Y370. Rising $@%i%$%8%s%0(B - serialized on Young Jump 1989, Y460. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Ogino Makoto $@2.Ln(B $@??(B Ogino brought a detailed knowledge of occultism to Kujaku-Oh, his debut manga, which sparked a second boom in occult mangas. However, his later work doesn't begin to compare with Kujaku-Oh in terms of depth or excitement. Ogino has also done some video game character designs. ------------------------ Kujaku-Oh $@9&?}2&(B - serialized on Young Jump 1986-89, 17 volumes @ Y460. Kujaku is a buddhist monk who belongs to Ura-Kouya, a secret organization within the Shingon Sect of Buddhism, the sole purpose of which is to destroy demons/monsters. Kujaku was born with the power of Kujaku-Myoo (Mayuri Vidya-raja, also referred to as Lucifer in some occult books) which he uses to fight the forces of evil. The world of Kujaku-Oh is filled with religions, mythology, gods, demons, monsters, and powerful sorcerers/priests. If you like this kind of stuff, Kujaku-Oh will fill all your needs. However, good knowledge of religion/mythology is required for full enjoyment of this manga. Four large-format "Special Choice" reprints were released in 1993, which included some stories not in the existing volumes. See also: Kujaku-Oh at tcp.com <http://www.tcp.com/pub/anime-manga/sorted/Kujaku-Oh> ALGO! - serialized on Young Jump 1990-1, 3 volumes @ Y460. All the cliches of Kujaku-Oh, with none of the good points, in a cyberpunk-like setting. Ogino's art became more stylised while he was working on this manga. Kujaku-Oh Taimaseiden $@9&?}2&!]B`Kb@;EA!](B - serialized on Young Jump 1991-3, 11 volumes @ Y500. A loose continuation of Kujaku-Oh. Taimaseiden started with the demon-hunt stories that characterised early Kujaku-Oh before it became an epic saga, but it also eventually became an epic saga. There are major continuity conflicts with the original Kujaku-Oh; for example, Kujaku supposedly lost his power when he and his twin sister (the Beast, 666) neutralized each other at the end of Kujaku-Oh, but he again used the power of Kujaku-Oh in volume 3 of Taimaseiden. Mao $B??5{(B - serialized on Young Jump 30, 1992. Mao is the name Kukai (the founder of Shingon Sect and Mt. Koya) used when he was young. Enraged by corrupt nobles and society, Mao quits college and becomes a Robin Hood-type rebel, but got captured by a general named Sakunoueno Tamuramaro. While being tortured, he's visted by a mysterious bodhisattva who gave a revelation regarding the ``True Path''. After the encounter, Mao sets out on a journey to find the one who can be his mentor. The manga adds lots of Ogino's creative imagination to the historical facts. (This is more or less Ogino's only decent post-Kujaku-Oh work, but it hasn't been published as a tankoubon yet.) Yasha Garasu $BLk:5rm(B - currently serialized on Young Jump, 1993-present, 7 volumes @ Y500. Another story revolving around a supernatural troubleshooter, Nachi Takeru, whose powers are based on Shinto traditions. The pilot episode was promising, but it rapidly went downhill. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Okazaki Takeshi $@2,:jIp;N(B One of a loose grouping of friends that includes CLAMP and Hagiwara Kazushi. Okazaki's art is strongly associated with the styles of those manga-kas, and also Asamiya Kia. He was also probably a part-time assistant of CLAMP at one stage. Okazaki has drawn numerous short stories and parodies (of SD Gundam, Final Fantasy, Project A-ko, etc), but few of these have been republished. ------------------------ Explorer Woman Ray - serialized on Nora, 1988-9, 2 volumes @ Y500. Derivative action-adventure stuff. Lyrical Karen-chan $@$+$l$s$A$c$s(B - published by Kadokawa Shoten, 1992, Y680. Karen is 175cm tall, too tall for her liking; and she cries easily. Elementalors $@@:Nn;H$$(B - currently serialized on Nora, 1990-present, 3 volumes @ Y800. From the volume 1 blurb: ``In ancient times, minds and spirits dwelled in all the materials on earth. At the end of a battle these minds dwelling in matter conquered the hostile matter of the enemy and mutiplied. Sacred wars gave birth to the elementalors. fierce battles between the elementalors raged continuously in the struggle to create a new utopia. ``Kagura is an elementalor reincarnated in the present! After a billion nights, the battles of the elementalors have returned... but only one can rule. Kagura's long, fiery trial is about to begin. Now!!'' Koi $BNx(B - written by Okawa Nanase, South, 1993, Y580. Okazaki remarked that he enjoyed drawing this manga because ``it is his true story''. However, Okazaki and Okawa's (implied?) partnership did not seem to last long past the publication of Koi. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Otomo Katsuhiro $@BgM'9nMN(B Otomo has also worked as an illustrator, TV commercial director, and character designer. Anime credits include Genma Taisen $B88KbBg@o(B, Koji Chushi Meirei $B9);vCf;_L?Na(B (in Meikyu Monogatari $BLB5\J*8l(B [aka Manie Manie]) and the title sequences of Robot Carnival. Otomo's manga has been inspired right from the start by the work of the French comic artist, Moebius (Jean Giraud). Currently, Otomo is believed to be working on a movie based on Giraud's best-known work, La Garage Hermetique [The Airtight Garage], featuring state-of-the-art computer animation. Dozens of SF and fantasy manga-kas have been very heavily influenced by Otomo's work - Aki Kyoma, Kinutani Yu, Oyama Akira $@Bg;3Nh(B, Tony Takezaki, and Sakaguchi Hisashi $B:d8}(B $B>0(B (the artist of Version, published by Ushio Shuppansha, 1991-2, 3 volumes @ Y900), to name a few. (born 1954, Miyagi, Miyagi-ken) ------------------------ Sayonara Nippon $@$5$h$J$i$K$C$]$s(B - serialized on Action, 1982, Y670. The experiences of two Japanese people who move to the US; one a judo teacher, the other a guitarist. Kibun mo Senso $B5$J,$O$b@oAh(B [aka Urge for War, Hard On] - serialized on Action, 1982, Y830. About three people involved in a fictional Sino-Soviet war. The work that brought recognition to Otomo in Japan. Domu $BF8L4(B - serialized on Action, 1983, Y810. In an apartment block, psychic battles rage between a little girl and evil, senile old man. A classic Otomo work, it was the first ever manga to win an SF literature prize. Hansel and Gretel $@%O%s%<%k$H%0%l!<%F%k(B - published by Sony Magazines, Y1600. AKIRA $@%"%-%i(B - serialized on Young Magazine, 1982-90, 6 volumes @ Y1200, anime comics 5 volumes @ Y690. In 2023, the teenage delinquent Kaneda and his motorbike gang ride through the streets of Neo-Tokyo. Kaneda's unstable friend, Tetsuo, is the subject of a secret military experiment which continues the work of the Akira project - a project which accidentally started WWIII years before. Tetsuo's new psychic powers lead to the revival of Akira, and Akira destroys Neo-Tokyo in a moment of fury. While Tetsuo carves an empire out of the ensuing chaos, his enemies - Kaneda, other psychics, and the US military - prepare to take him out. But Tetsuo's powers are increasing, and his ability to control them is decreasing... AKIRA achieved spectacular success in the West, due to the careful English adaptation of the manga and the technically dazzling anime movie. However, Japanese readers lost interest towards the end of the manga, and the final volume (whose ending slightly expanded on the original) took nearly three years to be published. In the meantime, the English version remained stalled at issue #33 for a number of years, apparently due to petty problems with the colorist. It has since resumed, but the translation quality of these last issues is extremely inadequate. #37 was a "tribute issue" by American artists. Some scenes were redrawn for the later issues of the English version, also. AKIRA Club - artbook published by Kodansha, 1995, Y3500. Contains pictures from all AKIRA-related merchandise. Kanojo no Omoide... $@H`=w$NA[$$$G!D(B [aka Memories] - published by Kodansha, 1990, Y980. Includes the color Farewell to Weapons, Planet Tako, Fireball (in some ways, the prototype for AKIRA), and other short mangas. The Legend of Mother Sarah $@:;N.Me(B art by Nagayasu Takumi $B$J$,$d$99*(B, - serialized on Young Magazine, 1990, 3 volumes @ Y1200. The Earth is rendered uninhabitable by war, and the population flees to orbiting space stations. Plans to make the Earth habitable again split the survivors into opposing groups, and Sarah loses her children when there is an exodus back to post-holocaust Earth. Each volume is the story of Sarah's efforts to be reunited with her children. Nagayusu's art is always technically impressive, but Otomo's story is cliched and dull. World Apartment Horror $@%o!<%k%I%"%Q!<%H%a%s%H%[%i!<(B art by Ima Satoshi $@:#IR(B, - serialized on Young Magazine, 1991, Y800. Yakuza vs. ethnic apartment residents. ZeD - art by Okada Tai $@2,EDBd(B, serialized on Mr. Magazine, 1991, Y550. The manufacturers of a hi-tech, fully-automated sickbed take an old man away from his nurse, so that they can showcase their product; however, the sickbed begins to run amok when they neglect the old man. An unusual and thoughtful piece. The manga is pretty scrappy, but the anime (known as Rojin Z is a nice piece of work (for which Otomo only did the mecha designs). Character designs were by Eguchi Hisashi $B9>8}!{;K(B, who is known for Age and Stop! Hibari-kun (published by Futabasha, 3 volumes @ Y1000). Otomo was a contributor to the debut issue of Comic Cue 1994, Eguchi's "alternative" yearly manga magazine. Highway Star $@%O%$%&%'%9%?!<(B artbook, - published by Futabasha, 1979. KABA - artbook, published by Kodansha, 1989. SOS Neo-Tokyo Exploration Party $B#S#O#SBgEl5~C58!Bb(B - published by Kodansha, 1995. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Ozaki Minami $@Hx:jFn(B Said to be the ``queen of dojinshi'', Ozaki Minami is one of the most eminent shojo manga-kas of the 4th generation of shojo-manga. Her debut work was Chuusei no akashi (Proof of loyalty), published in 1988 when she was only 20. The following year, her work 3 Days was published in Margaret No.6. (Both of these can be found in Zetsuai -1989- volume 5.) At the same year (1989), she started Zetsuai -1989- and became very popular. She is now working on the sequel, Bronze -Zetsuai since 1989-. In an interview, she said she had never previously thought of being a manga-ka. She describes herself as a wilful, negative, conservative, petty, gloomy, niggardly, nervous, forgetful, untruthful, anxious, asking-for-trouble, self-destructive, boring person. She drives a red Honda NSX. (She used to have a Black Toyota Supra.) Her favourite colours are blood-red and black. She thinks no colour in the world can compare to the beauty of the colour of blood. She likes eating fish, sweet food and hot food. She likes the brands Dunhill, Armani and Chanel. In terms of material things, she would like to own a Rolex watch, a Ferrari Testarossa, a Porsche 959 and a Mercedes Benz 500 SL. In terms of jewellery, she likes diamonds best. She likes thunder and lightning. She likes sakura, and white roses in a big bunch (at least 30). Her blood type is O. She is 158cm tall. She uses Zebra pens, normal ink and normal manga paper. For colour illustration, she uses Special Black pen, Dr. Martin ink BB Kent paper and Pantone screen tone. To draw colour work, the fastest she took was 3 hours. The longest was 3 days; she averages 6 hours each. (born 27 February 1968, Hiratsuka, Kanagawa prefecture) ------------------------ Zetsuai [Desperate Love]-1989- $@@d0&!]