Bakuman。

Bakuman. is one of the most popular manga serialized in Weekly Shonen Jump. As many fans may already know, it was created by the legendary duo behind the global hit Death Note—writer Tsugumi Ohba and illustrator Takeshi Obata. Unlike Death Note, Bakuman. is completely different in tone and genre—but it’s just as compelling. The main storyline follows Moritaka Mashiro and Akito Takagi, two teenagers who set out to become successful manga artists. Alongside their creative journey, the romantic relationship between Mashiro and the heroine Azuki Miho adds a heartfelt layer to the narrative. One of the most appealing aspects of Bakuman. is that it dares to focus on the world of manga creation—an unusual theme for a Shonen Jump series. There are no superpowers, no battles against evil overlords—just pure, passionate rivalries between aspiring artists all aiming to create the best manga. The story portrays the realities of being a manga artist, a job even most Japanese people aren’t familiar with in detail. It sheds light on the harsh conditions of weekly serialization, and after reading it, I felt newfound respect and appreciation for manga creators. You might think a manga entirely about manga could get boring—but not Bakuman. The romantic subplot involving Mashiro and Azuki plays a major role and keeps the narrative fresh and emotionally engaging. While most shonen manga feature fantastical goals like becoming the Pirate King or Hokage, Bakuman. grounds its ambition in a very real and pure dream: Mashiro and Azuki getting married. That realism, coupled with their innocent love story, draws readers in on a deeply personal level. Bakuman. is not only one of the best romance manga out there—it's a love letter to the art of manga itself. Highly recommended.

July 22, 2025