As a child, Moritaka Mashiro dreamt of becoming a mangaka, just like his childhood hero and uncle, Tarou Kawaguchi, creator of a popular gag manga. But when tragedy strikes, he gives up on his dream and spends his middle school days studying, aiming to become a salaryman instead.
One day, his classmate Akito Takagi, the school's top student and aspiring writer, notices the detailed drawings in Moritaka's notebook. Seeing the vast potential of his artistic talent, Akito approaches Moritaka, proposing that they become mangaka together. After much convincing, Moritaka realizes that if he is able to create a popular manga series, he may be able to get the girl he has a crush on, Miho Azuki, to take part in the anime adaptation as a voice actor. Thus the pair begins creating manga under the pen name Muto Ashirogi, hoping to become the greatest mangaka in Japan, the likes of which no one has ever seen.
Bakuman – a Tale of Manga, Dreams, and Love: The Anime Critic’s Review
Every once in a while, an anime series comes along that goes beyond the traditional boundaries of fantasy, action, and adventure to touch on something raw, real, and inspiring. One such series is the critically acclaimed Bakuman, based on the manga of the same name. Created by the brilliant minds behind Death Note, Tsugumi Ohba, and Takeshi Obata, Bakuman is a refreshing dive into the world of manga creation and the immense passion, hard work, and undeniable talent it involves.
Through 75 heartwarming episodes, the series follows Moritaka Mashiro and Akito Takagi, two middle school students who dream of becoming successful manga artists. Fueled by their love for this form of art and driven by Mashiro’s love for Miho Azuki, an aspiring voice actress, these talented individuals set out to conquer the rough waters of the manga industry. This slice-of-life anime offers a strikingly realistic depiction of the manga creation process that any aspiring artist or anime enthusiast will surely resonate with.
Artwork, Animation, and Aesthetic Appeal
Bakuman’s breath-taking aesthetic appeal is undeniably one of its greatest strengths. Though it adopts a relatively simplistic animation style, every frame is filled with precise detail and atmospheric coloration. Scenes depicting everyday life are as beautifully executed as those illustrating the whirlwind experience of manga making; making Bakuman a treat for the eyes.
Character Development & Engagement
Another compelling aspect of Bakuman is its subtle but strong character development. Not just the protagonist, but even the secondary characters are fleshed out brilliantly – each with their unique strengths, flaws, and perspectives. The camaraderie and rivalry between the manga artists and the emotional depth of the romantic plot are sure to get viewers emotionally invested in the story.
Sound & Music
Let’s not forget about the impeccable sound effects and music! Bakuman sports a fantastic soundtrack that effectively encapsulates the series’ atmosphere. The opening and closing themes provide a perfect start and conclude to each episode, while the background scores blend seamlessly with every scene’s mood.
Final Thoughts
Bakuman is not just an anime; it’s an inspiring tale about following one’s dreams and passions regardless of the challenges that lie ahead. Its authenticity, depth of character, and engaging story make it a must-watch for any anime lover. It has a unique charm that holds its viewers tight, leading them to cheer, cry, and laugh along with the characters.
Whether you’re thinking of renting, buying, or streaming it, I can assure you that Bakuman is worth every penny and second invested. Despite being a slice-of-life series, the anime maintains a steady pace without any dull moments. It’s a brilliant depiction of the hard work behind manga creation, infused with a generous dose of humor and romance.
In Summary
In a nutshell, Bakuman is a fantastic anime series that excellently portrays the manga industry’s realities. Its heartfelt storyline, coupled with its beautiful art and soundtracks, makes it an anime streaming experience you wouldn’t want to miss. Give it a try! Bakuman’s world of dreams, passion, and love will undoubtedly leave you captivated.
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