#1#9#8#9!](B - serialized on Margaret, 1989-91, 5 volumes @ Y390. Story about the intense love between popular idol singer, Nanjo Koji (male), and soccer player, Izumi Takuto (male). Passionate but full of despair, this manga has a very distinct style. Bronze -Zetsuai since 1989- - serialized on Margaret, 1992, 7 volumes @ Y390. The sequel/continuation of Zetsuai -1989-. Bad Blood - published by Shuueisha, 1992, Y500. Compilation of Zetsuai -1989- stories. Stories include Bad Trip, Bad Blood, Bad Drug, Nanjo Koji Version, Zodiac. There are more details on how Nanjo Koji first met Izumi Takuto, how he fell in love with him, and more information about Nanjou's family members. Nice format and good art quality of art. A must-buy for those who like Zetsuai -1989-! Zodiac - artbook, published by Shuueisha, 1991, Y2000. G O D - artbook, published by Shuueisha, 1992, Y1300. NEO Egoism - artbook, published by Gakushu Kenkyusha, Y1200. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Ozawa Satoru $B>._7$5$H$k(B Active during the mid 60s to early 70s. He retired some time ago (possibly due to illness). He has done some sports manga, but the ones that make him stand out are: ------------------------ Submarine 707 $@%5%U%^%j%s#7#0#7(B - serialized on Akita Shoten, 6 volumes @ Y1300. Ao no 6-go $B@D$N#69f(B - serialized on Akita Shoten, 3 volumes @ Y290. Both of these are basically submarine combat manga. Drawing styles are somewhat similar to Yokoyama Mitsuteru's later years. Excellent combat sequences and drama. Multiple sub-combats (kind of unrealistic now I know more about it, but it was great when I was a kid), funky looking subs, interesting weapon systems. He predates Matsumoto Leiji, who became synonymous with mech-battle manga in 70s. Although Ozawa draws better looking humans though, neither manga made it to TV. Perhaps some enterprising person will make an OAV. ``Better than The Hunt for Red October!'' ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Saito Takao $@$5$$$H$&!&$?$+$r(B Famous gekiga/action manga-ka, rising to fame in the '60s. ------------------------ Golgo 13 $@%4%k%4#1#3(B - published by Leed-sha, 197?-present, 94 volumes @ Y520. This classic work is about a mysterious assassin with the codename Golgo 13 (derived from Golgotha, the hill on which Jesus Christ was crucified). Golgo uses a sniper rifle to take out people of various non-Japanese races (and often of international political importance). Each volume has complete stories so you don't miss anything by not reading from #1--you only get bits and pieces of Golgo's identity in each volume anyway. Sample stories: #70: Nightmare--kills an Argentine traitor from the British-Argentine war Derby -- causes death of impure horse in 2,000 guinea derby, by order of QE2's underlings.... Psychic Weapon-- kills Yuri Geller-like person who defects to the Soviets and apparently causes telehypnosis of nuclear-silo personnel #78: Soviet spy satellite with atomic reactor falls near Golgo 13's hideout in Montana so he must deal with all the spies who come to fetch it; Soviet ballerina plans defection to West but KGB hires Golgo to stop her; (2 more stories) #81: stories about South Africa apartheid & heir to fortune of czar left in Western bank accounts #83: Ms. Florida's husband hires Golgo to prevent her from cheating on him; Francois Mitterand hires him to take out Syrian spy; prevents defection of Soviet journalist holding secrets about the Afghan war.... #85: mafia stuff; prevents Israeli spy from getting executed in Iraq; Hong Kong triad stuff. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Saruwatari Tetsuya $@1nEOE/Li(B Billed as manga's ``standardbearer of violence'', featuring super-realistic art; stories are often poorly-constructed excuses for his trademark scenes of extreme violence. Saruwatari is a big fan of US and Hong Kong action films. (born 1959) ------------------------ Riki-Oh $BNO2&(B - written by Takajo Masahiko $@Bk>"@/I'(B, serialized on Business Jump, 1988-90, 12 volumes @ Y500. In the late 1990s, society is descending into ecological collapse and totalitarianism. Most jails are run by corporations. Saiga Rikioh, 21, finds himself in jail after taking out a yakuza leader (who killed his girlfriend) - but he has studied Chinese internal martial arts, taught to him by one of Chiang Kai-shek's former bodyguards. Rikioh has a hexagram scar on his left hand, and his brother Nachi has a swastika scar. They were the selected offspring of experiments conducted on a Jewish enclave of Manchuria (established by the Japanese in WWII). Anyway, the story goes on for another 10 or so volumes, concluding at the South Pole, where Rikioh fights his father in the battle of Armageddon. Unquestionably Saruwatari's best manga, definitely a violence/action manga classic, made into OAVs and a category III Hong Kong film, The Story of Ricky (both terrible). The story is fairly mature and thought-provoking, at least compared to other mangas in the genre. Takajo Masahiko, the author, has written other strong martial arts-based mangas, Hong Lang $B9HO5(B and Lapis Lazuli $BN\M~(B, both on Young Sunday. The Hard $@%6!&%O!<%I(B - serialized on Business Jump, 1991-present, 14 volumes @ Y500. M60-toting Kenji Hado, known as ``the Hard'', pays his divorce bills by working in the US as a bounty hunter. Masseria, a ruthless and ambitious mafia boss, targets his family - starting with the Hard's father-in-law, a Don in the NY mafia. Hard's aim, while poor when sober, increases to 100% hit probability when drunk! This is Saruwatari's best original work. The short story N.Y. Dust, in volume 12 of Riki-Oh, was the prototype for The Hard. Dogsoldier $@%I%C%0%=%k%8%c!<(B - serialized on Young Jump, 1987-91, 12 volumes @ Y500. BAD POLICE - serialized on Shonen Champion, 1989, Y500. DAN-GAN - written by Kaji Kengo $@3a8&8c(B, published by Studio Ship, 1986-88, 5 volumes @ Y510. Ogon Taikaki $@2+6bB@9^5-(B story by Izawa Motohiko $@0fBt85I'(B, - published by Futabasha, 1988, 480. Jungle King $@%8%c%s%0%k!&%-%s%0(B - serialized on Bears Club, 1993, Y500. Damned $@%@%`%I(B - serialized on Young Jump, 1992-3, 3 volumes @ Y500. SOUL, 1985, 4 volumes @ Y460. Tsukai Abare Bun-ya $BDK2w$"$P$l%V%s20(B - irregularly featured on Business Jump Extra, 1992-present, Y500. Gakko Tekken-den Tough $B9b9;E47}EA%?%U(B - currently serialized on Young Jump, 1993-present, 7 volumes @ Y500. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Shibata Masahiro $@!{ED>;90(B ------------------------ Kuradharma $@%/%i%@%k%^(B - currently serialized on Young King, 1990-present, 13 volumes @ Y500. In short, it's 3x3 Eyes meets Urotsukidouji. But some "read it for its exciting story, sophisticated artwork, and intriguing mysticism"... Blue Sonnet $@%V%k!<%=%M%C%H(B - serialized on Hana to Yume, 19 volumes @ Y370. Blue Sonnet is highly recommended to anyone who loves great art, action (and violence), SF and complex plots. In a way, Blue Sonnet is one of the ultimate psychic action mangas. Sledge $@%9%l%C%8(B - published by Hakusensha, 1990, 2 volumes @ Y490. Burst $@%P!<%9%H(B - published by Taitosha, 1991, Y680. Psychic Traveller $@%5%$%-%C%/!&%H%i%Y%i!<(B - serialized on Hana to Yume, 1990, Y390. Missing Islands [?] $@%_%C%7%s%0%"%$%i%s%9(B - serialized on Hana to Yume, 1989, Y370. Feather Touch Operation $@%U%'%6!<%?%C%A%*%Z%l!<%7%g%s(B - serialized on Wings, 2 volumes @ Y480. Harrier $@%O%j%"!<(B - serialized on Hana to Yume, 1988, Y360. Death Trap $@%G%9!&%H%i%C%W(B - published by Taitosha, 1992, Y800. Anaesthesia Shrine $@Kb?g5\(B - published by Asahi Sonorama, 1993, Y800. Izuna $@%$%:%J(B - published by Akita Shoten, 1993, Y390. Red Fang $@9H$$2g(B - published by Hakusensha, 8 wide-ban volumes @ Y980. Love Synchroid $@%i%V%7%s%/%m%$%I(B - currently serialized on Comic Burger, 5 wide-ban volumes @ Y700. Meikai Shingyo Levi Door $@L=3&?M7A%l%t%#!&%I!<%k(B - serialized on Wings, 1990, Y490. Feathertouch Operation $@%U%'%6!<%?%C%A!&%*%Z%l!<%7%g%s(B - published by Scholar, 1994, 2 volumes @ Y750. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Shirato Sampei $@GrEZ;0J?(B Famous author of classic ninja mangas. (born 15 Feb 1932, debut 1957) ------------------------ Ninja Bugeicho $@G!{TIp7]D"(B - published by Shogakukan, 1959-62, 17 volumes. Ninja Bugeicho Kagemaru-den $@G&!{Ip7]D"1F4]EA(B - published by Shogakukan, 1993, 8 volumes @ Y1200. Kamui-den $@%+%`%$EA(B - published by Shogakukan, 1964-71, 21 volumes @ Y500. The story of a young boy growing up to become a ninja. His life of training ends when he realizes that he doesn't want to be a ninja and decides to become a nukenin (outlaw ninja), someone who is not affiliated with an organization and is hunted for leaving the clan. Kamui Gai-den $@%+%`%$30EA(B - published by Shogakukan, 1982-7, 12 volumes @ Y400. The continuing story of Kamui after he leaves the ninja clan. Sasuke $@%5%9%1(B - published by Shogakukan, 1961-7, 2 volumes @ Y1010. Sasuke is the story of a ninja child that starts right after the battle of Sekigahara where Tokugawa Ieyasu becomes shogun of Japan. Sarutobi Sasuke (Jump Like Monkey Sasuke) was a famous ninja in the employ of Sanada Daisuke who fought for the losing side against Ieyasu. He was believed to have committed suicide when he was trapped in a castle, but the story takes off that he really escaped and that Sarutobi is not a name of a ninja but a whole ninja clan. Watari $@%o%?%j(B - published by Kodansha, 1965, 5 volumes @ Y580. This story was about a ninja war, where the things they did were much more superhuman. It was made into a live action movie many years ago. Kogarashi Kushi, 1957. Kaze no Ishinoru, 1960. La pesca, 1967. Bacchus, 1976. Kamui Gai-den 2 $@%+%`%$EABh#2It(B - written by Okamoto Tetsuji $B2,K\E4Fs(B, published by Shogakukan, 1988-91, 8 volumes @ Y500. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Shimizu Reiko $@@6?eNh;R(B The first runner up of Puff magazine's New Artist Award in 1985. Her debut manga was Sansaro monogatari $B;0:5O)(B. ------------------------ Moon Child $@7n$N;R(B - published by Hakusensha, 1989-93, 13 volumes @ Y390. Story about 3 children, the offspring of a mermaid and a human. After they were born, they were grew up on another planet and they returned to the Earth in 1985. One of them lost memory in an accident. They also found out what happened to their clan, and had to save the Earth and the mermaids. Tenshitachi no shinkaron $@E7;H$?$A$N?J2=O@(B - published by Hakusensha, 1991, Y390. About a sexless robot, Alan, who won't die, won't grow old, and of course will never be able to reproduce. But it has superior intelligence and physical power, and also can communicate with animals. Alan suffers a lot because it lives with human, but it realises it can never live like a human. 22XX - published by Hakusensha, 1994, Y390. About a robot, Jack, who appears frequently in Shimizu's SF stories. He's a robot with very human-like psyche. He once believed that he was human and he can even consume food, unlike many of the other robots of those times. While performing bounty-hunting duties on a strange planet, he has a flashback to the time he believes he was human... ARIA - published by Hakusensha, Y1550. Ryu no nemeru hoshi $@N5$NL2$k@1(B - serialized on Hana to Yume, 1986-8, 5 volumes @ Y360. Papillon $B%Q%T%h%s(B - published by Hakusensha, 1994, Y390. Yume no tsudzuki $@L4$N$D$E$-(B - published by Hakusensha, 1989, Y390. Kaguyahime $B51LkI1(B - currently published by Hakusensha, 1994, 5 volumes @ Y390. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Shinohara Chie $B!{86@i3((B Aoi no fuuin $BAs$NIu0u(B - published by Shogakukan, 1992-4, 11 volumes @ Y390. This is a pursuit and discovery story, similar in flavor to Mai the Psychic Girl. The heroine is actually an oni-queen, though she doesn't believe it until volume 2. She gets energy by drainng it from other people, which I guess makes her something of a vampire. One of her pursuers becomes her protector. A friend of mine with no Japanese is picking it up for the artwork and visual story telling. [RMC] Umi no yami, Tsuki no kage $@3$$N0G!&7n$N1F(B - published by Shogakukan, 1986-91, 18 volumes @ Y390. Ryoko no Shinreijikenbo $@NM;R$N?4Nn;v7oJm(B - published by Shogakukan, 1988-91, 4 volumes @ Y390. Sanninme ga kieta $@#3?ML\$,>C$($?(B - published by Shogakukan, 1992, Y390. Yami no Purple Eye $B0G$N%Q!<%W%k!&%"%$(B - published by Shogakukan, 12 volumes @ Y370. Nani kaga yami de miteiru $@$J$K$+$,0G$G8+$F$$$k(B - published by Shogakukan, Y370. Houmonsha wa mayaju ni $BK,Ld!{$O??Lk(B - published by Shogakukan, Y370. Mokugekisha ni kyonara $BL\7b!{$K$-$g$&$J$i(B - published by Shogakukan, Y370. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Shirow Masamune $@;NO:@5=!(B Formerly a high school art teacher, Shirow (a pseudonym) started out drawing Black Magic M66 for a dojinshi anthology. He turned pro in 1985, after the first volume of Appleseed was well-received. He worked on the Black Magic M66 anime and hired an assistant, but Shirow found both arrangements unworkable and he settled down as a solo manga-ka. In 1990, Seishinsha launched Comic Gaia to showcase Shirow's work. It featured many Shirow-like artists, but it folded in mid-1993. His current manga projects are shared between at least three different publishers. Shirow's library includes magazines (he subscribes to a couple of dozen titles), books on biotechnology, military technology, mythology, cars, and artbooks; about half of these are imported. Apart from his work, his hobbies include window shopping and watching TV with friends. Shirow has expressed dissatisfaction with most popular Japanese SF anime and manga, although he cites Miyazaki, Otomo and filmmaker Terry Gilliam as important influences. (born 23 November 1961, debut 1982) See also: Randall Wood's Shirow homepage <http://www.acs.appstate.edu:80/~rw6946/Shirow/> ------------------------ Black Magic M66 $@%V%i%C%/%^%8%C%/(B - published by Seishinsha, 1986, Y880. Black Magic M66 E-conte $@%V%i%C%/%^%8%C%/#M#6#63(%3%s%F(B Seishinsha, 1986, Y1240. Dominion $@%I%_%K%*%s(B - published by Hakusensha, 1987, 2 volumes @ Y900. Sometime in the future, both crime and pollution proliferate in the cities. Leona is a member of the Tank Police, and loves her tank Napoleon over all else. Pitted against the Tank Police is the master criminal Buaku, and his cat-girl assistants. Dominion Conflict-shuu #1: No More Noise! $B%I%_%K%*%s(B $B%3%s%U%j%/%HJTBh#1OC(B - published by Seishinsha, 1995, 2 volumes @ Y900. New instalments of Dominion were published just before Shirow's magazine Comic Gaia folded in 1993. Buaku is on the loose again, and the Puma sisters join the Tank Police. Appleseed $@%"%C%W%k%7!=%I(B - published by Seishinsha, 1988-present, 5 volumes @ Y880. As the earth recovers from nuclear war, the utopian city of Olympus emerges as a powerful force. Controlled by a central computer called Gaia, and sparsely populated by synthetic humanoids called ``bioroids'', even utopia turns out to have its problems. Appleseed is the story of Deunan Knute and Briareos Hecatonchires, former outsiders who are now key members of Olympus' E-SWAT team. Appleseed Databook $@%"%C%W%k%7!=%I!&%G!=%?%V%C%/(B - published by Seishinsha, 1990, Y880. Includes a timeline, organisations of Olympus, character details, mecha designs, sketches, a substantial short story, and other bits and pieces. Comic Gaia-ban Appleseed Soushuuhen: Shirow Masamune Hypernauts $B%3%_%C%/%,%$%"HG%"%C%W%k%7!=%IAm=8JT(B $B;NO:@5=!%O%$%Q!=%N!<%D(B - published by Seishinsha, 1995. (?) Kokaku Kidotai $@963L5!F0Bb(B [The Ghost in the Shell] - irregularly featured on Young Magazine Kaizokuban, 1991-present, 1 volumes @ Y1000. Set in the near future, where information networks and direct neural interfaces are revolutionizing society. But the divisions of nations and races remain, and keeping the peace is the ``Shell'' mobile strike force. Major Kusanagi Motoko is an officer of the Shell's 9th division; she has a full cyborg body, which houses her living brain. Together with team leader Aramaki and fellow part-cyborg Bato, the 9th division takes on the terrorists of the information age. For the tankoubon, Shirow drew 36 additional color pages, many of which are "fade-ins" and "fade-outs" to the black and white pages. The plot is more or less episodic, with less of the twisting intrigue that characterises Appleseed, though there is a lot of difficult mecha/cyberpunk jargon. A second volume is planned; one new instalment was published in Young Magazine Weekly #26, 1992, with slightly revised character designs. An anime is also planned for release in late 1995. Illustrations to publicise the anime were published in the February 1995 issue of Young Magazine Kaizokuban. Senjutsu Chokokaku Orion $@@g=QD6963L%*%j%*%s(B Seishinsha, 1991, Y950. In the Yamata People's Empire, powerful technology is based solely on consciousness. Dr. Snake-eye has devised a `dharmaquation', which will release Kuturyu, a 9-headed dragon, to devour the planet's bad karma. However, the `dharmaquation' is incomplete, and by chance, the stellar navigator Seska becomes its 10th, evil component. The `dharmaquation' has already begun to manifest and Seska's father, Fuzen, desperately summons the destructive god Susa-no-Oo to counter it... While Orion is essentially a comedy manga, it contains some interesting ideas, incorporating elements from Taoist, Buddhist, Hindu and Shinto mythology. It can be enjoyed at face value, although many concepts will remain opaque to Western readers. Intron Depot $@%$%s%H%m%s%G%](B artbook - published by Seishinsha, 1992, Y2400. Includes all Shirow's color illustrations from 1981 to 1991. There is an extensive bilingual Japanese/English commentary. A sequel is not being planned (but is probably inevitable). Exon Depot $@%(%C%/%=%s%G%](B Seishinsha, 1992. A very short (no more than 20 pages) color manga, which remained unfinished with the demise of Comic Gaia. Neuro Hard $B%K%e!<%m%O!<%I(B - irregularly featured on Comic Dragon, 1993-1995. Subtitled Hachi no Wakusei $BK*$NOG@1(B [Planet of the Bee]. (Shirow has a keen interest in bees and wasps.) Not a manga, but a complete illustrated specification for an imaginary universe, listing personalities, politics, races, technology, locations, and much more. An interesting experiment, described by Shirow as ``e-conte''. Shirow fans in the West will enjoy the few pictures that are there, although they make no sense at all without following the highly dense, jargony, kanji-dependent text. Not enough instalments have been published to make up a tankoubon. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Sonoda Ken'ichi $@1`ED7r0l(B A prominent dojinshi artist who rose to fame as the character designer for OAVs such as Bubblegum Crisis, Burn Up, Gall Force, and Riding Bean. He's also done character designs for a Super Famicom strip-mahjong game. See also: World of Mega Tokyo <http://server.cs.jhu.edu/~vincie/megatokyo.html> ------------------------ Sonoda Ken'ichi Early Works Compilation Fuse Box $@1`ED7r0l=i4|:nIJ=8!V#F#u#s#e!!#B#O#X!W(B - published by Byakuya Shobo, 1990, Y980. A collection of Sonoda stories, with nothing really outstanding. Sonoda Ken'ichi Comic Selection $@1`ED7r0l%3%_%C%/%;%l%/%7%g%s(B - published by Bandai, 1991, Y1500. Gun Smith Cats - currently serialized on Afternoon, 6 volumes @ Y500. It's got decent action and story, but not outstanding comparing with others doing shoot-em-up-action-suspense mangas. This is like saying A.C. Green is an average NBA player; he can still kick butt playing street ball. Japan's got a lot of them, and not all of them well fed, I'm afraid. Garden Party - artbook, published by Bandai, 1992. Includes BGC, lots of Gall Force, Riding Bean, GSC, Otaku no Video, an interview, and annoated illustrations. Mechanical Operation $@%a%+%K%+%k%*%Z%l!<%7%g%s(B published 1992. A Samurai Pizza Cats dojinshi. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Takada Yuzo $@9bEDM5;0(B ------------------------ Suposhon Kids $@%9%]!<%7%g%s#K#I#D#s(B - written by Yakuma\&MAT, serialized on Young Magazine, 1988, 2 volumes @ Y480. Takada was apparently asked to include violent sex scenes; he joked that he didn't mind. Everyday is Sunday $@KhF|$,F|MKF|(B - published by Futabasha 1988-9, 2 volumes @ Y480, anime comics Y850. About policewoman Takashita Yumi, who when necessary can muster great strength, and a carefree stage magician, Ichidaiji Toru, who has nothing to do other than walking around (he is waiting for the World Master Magician to re-accept him as an apprentice). In each story, the magician tries to explain a little bit about the tricks used in stage magic. Toritsuki-kun $@%H%j%D%-$/$s(B - published by Take Shobo, 1991, Y560. A mah-jong manga, of no interest to those not familiar with Japanese mah-jong rules. Ban'no bunka Neko Musume $@K|G=J82=G-L<(B [The All-Purpose Cultural Cat Girl, aka Super Cat Girl Nukunuku] - published by Futabasha, 1993, Y2000. Yusaku is the top engineer for Mishima Heavy Industries, the company run by his wife, Akiko. Yusaku believes that Akiko is no longer capable of looking after his son Ryunosuke, and runs away with him. Akiko sends her minions after him, and a cat is badly injured in the chase. Yusaku puts the cat's brain in his powerful prototype android, which becomes Ryunosuke's `big sis', Nukunuku! She helps to defend Yusaku and Ryunosuke from Akiko and her increasingly outlandish mecha. Nukunuku was running in a magazine that folded shortly after the manga started, and the story wasn't long enough for one volume. After the successful OAVs were made, the character designer, Moriyama Yuji $@$b$j$d$^$f$&$8(B, finished off the manga so that a tankoubon could be published. See also: Super Catgirl Nuku Nuku homepage <http://www.cs.ubc.ca/spider/edmonds/anime/nuku.html> Sazan Eyes [3x3 Eyes] - currently serialized on Young Magazine, 1987-present, 20 volumes @ Y500, anime comics 4 wide-ban volumes @ Y790. Yakumo, a reasonably ordinary high school student, one day runs into Pai, a strange girl bearing a letter from his dead father. Pai is believed to be the last of the Sanjiyan Unkara, a 3-eyed race with the ability to grant immortality. Yakumo soon finds himself on the verge of death, but Pai saves him by making him her `Wu', a soulless, unkillable being. Pai wants to be human, and there are ways it can be done; Yakumo thinks it would be a nice to have his soul back, too. So the quest begins, ranging across many countries, Pai's mind and the ancient land of the Sanjiyans. Fair slices of action, humor, intrigue, H, and solid art and storytelling - it belatedly won Kodansha's 1993 best shonen/seinen manga award, more on the strength of the first few volumes than anything churned out in recent years. The quality of 3x3 degenerated visibly after around volume 11, when Takada began work on other major projects such as Blue Seed and the Nukunuku anime. Aien Kien $B9g1o4s1o(B - artbook, published by Kodansha, 1993, Y1950. This book's got a lot of colored Sazan Eyes illustrations, plus material from the days when he was a real green horn, and some CD jackets he has done for various Gundam-related merchandise. The last several pages of the book contains indexes and explanations of the illustrations much the same way Intron Depot contains Shirow's commentary, in both English and Japanese. Aokushimitama Blue Seed $BJK4q:2#B#L#U#E#S#E#E#D(B - currently serialized on Comic Gamma (Take Shobo), 1992-present, 3 volumes @ Y800, anime comics 5 volumes @ Y780. Ancient gods return to Earth. Much like early 3x3 Eyes in terms of form and content. There is a TV anime, based on the manga, which was the basis for the ``film comic''. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Takahashi Rumiko $@9b66N1H~;R(B ------------------------ Urusei Yatsura $@$&$k@1$d$D$i(B [aka Lum] - serialized on Shonen Sunday 1979-85, 34 volumes @ Y390, 15 wide-ban volumes @ Y680. Ataru Moroboshi, the unluckiest boy in the world, is randomly selected as Earth's champion to defeat an alien in a contest with the world at stake. A complete lecher, he agrees when he finds the contest is tag and the quarry is the beautiful alien princess Lum. After many humiliating misses (no one told him Lum could fly), his long-suffering, unnaturally-strong "girlfriend" Shinobu promises to marry him if he wins. He does, and declares that he will be married, which the aliens take as a proposal. So he ends up engaged to a jealous alien every boy desires, while chasing every other girl in town, not to mention the galaxy. The title is a pun. "Urusei" means "noisy/obnoxious" and "yatsura" is slang for "people". But Takahashi wrote "sei" as "star", so that "Urusei" could be read as "planet Uru". Thus, the title means both "Noisy people" and "Uru-planet people". See also: Urusei Yatsura homepage <http://www.coe.uncc.edu/~tecardwe/uy.html> Maison Ikkoku $@$a$>$s0l9o(B - serialized on Big Comics Spirits, 1987, 15 volumes @ Y500, 10 wide-ban volumes @ Y1100. A romantic comedy/drama about the residents of an old boarding house, centering on the relationship between Godai, a perennial ronin, and Kyoko, the widowed manager who hasn't let go of her late husband. See also: Maison Ikkoku homepage <http://www.math.ufl.edu/~smg/maison.html> Mermaid Series - 2 volumes, both Y1200, serialized on Shonen Sunday: Mermaid's Forest, 1989; and Mermaid's Scar $@?M5{$N=}(B, 1993. The story of Youta, a 500 year old "young man", and Mana, a 17 year-old girl. After eating mermaid flesh, they both became immortal. (At least two new stories have been published since the second compilation.) stories Rumick World $@$k!<$_$C$/$o!<$k$I(B - published by Shogakukan, 1990, 3 volumes @ Y710. The OAVs from this series include: Firetripper, about a girl who experiences a timewarp after an explosion; Warau Hyouteki [Laughing Target]; and The Supergirl. Ranma Nibunnoichi $@$i$s$^(B1/2 - irregularly featured on Shonen Sunday, 1987, 35 volumes @ Y390. Saotome Ranma is a martial artist whose training in China left him with a curse: he transforms into female when splashed with cold water, and back to male when splashed with hot. Other characters are similarly cursed (turning into pandas, cats, etc). He is engaged to Akane, the youngest of three daughters, and lives in her father's dojo (which he is supposed to inherit). The romance between Ranma and Akane has shades of Maison Ikkoku, but it's played primarily for laughs, and there are many parodies of martial arts fiction cliches. A volume of Ranma 1/2 anime comics is available: Eiga Ranma Nibunnoichi: Chomusabetsu kessen! Ranma Team vs. Densetsu no Hoo $@1G2h$@$i$s$^#1!?#2D6L5:9JL7h@o!*MpGO%A!<%`#V#SEA@b$NK1Q`(B - published by Shogakukan, 1994, Y800. See also: o Ranma 1/2 Expanded homepage <http://www.coe.uncc.edu/~tecardwe/ranma.html> o Ranma 1/2 People & Places List <http://www.princeton.edu/~qpliu/ranma_ppt.html> One Pound Gospel $@#1%]%s%I$NJ!2;(B - irregularly featured on Young Sunday, 1989-present, 2 volumes @ Y500. A light drama about a nun and a boxer. (It remains unfinished yet - four episodes have been printed on Young Sunday since volume 2, though they haven't been compiled into a tankoubon yet.) Takahashi Rumiko Masterpiece Collection: P's Tragedy $@9b66N1H|;R7f:n=8#P$NHa7`(B - published by Shogakukan, 1994, Y980. Contains most of Takahashi's recent short stories; the rest appear in 1 or W. The stories included are: 1. P no higeki [P's tragedy] Dad begs Mom to nurse a _real penguin, his company's mascot, for a few days, despite the "no pets allowed" rule enforced by the stern kanrinin (janitor) of their apartment building, who doesn't seem to like pets at all.. 2. Roman no akindo [Romantic merchant] A love/proposal/wedding affair, held in an old house, involving two "old" and "young" couples, whose protagonists somehow look like elder Akane and Ranma, quarelling all the time.. 3. POI no ke [Home of rubbish] A housewife keeps trashing her husband's souvenir items from his trips all around the world, bothering another family by putting them day after day at the wrong "trash" spot right in front of the other family's yard.. 4. Hachi no naka [Inside the pot] A housewife goes nuts when she realizes that the plants her neighbor gave her to water are planted into flowerpots made of.. human bones ?? Might they be her neighbor's mom's, who just passed away ??? 5. Hyaku nen no koi [A hundred years' love] An old lady dies in a hospital but suddently comes to life again, with unexpected ESP powers, to make things go smoothly between a boy and his girlfriend, the nurse in charge of the old lady, in memory of the old lady's own love who killed himself before her eyes, long ago.. 6. L size no shiawase [The happiness of large size] When the mother-in-law of her husband comes to live among them, a housewife realizes in horror that she's the only one to see a very tall ghost spirit, named "zashikiwarashi", who is supposed to look after households. Effectively, he will eventually prevent them from making a big mistake in the purchase of their new house.. [PJ] 1 or W - published by Shogakukan, 1995, Y1100. A compilation of 9 short stories (most dating from before 1990). The title story is about a lazy kendo boy, a girl manager of the kendo club who drowned and became a ghost, and an eccentric kendo teacher who has been drowned and intercepted her body. Other stories include Slim Kannon and Invitation to Takarazuka. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Takeuchi Naoko $@IpFbD>;R(B In September 1986, Takeuchi Naoko won Kodansha's 2nd New Manga Artist award with Love Call, published in Nakayoshi Deluxe. It was in 1991 that she decided to do something different for the seasonal Run-Run (billed as Nakayoshi's younger sister magazine). Takeuchi had an interest in live-action heroes and decided to create a masked girl who wore a variation of the Japanese schoolgirl's uniform, the serafuku $@%;!=%i!=I~(B (sailor suit). She called her ``Sailor V'' and she debuted in August 1991. This story became popular, and TV Asahi approached her, but wanted to have a team. She created a new lead, Sailor Moon. Sailor Moon debuted in the February 1992 Nakayoshi, winning the 17th Kodansha Manga Award in 1993. The TV anime came out March 6th 1992. Sailor V joins the team as Sailor Venus, but Takeuchi still writes new Sailor V material for Run-Run. Takeuchi has said that she most admires manga-kas who draw for weekly shonen magazines, and that she relieves stress by driving around in "Poru-poru-kun"... (born 15 March 1967, Yamanashi prefecture) ------------------------ Bishojo Senshi Sailor Moon $@H~>/=w@o;N%;!<%i!<%`!<%s(B [aka Pretty Soldier Sailor Moon] - currently serialized on Nakayoshi, 1992-present, 13 volumes @ Y390, anime comics 13+ volumes @ Y600. Tsukino Usagi learned from Luna, a myterious black cat, that she can transform into Sailor Moon. Sailor Moon teams up with Sailor Mercury, Sailor Mars, Sailor Jupiter and Sailor Venus, and they search for the Princess of the Moon, Serenity, and fight for love and justice against Queen Beryl, their enemy. Part 2: From Neo-Tokyo comes Chibi Usagi, the future daughter of Usagi and Mamoru, and she came to Earth to ask for Usagi's help to fight against Wiseman, who wiped out Neo-Tokyo. Part 3: The very cool Sailor Uranus, the very elegant Sailor Neptune and the very beautiful Sailor Pluto turn up! This manga has excellent art, very interesting story, is fun and easy to read, and has good sense of humour and style. Strongly recommended. See also: o We Love SailorMoon! <http://tahiti11.far2.cc.kanagawa-u.ac.jp/~ys360260/Sailor/Sailor.html> o Sailor Moon homepage <http://www.tcp.com/doi/smoon/smoon.html> Codename wa Sailor V $@%3!<%I%M!<%`$O%;!<%i!<%S!<(B - serialized on Run Run 1991-present, 2 volumes @ Y390. The prototype of Bishojo Senshi Sailor Moon. Sailor V explains the first encounter of Minako and Artemis, which had not been explained in the Sailor Moon manga. Now, Codename wa Sailor V regularly appears in Run-Run. Chocolate Christmas $@%A%g%3%l!<%H!&%/%j%9%^%9(B - published by Kodansha, 1988, Y370. Maria $@$^!&$j!&$"(B - published by Kodansha, 1990, Y390. The Cherry Project $@#T#h#e%A%'%j!=!&%W%m%8%'%/%H(B - published by Kodansha, 1991, Y390. Miss Rain $@%_%9!&%l%$%s(B - published by Kodansha, 1993, Y390. Bishojo Senshi Sailor Moon S: Utsukushii Kaguya Hime Densetsu $@H~>/=w@o;N%;!<%i!<%`!<%s#S!]H~$7$-$+$0$dI1EA@b!](B - published by Kodansha, 1994. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Tanaka Masasi $@EDCf@/;V(B Tanaka Masasi's manga is almost completely dialogue-free, but his dark, detailed line art - no screentone whatsoever, just pen, ink and crosshatching - tells the whole story. His work is characterised by over-the-top action and a black sense of humour. (born 10 July 1962, Gotsu, Shimane prefecture) ------------------------ Flash $@%U%i%C%7(B - serialized on Morning, 1986-90, 3 volumes @ Y750. Flash is a bandit from the wild west, a man of few words who comes out of extraordinary situations with the money and the girl, every time. The first volume seems like a bit of an experiment, but Tanaka has his technique well and truly sorted out by the third volume. The final story is The Junior, where Flash raises a baby dinosaur as his sidekick. (The dinosaur later spins off into his own manga, Gon.) Unidentified Prince Object U.P.O. $@L$3NG'%W%j%s%9J*BN(B - serialized on Morning, 1990, Y720. A prince singlemindedly pursues his princess, ploughing through Nazis, demons and medieval battlefields in the process. Not much plot here, but pretty amusing. Gon $@%4%s(B - serialized on Morning, 1992, 3 volumes @ Y530. A baby dinosaur, Gon, causes havoc throughout the animal kingdom. There's no dialogue at all; just about anyone should be able to pick this up and enjoy it. Samurai Daiboken $B;xBgKA81(B - serialized on Afternoon, 1991, Y800. Boken Victoria-go $BKA81%t%#%/%H%j%"9f(B - serialized on Morning, 1988, Y700. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Takemiya Keiko $BC]5\7C;R(B ------------------------ Tenma no Ketsuzoku $BC]5\7C;R(B - currently serialized on Asuka, 1992, 10 volumes @ Y390. This is a steppe nomad / fantasy story. Combat is both ninja and massed battle, but the swirling horse combat is done better than in Arslaan Senki. Magic is mostly psychic illusions and premonitions, though there is a "spirit plane" where strange things happen and strong psychics meet. This is a really nice historical novel, and the author has actually researched her subject. I can compare the armor to some of my historical books and say "yup, that's Persian, around 1450" or "that's Uighur". Many of the details are really similar to the "Secret History of the Mongols", one of the primary sources for the steppes. The story itself is shojo, revolving around a young woman who is the "ki" ("spirit"?) of the tribe, her romantic interest in the chief, her "milk brother"'s feelings toward her, and the negotiations required to forge the alliance between the tribes to create a steppe nation. A top-notch example of how beautiful open and airy shojo pages can be, with a story that's not a high school girl with love pangs. Terra E... $@CO5e$X(B - published by Kadokawa Shoten, 3 volumes @ Y700. A classic, though the anime is reportedly "terrible". Kaze to Ki no Uta $@Iw$HLZ$N;m(B - published by Chuokoronsha, 4 wide-ban volumes @ Y1400. "People blame Takemiya for starting a genre of homosexuality. But I think Kaze to Ki no Uta is different from any other "bishonen" mangas. The author of Pataliro is certainly influenced by Takemiya's work. When I finished reading Kaze to Ki no Uta, I couldn't stop crying...it's really good." [HHs] ------------------------ Other important works: Izuaron Densetsu $@%$%:%!%m!=%sEA@b(B - published by Shogakukan, 6 wide-ban volumes @ Y780. Pharaoh no haka $@%U%!%i%*$NJh(B - published by Kadokawa Shoten, 4 wide-ban volumes @ Y700. Watashi o tsuki tsuretette! $@;d$r7n$^$GO"$l$F$C$F!*(B - published by Kadokawa Shoten, 4 volumes @ Y680. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Tony Takezaki $@%H%K!<$?$1$6$-(B (a pseudonym) A graduate of an Osaka design school, Takezaki is a versatile manga-ka with a gross sense of humor. Major artistic influences include Otomo and Umezu Kazuo (there are also many homages/parodies of their work in his manga). Takezaki used to draw doujinshi based on Sonoda's work, and got his big break when he was comissioned to do the AD POLICE mangas. Takezaki also contributed to volume 2 of the Ariel manga anthologies. (born 15 July, 1963) ------------------------ AD POLICE 25:00 - published by Bandai, 1990, Y880. AD POLICE Ultimate City $@#A#D!&#P#O#L#I#C#E=*_aET;T(B - published by Bandai, 1990, Y880. Various stories inspired by the AD Police anime; there's some serious stories, and some extremely flippant ones. Unravelling brains, Leon in Osaka, perverted boomers, it's all there. 25:00 reads left to right, is bilingual (English/Japanese, with a wild English translation), and even has a hilarious Western-style `comic'. The anime bears little resemblance to the manga. See also: AD Police homepage <http://aix2.uottawa.ca:8880/adp.html> Dr. Kishiwada's Scientific Affection $@4_OBEDGn;N$N2J3XE*0&>p(B - currently serialized on Afternoon, 1991, 6 volumes @ Y530. The hero is Dr. Kishiwada, a brilliant but demented scientist, who creates bizarre mechs, battles the forces of evil, or just mucks about. There are many parodies of B-grade SF movies and TV. Crazy, slick and very funny. Genocyber $@%8%'%N%5%$%P!<(B - serialized on Comic Self, 1992, Y780. Bio-weapons on the loose. Perfunctory, run-of-the mill story cranked out as raw material for the anime industry. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Terasawa Buichi $@;{BtIp0l(B (A former Tezuka disciple?) ------------------------ Goku Midnight Eye $@%4%/%&(B - serialized on Comic Burger, 1988-92, 4 volumes @ Y500. Goku's name comes from Seiyuki (q.v.). He's a private detective, with a cyborg eye tied to the world's computer networks, and an expanding explosive staff. Sexist, stupid and now looking pretty dated, but still readable. Kimi mo Mac de Manga ga Kakeru $@7/$b(JMac$@$GL!2h$,IA$1$k(B (aka Den'no Manga jutsu $BEEG>L!2h=Q(B?) - published by Scholar, 1994, Y1500. How to use computers (Macintoshes) to create and color manga. Cobra $@%3%V%i(B - published by Shuueisha, 12 volumes @ Y1000. COBRA [CG version, no kana in title] - published by Shuueisha, 1995, Y1500. Cobra Girls - Terasawa Buichi Illust-kessakushu $@;{BtIp0l%$%i%9%H7f:n=8(B - published by Shuueisha, 12 volumes @ Y1000. Kabuto - published by Shuueisha, 1988, 2 volumes @ Y850. Takeru - serialized on Comic Burger, 1993, Y1500. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Tezuka Osamu $@!{DM!{Cn(B Often referred to as ``manga no kami-sama'' (``the god of manga''), [Image] whose importance to the world of manga cannot be overstated. Tezuka's first manga appeared when he was 20, while he was studying at university. He continued his studies and went on to become a qualified doctor; in the meantime, he kept drawing manga, borrowing ideas from many sources and pushing the medium forward. His innovation paid off, inspiring his contemporaries and catalysing the growth of today's vast manga industry. (Tezuka's personal contribution eventually amounted to over 150,000 pages.) Today, time has not diminished the impact of Tezuka's mangas, which are characteristically intelligent, mature and expertly told. His death was justifiably regarded as a national tragedy. Just prior to his death, some Japanese journalists suggested that he should be awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature. Only the most recent editions of Tezuka's mangas are listed here. Older printings can probably be obtained more cheaply. (born 3 November 1926, Osaka - 9 February 1989) ------------------------ Tetsuwan Atom $@E4OS%"%H%`(B [aka Astroboy, Mighty Atom] - published by Kodansha, 18 volumes @ Y570. Originally about a 100000hp robot in shape of a boy. Made into a phenomenally successful TV series in the early '60s, and remade into another TV series in the '80s. It even ran in newspapers for a while. Jungle Emperor $@%8%c%s%0%kBgDk(B [aka Kimba the White Lion] - published by Kodansha, 3 volumes @ Y520. Story of Leo the white lion. Achieved blockbuster success as a TV series, first Jungle Taitei, then Shin-Jungle Taitei and Shin-Jungle Taitei, Susume Leo. The TV serialization basically lost all the drama of the original, though. An article in the July 13, 1994 LA Times pointed out that there were many uncanny similarities between this manga and Disney's movie, The Lion King. Common elements include the basic story, the talkative bird, the wise old baboon, the evil hyenas, some names (Kimba/Simba, Claw/Scar), and a scene where clouds form the shape of the main character's dead father. It is also rumoured that the opening sequence to Kimba was printed and pinned up on the wall of some of Disney's studios while The Lion King was being animated, and that Simba was originally going to be white. Matsutani Takayuki, the president of Tezuka Productions Co., holder of the Jungle Taitei copyrights, said Tezuka would have been pleased by any borrowing, but considered The Lion King to be ``Disney's original work''. However, dozens of anime and manga personalities (eg. Satonaka Machiko) signed a letter of protest to Disney. Disney has declined to comment or disclaimed all knowledge through `anonymous employees'. See also: Tezuka's Jungle King and Disney's Lion King <http://bronze.ucs.indiana.edu:80/~tanaka/Tezuka_Disney/Tezuka_Disney.html> W3 $@%o%s%@!<%9%j!<(B - serialized on Kodansha, 3 volumes @ Y570. Story of 3 intergalactic agents sent to earth to investigate whether the Earth should be destroyed to save the galaxy from its barbaric ways. They disguise themselves as a rabbit (Colonel Bokko), a duck (Lieutenant Pukko) and a horse (Sergeant Nokko). Big X - published by Kodansha, 4 volumes @ Y570. The story of an heir to the secret formula of the Nazi V4 project and his struggle against a Neo-Nazi organization. (Apparently, current reprints don't contain all the original stories.) Vampire $@%P%s%Q%$%d(B - published by Kodansha, 3 volumes @ Y570. Contrary to what the title suggests, it's actually about Werewolves and werebeings. Heavily features Tezuka's two regular characters: Manabe Rokuro (Rock) and Hige Oyaji. The TV series had both live action and cel animation. Dororo $B$I$m$m(B - published by Kodansha, 4 volumes @ Y570. An unborn child's body is promised to a hundred monsters in exchange for power by a 16th century noble. The child grows up and start killing off the monsters to regain his missing body-parts (he is heavily prosthesized). Dororo is a hanger-on child of a brigand. A Knight with Ribbons $@%j%\%s$N53;N(B - published by Kodansha, 3 volumes @ Y570. One of the few Tezuka shojo-manga. The story is about this princess who has to pretend she is a man to prevent succession problems. Microid S $@%_%/%m%$%I#S(B - published by Kodansha. Small sized humanoids with insect wings attempt to destroy humans. (Or something like that.) Triton of the Seas $@B3$N%H%j%H%s(B - published by Kodansha, 4 volumes @ Y570. The manga wasn't all that popular, but the TV version became phenomenally popular, especially among teenage female anime fans. The last of the Triton tribe fights against the Poseidon tribe. Ambassador Magma $@%^%0%^Bg;H(B - published by Kodansha, 3 volumes @ Y?. Another short Tezuka series. This was made into a TV live action monster series (kind of like Ultraman) and was pretty popular. Hi no Tori $B2P$ND;(B [Firebird] - published by Kodansha, 1977-80, 13 volumes @ Y600. Tezuka's most profound and ambitious work, dealing with man's quest for immortality, ranging from the distant past to the far future. It remains unfinished. Black Jack $B%V%i%C%/!&%8%!%C%/(B - serialized on Shonen Champion, 12 volumes @ Y1000. Medical Manga. Black Jack is an illegal but talented surgeon. He is in conflict with the conservative medical establishment, for using radical and supernatural techniques to combat rare afflictions. One of Tezuka's most outstanding titles, whose basic premise has been extensively copied. Adolf ni Tsugu $@%"%I%k%U$K9p$O(B [Aufruf an Adolf!, I announce to Adolf] - published by Bunshun Bunko, 1992, 5 volumes @ Y500. ``This is a story about three men named Adolf. Although each led different lives, they were tied to one another by a single string called destiny. Now that the last Adolf has died, I would like leave this story to our sons. My name is Sohei Toge..... the main supporting role and narrator of this story....'' Some netters have given this a `6 out of 5' rating. ``It has one of the most compelling plots in the history of manga. It is Tezuka's masterpiece, and one I'd recommend to anyone... provided they have a translation to go with it... If you can understand Japanese and have the money, just go out get this... It's worth it.'' Crime and Punishment $B:a$HH31Q8lHG(B - translated by Frederik Schodt, published by the Japan Times, Y1030. An adaptation of Dostoevsky's classic work. The Japan Times edition is in English, with Japanese footnotes; the intended audience is Japanese, but as a language learning tool, it should be just as useful to Westerners. Nanairo Inko $@<7?'$$$s$3(B - published by Akita Shoten, 5 volumes @ Y500.> Kuuki no Soko $@6u5$$NDl(B - published by Akita Shoten, Y1000.> ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Tagami Yoshihisa $@$?$,$_$h$7$R$5(B (debuted 1978) ------------------------ Nervous Breakdown - currently serialized on Nora, 1990-present, 10 volumes @ Y520. Ando, weak but sharp-minded, forms a detective company with him as the president. His office has five people, including a former police detective in his 50s; Miwa (airheaded but strong); and another very rich woman, who loves Ando (like Miwa). Mostly, they are short stories, with the only continuity being the women fighting over Ando. All the characters are drawn superdeformed, but it doesn't suffer for it. It is funny in places, but despite the SD, the stories are serious. Pepper - published by Akita Shoten, 1991, Y1800. A western, set in the US. Horonichi $@LGF|(B - serialized on Shonen Captain, 1987, 5 volumes @ Y380. Waga ga na wa Okami $@2f$,L>$OO5(B - published by Akita Shoten, 1987, 2 volumes @ Y1000. Fighter $@%U%!%$%?!<(B - published by Hakusensha, 1990-1, 4 volumes @ Y490. Karuizawa Syndrome $@7Z0fBt%7%s%I%m!<%`(B - published by Shogakukan, 1990-1, 5 volumes @ Y780. Yokaisenki $@ME2x@o5-(B - serialized on Shonen Captain, 1994, 2 volumes @ Y530. Fedaain $@%U%'%@!<%$%s(B - serialized on Shonen Captain, 1994, Y520. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Togashi Yoshihiro $@IZ3_5AGn(B ------------------------ Yu Yu Hakusho $@M)!zM7!zGr=q(B [aka Astral Visit Report, The Poltergeist Report] - serialized on Shonen Jump, 1991-4, 19 volumes @ Y390, gekijo version Y690. The worst kind of bad boy, Urameshi Yusuke, died when he accidentally saved a child. But his death was so unpredictable that even Enma, the judge of the dead, can't decide whether he must go heaven or hell. He goes on a quest to decide his destiny. An enormously popular occult/comedy manga, which became an enormously popular dragged-on fighting manga under typical Shonen Jump pressures. Ten de Seiaku Cupid $@$F$s$G@-0-%-%e!<%T%C%I(B - published by Shueisha, 1990, 3 volumes @ Y500. Okami nante kowaikunai!! $@O5$J$s$FI]$/$J$$(B!! - published by Shuueisha, 1989, Y370. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Toriyama Akira $@D;;3(B $@L@(B His manga, full of goofy characters and generally aimed at children, have been wildly successful. Toriyama has worked on two anime in 1990 (one was Pink). In addition, he has has done graphic design work for video games such as Toruneko no Daiboken, Chrono Trigger and most notably Dragon Quest, which was later animated. A Dragon Quest manga based on the game appeared (currently serialized on Shonen Jump, written by Sanjou Riku $@;0>r(J $@N&(B and drawn by Inada Koji $B0pED9@;J(B, 1990-present, 23 volumes @ Y390); Toriyama has nothing to do with it. See also: Dragon Quest homepage <http://cent1.lancs.ac.uk/TB/dragon_quest.html> ------------------------ Dr. Slump $@%I%/%?!<%9%i%s%W(B - serialized on Shonen Jump, 1980, 18 volumes @ Y360. A series of strange stories (sometimes building on each other) about a silly mad inventor, and his young-girl robot, Arare. Non-stop puns, toilet humor, and sex jokes. It was wildly popular in Japan, and brought him into prominence. The decision to animate Dr. Slump was taken 5 weeks after the manga started, setting a new record. A manga called Dr. Slump Arare-chan $B#D#r%9%i%s%W%"%i%l$A$c$s(B (published by Shuueisha, 1993, Y690) has since been released, and a color serialization is currently running on Virtual Jump. Sakugekijo $@:n7`>l(B - serialized on Shonen Jump, 1983, 2 volumes @ Y360. A work that came out after Dr. Slump had started, but before Dragon Ball. Shows exactly the same kind of twisted bathroom humor as Dr.Slump, but with some of the combat sequences that appeared later in Dragon Ball. Has many of the same character designs, but with a slightly different storyline. Dragon Ball - serialized on Shonen Jump, 1985-1995, 42 volumes @ Y390. An RPG arcade game-style series with Son Goku searching out the location of the seven powerful Dragon Balls. When they are brought together, the balls will grant the possessor one wish. Lots of toilet and sexual humor, and later on, loads of action. Very silly, but addictive, and lots of fun. ``Hey, I know this sounds odd, but Toriyama Akira should be given credit for his unique artwork and designs... and the story is pretty good if you just read the first three volumes or so... (actually, it ain't that bad until you get past vol.12 or somewhere around there.)'' ``I actually liked it more after it got more serious. It seemed too much like Dr Slump in the beginning - I liked Dr Slump, but I was expecting something more different. One thing I love about DB is watching Gokuu grow up and I actually liked that `enemy character even stronger than the last' thing. I think though, that Toriyama should have ended it after the Freeza battle. I mean, Freeza was the strongest in the universe and Gokuu beat him. (Vegeeta was supposed to be the strongest when he first appeared but I kinda figure that was just his ego talking) After that, what can you do? The cyborgs and Sel (Cel?) are a real letdown after Freeza.'' Toriyama abruptly ended it in Shonen Jump #25, 1995, just as a new tournament was about to begin. In a situation which could have been a straight replay of Togashi Yoshihiro's Yu Yu Hakusho ending, Toriayama humbly explained to readers that he'd had enough and he couldn't take it any more. Toriyama Akira's Awkward Manga Laboratory $BD;;3L@$N!{!{$C$TL!2h8&5f(B - published by Shuueisha. A "how to draw manga" instruction book - will be of little use to those not enamoured with Toriyama's style. Toriyama Akira Marusaku gekijo $@D;;3L@!{:n7`>l(B - published by Shuueisha, 1983, 2 volumes @ Y360. Dabu and Peter One - serialized on Virtual Jump, 1992. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- U-jin $@M7?M(B U-jin (a psuedonym) can be translated as `Play Person'. A controversial, well-known H artist, with a ``wide artistic envelope'' and a distinctive style. ``A very brilliant sicko, he has an uncanny ability to make very cute characters do very sick things.'' Apart from his manga work, he has done character design for anime and computer games. (born 15 June 1959) ------------------------ Angel currently - published by Cybele Shuppan, 1993-present, 7 volumes @ Y500. Due the general backlash against pornographic manga that began around 1991, Angel was pulled off the shelves for a while. However, it has since been reprinted, completely unaltered, with the addition of random dot stereograms, and two new volumes have been released in addition to the five - serialized on Young Sunday. Juliet - serialized on Young Sunday, 1992, 3 volumes @ Y500. U-jin Brand $@M7?M%V%i%s%I(B - published by Studio Ship, 1991, 6 volumes @ Y500. Frogman $@%U%m%C%0%^%s(B - published by Leed-sha, 1993, 3 volumes @ Y500. Walking On $@%&%)!<%-%s%0%*%s(B - serialized on Morning, 1992, 2 volumes @ Y480. Nankyoku 28-go $@Fn6K#2#89f(B - published by Scholar, 1994, 530. Visionary $@%t%#%8%g%J%j!<(B - published by Cybele Shuppan, 1994, 10 volumes @ Y580. U-June $@M7%8%'%s%L(B - published by Shufu Tomosha Hatsubai $@!{IX$NM'!{H/Gd(B, 1994, Y2800. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Urasawa Naoki $@1:BtD>!{(B Urasawa does not have the most versatile character design ability, but he has a great mastery of comic expression and serious tension-building. (born 2 January 1960) ------------------------ Pineapple Army $@%Q%$%J%C%W%k#A#R#M#Y(B - written by Kudou Kazuya $@9)F#$+$:$d(B, published by Shogakukan, 1986-8, 10 volumes @ Y460. An ex-military man trains others to defend themselves, on the condition that he never gets involved himself. But he always does, anyway. The stories always have a nice twist to the plot, are well-written, and have great artwork. YAWARA! - serialized on Big Comic Spirits, 1987-93, 29 volumes @ Y500. Judo romance comedy. About a judo-champion girl who wants to have fun just like other girls, and her strict grandfather who wants her to triumph in Judo tournaments. See also: Yawara Manga Summaries <http://www.tcp.com/doi/yawara/yawara.html> Master Keaton $@#M#A#S#T#E#R!!%-!<%H%s(B - written by Katsuhika Hokusei $@1:BtD>!{(B, serialized on Big Comic Original, 1992, 18 volumes @ Y500. The main character is this guy who's half Japanese, half English. He's a lecturer at a university, and is an archaeologist... but then again, he works as an operative/detective for Lloyds of London. He used to be in the SAS and is a veteran of the Falklands War, and was one of the members of the Iran Embassy incident... it's Indiana Jones + Pineapple Army + some other things rolled together. If you liked Pineapple Army, you'd like it. Urasawa Naoki Tampenshu NASA $@1:Bt!{!{C;JT=8!!#N#A#S#A(B - published by Shogakukan, 1988, Y480. Urasawa Naoki Tampenshu Jigoro! $@1:Bt!{!{C;JT=8!!#J#I#G#O#R#O#!(B - published by Shogakukan, 1994, Y500. Happy! - published by Shogakukan, 1994, 7 volumes @ Y500. Monster - published by Shogakukan, 1995, 2 volumes @ Y500. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Umezu Kazuo $@G`?^$+$:$*(B A famous manga-ka who has influenced the entire horror manga genre. ------------------------ 14 $@#1#4:P(B - serialized on Big Comic Spirits, 1991-1995, 20 volumes @ Y500. In the near future, the world is bleak and heavily industrialised. One day, a scientist finds that a lump of chicken meat (in an experimental vat) is becoming sentient. The lump eventually grows into Chicken George, who seeks revenge on humanity for their mistreatment of animals. But he falls in love with a human girl. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Wada Shinji $@OBED?5Fs(B An old-style action manga-ka. His main characters are women, and he draws for a shojo audience. ------------------------ Sukeban Deka $@%9%1%P%s7:;v(B - serialized on Hana to Yume, 21 volumes @ Y350. Mainly about an agent named Asamiya Saki fighting various evil organizations. Her main weapon (and trademark) is a yo-yo. The one OVA is supposed to be more closely tied to the original premise. Mystery Thief Amaririsu $@2xEp%"%^%j%j%9(B - currently serialized on Hana to Yume, 1991, 13 volumes @ Y390. Amaririsu is a super thief, whose real name is Shizaki Nana (a high school student). Nana wears a wig in her non-thief identity. She can disguise herself, is extremely athletic, highly skilled, and a determination to always end up on top. The stories are about her life and adventures. Her mother is Shizaki Yukino, a retired thief who went by the title Kaito Narushisu. Another character named Sugar is an inventor/technician/helper who makes sure Nana has the equipment she needs to succeed. In volume 3, there is a change in direction of the story (which is spoofed by the artist/author in the title frames), in which Nana gets a job as an idol singer with the title Flower Dream Nana (she has a trick wand too). ------------------------ Other important works: Pygmalion $@%T%0%^%j%*(B - published by Hana to Yume, 1990, 27 volumes @ Y390. Asagi iro no Densetsu $@$"$5$.?'$NEA@b(B - published by Hana to Yume, 1990, 4 volumes @ Y390. Supergirl Asuka: Kyuseishu no chi $@D6>/=wL@F|9a(B $B5_@$!{$N7l(B - serialized on Hana to Yume, 2 volumes @ Y390. Kami ni sei muketa otoko $@8~$1$?CK(B - written by Hamada Shoko $@IMEDfF;R(B, currently published by Hakusensha, 5 volumes @ Y490. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Yamamoto Naoki $@;3K\D>$-(B (aka. Moriyama Tou $@?9;3Ec(B, Touyama Mori $@Ec;3(J $@?9(B; born 1 February 1960, Hokkaido; blood type AB) Debuted in 1984 using the alias "Moriyama Tou", and began his career as a lolicom specialist. In 1986 he started to use his real name, and debuted in Big Comic Spirits with Happa 64. He also spent time as character designer for some of the Cream Lemon episodes. Generally when using the name "Moriyama" or "Touyama", his works are considered H. But when he used his real name Yamamoto, the works are considered adult oriented. Despite its sexual and violent content, Yamamoto's manga actually presents a very strong viewpoint on social issues. The sex and violence are merely disguises. His favorite character is Suzuki Ichirou (from Arigato), the Suzuki clan's loving father who does everything right but winds up as a victim. When Yamamoto draws manga, he uses a Quadra 700 computer, a Agfa Arcus scanner, a Unity Lazermaster 1200XLJ, and an Apple 21" monitor. Yamamoto's hobby is music. He plays the guitar. ------------------------ Yoiko no Seikyouiku $@$h$$;R$N@-650i(B - published by France Shoin?, Y800. Various tales of high school sex, mostly rapes. Shocking. Pengin H $@%Z%s%.%s#H(B - published by Fujimi Shuppan, 1986, Y800. A libertine artist couple and their adventure. Here, sex and art-literate lives all mix together...interesting point of view on Bohemian lifestyle. Blue $@%V%k!<(B - published by Yukitachisha, 1991, Y1200. (Once the subject of a ban.) Happa 64 $B$O$C$Q#6#4(B - published by Shogakukan, 1986?, 3 volumes @ Y1000. Gomen ne B-Boy $@$4$a$s$M#B%\!<%$(B - serialized on Comic Burger, 1988, Y480. Assate Dance $@$"$5$C$F#D#a#n#c#e(B - serialized on Big Comic Spirits, 1990, 7 volumes @ Y980. Young & Fine - seriazlied on Action, 1992, Y750. The story about a strange relationship between an immoral high school student and his alcoholic female teacher who has a dark past. Depressing view of life. Bokura ha minna iki teiru $@KM$i$O$_$s$J@8$-$F$$$k(B - written by Isshiki Noboyuki? $@0l?'?-9,(B, serialized on Big Comic Spirits, 1993, 4 volumes @ Y500. Yume de aimashou $@L4$G0)$$$^$7$g$&(B - published by Koubunsha, 1993, Y800. Kamoshida-kun - fight! $B$+$b$7$@7/!&%U%!%$%H!*(B - published by France Shoin, 1993, Y450. Koke Dish $@$3$1%G%#%C%7%e(B - published by Shogakukan, 1994, Y500. Manatsu no omoide $B2F$N;W$$=P(B - currently published by Shogakukan, 1994, Y1000. Kyoku metekamoshida $@6K$a$F$+$b$7$@(B - currently published by Shogakukan, 1992, 5 volumes @ Y450. Arigatou $@$"$j$,$H$&(B - currently published by Shogakukan, 1994, 3 volumes @ Y500. A depressing story about how a Japanese family's family life goes wrong: an immoral protagonist, her sister who was gang raped before, her alcoholic mother who later devoted her life into a cult, and her father (Suzuki Ichirou) who lost flavor with his Kaisha....full of sexual content and highly violent. Yamamoto uses sex and violence to disguise the social issues (traditional family values, Japanese education system and Japanese political system) he criticizes. An eye opener and highly recommended. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Yano Kentaro $BLpLn7rB@O:(B ------------------------ Network Warrior $@%M%C%H%o!<%/@o;N(B - serialized on Comic Nora, 1991, Y550. If Usenet had a manga, this would be it. The stories within the story are loosely connected by common characters, the heroes, and the mysterious "D". Network Warrior is like Tron meets Vagrant, and unlike the latter, this story actually makes sense. Not a spectacular piece by itself, but it makes it makes a nice warm-up for the other Yano Kentaro titles. Jashin Densetsu [Elder Gods Legend series] $B!{?@EB@b%7%j!<%:(B> - currently serialized on Comic Nora, 1992-present, 5 volumes @ Y520. The stories in this series are very loosely connected. There are no regular characters except the four Demon Gods, which probably weren't Yano's creation anyway (the man is obviously heavily inspired by H.P. Lovecraft). This is not a drawback, however, as the lack of regulars gives the author the freedom to create/kill-off his characters, and thus a real sense of danger for them. One of the short stories, Dark Mermaid, stands out as a particular masterpiece. The rest of the stories are no less interesting either. There are occasions, however, when a plot twist seems artificial just to achieve convenient dramatic effects. Yano also employs a liberal amount of female nudities during important scenes - just so to keep your attention on the page, although explicit sex never occured in this manga. Given the kind of people who read Comic Nora, however, these tactics are useful and often necessary. Yano seems to possess a lot of creativity, even though he seems to have trouble focusing it. Coherent or not, Yano's stories can still be very involving. This is another series I would recommend manga lovers to look into. (Titles: Lamia, Dark Mermaid, Last Creator, Confusion, Re Verse). Onigariju $@54!{=C(B - serialized on Business Jump, 1988-90, 2 volumes @ Y600. Top wo Nerae! Next Generation $@%H%C%W$r$M$i$(!*%M%/%9%H!&%8%'%M%l!=%7%g%s(B - published by Bandai, Y980. Neko ja nai mon! $@%M%3$8$c$J$$$b$s!*(B - published by Shueisha, 1991-92, 11 volumes @ Y800. Arbe Z - published by Rapport, 1992, Y500. Yano Kentaro Sakuhinshu Oma-ju $@LpLn7rB@O::nIJ=8(B $@%*%^!<%8%e(B - published by Rapport, 1992, Y500. Injudicacies $B%$%s%8%e%+!<%7%9(B - serialized on Rapport, 1994, 3 volumes @ Y500. Bust shot $@%P%9%H%7%g%C%H(B - serialized on Akita Shoten, 1994, 3 volumes @ Y500. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Yasunaga Koichiro $@0B1J9R0lO:(B Yasunaga was the pioneer of some now-abused comedic devices, such as the inappropriate use of nigori $BBy$j(B (voiced consonant marks that look like backward apostrophes). ------------------------ Kenritsu chikyu boeigun $B8)N)CO5eKI1R73(B [Prefectural Earth Defence Force] - serialized on Shonen Sunday Monthly, 1984, 4 volumes @ Y350, out of print. Hysterical, nonsensical farce about three highschool students defending their neighbourhood from Chirusonia, the ultimate incompetent bad guy. An OVA was wade; the manga is at least as funny, if not funnier, and it's longer. Kyonyu Hunter $@5pF}%O%s%?!<(B [D-Cup Hunter] - serialized on Shonen Sunday Monthly, 1990, 2 volumes @ Y500. The heroine's boyfriend says, ``I just can't love a girl with small breasts!'', dumps her, and she snaps. She then goes around disguised as the ``Kyonyuu Hunter'' (stuffing her bra for the role), collecting breast-prints of women who use their large breasts for evil purposes. Incredibly stupid, pretty funny. The two volumes are labeled `left side' and `right side'. Rikugun Nakano Yobiko $@N&73CfLnM=Hw9;(B [Nakano Army Prep School] - serialized on Shonen Sunday Monthly, 1986-present, 6 volumes @ Y360. It's a lot like Boeigun in its characters and concept. Boeigun is a lot wilder and funnier, though. Kaitei Jinrui Anchovy $@3$Dl?MN`%"%s%A%g%S!<(B - currently serialized on Shonen Sunday Monthly, 1993-present, 4 volumes @ Y500. The story of Denka, a 14-year old boy who wakes up one morning to discover webbing between his fingers, and gills on his neck. His father then tells him that Denka was given to him by the princess of the sea, for safe keeping until the day came when the boy was to return to the ocean. Well, today is the day, and Denka (human name is Aramaki, a kind of rice cracker,) is forcibly kicked out of the house to face the world on his own. He teams up with a rather dense merman whose job it is to teach Denka how to behave as a sea-kingdom prince, and has to face the wrath of Okiamisu (the merwoman currently running the sea-kingdom of Anchovi,) and her henchmen (including one dense guy named Eel.) In later chapters, Denka returns to school, and everyone there has to put up with the continued attacks launched by Okiamisu. Near the end of the book, Denka learns how to disguise his merman features, and the story then turns into a normal high school sit-com which pits him against a very ardent, but incompetent female ninja. [CH] Ganjo Ningen Spartacus $B4h>f?M4V%9%Q%k%?%+%9(B - currently serialized on Shonen Captain, 1994-present, 3 volumes @ Y520. About the ultimate in physical perfection, one girl's mission to gain a `Gold jacket' (ascension by beating the owner up!) Very funny, and a big improvement over Anchovy. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Yokoyama Mitsuteru $B2#;38w51(B A prolific writer in the 60's, and a contemporary of Tezuka. His early works are visibly inferior to Tezuka's works of the time, though he did improve a lot. Over the years, Yokoyama has authored dozens of titles; only a few are listed here. ------------------------ Tetsujin #28 $BE4?M#2#89f(B - published by Akita Shoten, 10 volumes @ Y380. A popular series about the same time as Tetsuwan Atom (early 60s). Decidedly inferior drawing. Still, the pioneer of the controllable giant robot class. Made into a B\&W TV series, and later spawned off a remake/ continuation TV series. Black Ox rules! This manga decidedly made Yokoyama into a big name. Iga no Kagemaru $B0K2l$N1F4](B - published by Akita Shoten, 15 volumes @ Y380. One of the original ninja series, with slightly better art than its competitors. Unlike Shirato Sampei's stuff, this series is definitely manga-like rather than gekiga-like. The story is basically about a group of ninjas who are in the shogun's employ, and they fight other ninjas who are working for rebellious factions. Kamen no ninja Akakage $B2>LL$NG&!{@V1F(B - published by Akita Shoten, 3 volumes @ Y380. This manga marks an improvement Yokoyama's drawing ability. Similar generic theme to the above, except the Akakage (red shadow) was a hida-ninja and worked for Toyotomi Hideyoshi. Most of the stories are of multiple member ninja groups fighting each other (and most of them die). Made into a live action TV series around the same time (kind of stupid with lots of monsters, but I liked it). Remade into an anime in the late '80s. Giant Robo Protracted series that was finished before it got interesting. Basically an espionage story concerning the BF group who made 3 giant robots GR1, 2 and 3 which were supposed to be unbeatable in land, water, air respectively. They lose GR1 and story gets complex after that. Made into a silly live action TV series Susume Gianto Robo, and recently remade into an OAV with a more original story and characters. Babel ni-Sei $@%P%S%k#2@$(B - published by Akita Shoten, 11 volumes @ Y380. This went on forever! Describes the battle between Yomi and Babel ni-sei, the latter being a student plucked from his home and trained to be the master of the tower of babylon (Babel no toh). Featuring lots of paranormal powers, this highly influential manga was the precursor of titles such as Locke the Superman. The name is 101 $@$=$NL>$O#1#0#1(B - published by Akita Shoten, 3 volumes @ Y1200. A young boy breaks into a research lab and destroys some samples. It turns out that he is a powerful esper. A secret organization had somehow obtained some of his blood. The blood sample was labeled "From test subject #101." Hence the title of the manga. His blood, when injected into other people, will cause the manifestation of psychic powers. The boy finds out about this and destroys the blood samples, but is too late. There have been already many psychics created, and they are evil. It's him against the organization. Sangokushi $@;09q;V(B - published by Ushioshuppansha, 1970s-1988, 60 volumes @ Y370, 41 wide-ban volumes @ Y480. A fairly straightforward retelling of the Romance of the Three Kingdoms epic. There is an accompanying encyclopedia, Sangokushi Jiten $@;09q;V;vE5(B (Ushioshuppansha, Y500). There are numerous manga versions of this epic; Yokoyama's is but one of them. Koha to Ryuho $@9`1)$HN-K.(B - published by Ushioshuppansha, 1990, 15 volumes @ Y390. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Yuki Masami $@$f$&$-$^$5$_(B Before appearing on Shonen Sunday with {Kyukyoku Chojin R, he was known as an anime-parody manga artist. He is a well-known Tomino otaku and most of his parodies were on Gundam and other Tomino works. ------------------------ Assemble Insert $@%"%C%;%s%U%k!&%$%s%5!<%H(B - published by OUTC, Y620. A truly inspired parody of the super-powered crime fighter genre. Most of the character designs are caricatures, with a noticible absence of noses. Full of in-jokes, and constant references to itself as anime. The hero is a 14 (or so) year-old girl with super strength, who has been enlisted by the police force to entertain the populace while they wreak havoc fighting the ``Demon Seed'' crime organization. The Ultimate Superman R $@5f6KD6?M$"!A$k(B - published by Shonen Sunday, 9 volumes @ Y370, 4 wide-ban volumes @ Y680. Yuki Masami's first major work. Due to the high content of in-jokes, this manga might be hard to understand, but for those who have grown up with manga, anime and live-action stuff, this is a manga that you won't want to miss. Kido Keisatsu Patlabor $@5!F07Y;!%Q%H%l%$%P!=(B [Mobile Police Patlabor] - serialized on Shonen Sunday, 1988-94, 22 volumes @ Y390, 3 wide volumes @ Y700. With the rapidly accelerating development of hyper-technology, a humanoid-like machine known as the ``labor'' is being used in every field of industry. However, it has created the new social menace of labor crime. In order to curb such crimes, the Metropolitan Police Department has established a special department, the `Special Vehicle Section No.2'. It consists of a company of patrol labors - the ``Patlabors''. Compared to the anime, the manga version focuses more on character development, and the jokes are more subtle. The manga also deals with many social, political and enviromental issues in depth. There are several good artbooks available (eg. Patlabor Layout-shu $@5!F07Y;!%Q%H%l%$%P!=!&%l%$%"%&%H=8(B, - published by Kadokawa Shoten, 1994, Y1400). See also: Patlabor homepage <http://www.cs.purdue.edu/homes/pappasnw/anime/patlabor.html> Magical Lucy $@%^%8%+%k!&%k%7%#(B - published by Rapport, Y500. Parody World $@$Q$m$G$#$o$!$k$I(B - published by OUTC, Y670. Yamatotakeru no Boken $@%d%^%H%?%1%k$NKA81(B - published by OUTC, Y670. Yuki Masami Shoki Kessaku Tampenshu $B=i4|7f:nC;JT=8(B - published by Shogakukan, 1994, Y390. Jajama Grooming Up! $@$8$c$8$cGO%0%k!<%_%s!z#U#P!*(B - published by Shogakukan, 1995, 4 volumes @ Y390. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Contributors Generally, contributions were in the form of articles posted to the net, or emailed specifically for inclusion in this guide. They were mostly edited, researched and expanded by the v2.0-v6.0 editor, Iain Sinclair. Due to the haphazard growth of the Manga Guide, it has been difficult to match names with individual contributions. This accreditation is still incomplete, unfortunately. However, all people who are known to have contributed in some way are listed below. The authors and titles they discussed are also given, where possible. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Neil Asato (nasato@wiliki.eng.hawaii.edu) Aro ---------------------------------------- Satoshi "beluga" Amagai (MVCY@CORNELLA.cit.cornell.edu) Ozawa, Tezuka, Yokoyama ---------------------------------------- Tony Chen (tochen@mtu.edu) Asagiri Yu ---------------------------------------- Mark Chilenskas (Chilensk@Bachman.com) Manabe, Aoi no Fuin ---------------------------------------- David Chiu Asamiya, Aien Kien ---------------------------------------- Mark Chilenskas (rmc@wang.com) Manabe, Tenma no Ketsuzoku, Shinohara Chie ---------------------------------------- Enrique Conty (jester@ihlpl.att.com) Miyazaki ---------------------------------------- Hitoshi Doi $BEZ0f?N;V(B (doi@jrd.dec.com) Adachi, Hoshisato Mochiru, Takeuchi, Fujishima ---------------------------------------- Michael Edwards (michaele@wapiko.apana.org.au) Itsuki Natsumi ---------------------------------------- Jim Elliott (elliottj@spot.colorado.edu) Asari (all) ---------------------------------------- Peter Evans (peter@gol.com) Okazaki, Tagami Yoshihisa, Yasunaga ---------------------------------------- Gene Fornario (genef@netcom.com) Nagai Go ---------------------------------------- Larry Greenfield ---------------------------------------- Hiroshi "Heretic" Haga $@K'2lBg;V(B (hh0u+@andrew.cmu.edu) (several bits of info about various titles and artists) ---------------------------------------- Hiromi Hasegawa (hasegawa@cheshire.oxy.edu) Kaze to Ki no Uta ---------------------------------------- Scott Henry (scotth@sgi.com) Sesame Street ---------------------------------------- Titus Heng-Hsueh Hsu (hsu@ecf.toronto.edu) ---------------------------------------- Vince B. "keke" Ho (hbv@sfsu.edu) Yamamoto Naoki ---------------------------------------- Curtis Hoffman (currmann@pnet51.orb.mn.org) Monkey Punch, Urasawa, Yasunaga, Yuki Masami ---------------------------------------- Dan Hollis (goemon@venice.mps.ohio-state.edu) ---------------------------------------- Pascal Janin (p-chan@akane.swb.de) Takahashi Rumiko Masterpiece Collection: P's Tragedy ---------------------------------------- Jason Juta (cjuta@daisy.ee.und.ac.za) Xenon ---------------------------------------- Tomoko Kimura (t-kimura@sdl.hitachi.co.jp) Night Head ---------------------------------------- Lesfeena "Yuki" Lee (lhlee@sdcc13.ucsd.edu) Koga Yun (many reviews) ---------------------------------------- Pei Lee ---------------------------------------- Larry Mann (lrmann@uci.edu) Manabe ---------------------------------------- Theresa Martin (thmartin@romulus.rutgers.edu) Urusei Yatsura ---------------------------------------- David Mou (ph111-dz@violet.berkeley.edu) Asamiya, Hagiwara, Kitagawa, Kusunoki, Kuradharma, Ghost in the Shell, U-jin, Yano Kentaro ---------------------------------------- Albert H. Nakano (bert@wagner.cbs.umn.edu) Nagai Go, Shirato Sampei, Wada Shinji ---------------------------------------- Miho Nishida (vray@cs2.cs.oki.co.jp) 22XX, Asagiri ---------------------------------------- Steve "Starbuck" Pearl (starbuck@raven.cybercom.com) ---------------------------------------- Alvaro Pons (ARTIGAS@vm.ci.uv.es) Ikegami ---------------------------------------- Henry Robertson (robohen@cs.pitt.edu) Saitou Takao, Maruo Suehiro (short stories) ---------------------------------------- Chris Swett (72736.433@CompuServe.COM) ---------------------------------------- Gavin Steyn (steyn@ll.mit.edu) ---------------------------------------- Kenichiro Tanaka (kt12+@andrew.cmu.edu) Asari ---------------------------------------- Tsuyoshi Yamashiki (t_yamasi@hoffman.cc.sophia.ac.jp) Egawa, Kinutani, Shirow ---------------------------------------- Tomoko Kimura (t-kimura@sdl.hitachi.co.jp) Night Head ---------------------------------------- Richard Vermaas richardv@htsa.aha.nl CLAMP ---------------------------------------- Alexander Wong (awong@emerald.tufts.edu) (various) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The following people made especially significant contributions, reviewing the guide in its entirety, offering corrections and comments: ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Chih-Ping Kuo (kuo@seattleu.edu) (original maintainer of the Manga Guide) ---------------------------------------- Patrick Yip (?) (author of the Usenet Manga Mags list, prototype of the Manga Guide) ---------------------------------------- Cynthia Ma $BGO(B $B;WIR(B (cynthia@wapiko.apana.org.au) Adachi, Asagiri, CLAMP, Itsuki Natsumi, Kakinouchi, Kishiro Yukito (bio), Kusunoki, Nasu Yukie, Narita Minako, Nekobe Neko, Ozaki Minami (all) ---------------------------------------- Y. Kitajima (kita@cad.gatech.edu) Kikuchi + many others ---------------------------------------- Tonghyun "TK" Kim $B6b(B $BEl!T2P8<(B$B!U(B (tkim@sdcc3.ucsd.edu) Aki Kyouma, Asamiya, CLAMP, Hiramatsu, Hirano, Maki Kouji, Ogino, Shibata, Yuki Masami + many others ---------------------------------------- Kunio "kunedog" Muto $@IpF#K.M:(B (s92458km@cs0.sfc.keio.ac.jp) Hirokane (all), Wingman, Kawaguchi + many others ---------------------------------------- Ryo "W2/JH1CUV" Shiroma $B>k4V(B $BNI(B (RSHIROMA@drew.drew.edu) ---------------------------------------- Iain Sinclair (axolotl@socs.uts.edu.au) Araki, Hagiwara, Inoue Noriyoshi, Iwaaki, Nagano Noriko, Otomo, Saruwatari, Neuro Hard, Tanaka Masasi, Takezaki ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- <> -- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Edited by Steve Pearl- Moderator, rec.arts.anime.info Email submissions to anime-info@cybercomm.net and questions about the newsgroup to anime-info-request@cybercomm.net User Contributions: |
Comment about this article, ask questions, or add new information about this topic: