Bakuman

{{Infobox animanga/Header

| image = Bakuman Vol 1 Cover.jpg

| caption = First {{Transliteration|ja|tankōbon}} volume cover, featuring Moritaka Mashiro

| ja_kanji = バクマン。

| ja_romaji =

| genre = {{ubl|Comedy{{cite web|url=https://www.viz.com/bakuman|title=The Official Website for Bakuman。|publisher=Viz Media|access-date=October 27, 2017|archive-date=January 12, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110112143513/https://www.viz.com/bakuman|url-status=live}}|Coming-of-age{{cite web|last=Santos|first=Carlo|title=Bakuman GN 1 – Review|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/bakuman/gn-1|website=Anime News Network|access-date=July 23, 2018|date=August 19, 2010|archive-date=June 7, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190607212417/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/bakuman/gn-1|url-status=live}}|Slice of life{{cite web|last=Santos|first=Carlo|title=Bakuman GN 15 – Review|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/bakuman./gn-15|work=Anime News Network|access-date=July 23, 2018|date=November 6, 2012|archive-date=June 28, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190628201440/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/bakuman./gn-15|url-status=live}}}}

}}

{{Infobox animanga/Print

| type = manga

| author = Tsugumi Ohba

| illustrator = Takeshi Obata

| publisher = Shueisha

| publisher_en = {{English manga publisher

| NA = Viz Media

| AUS = Madman Entertainment

}}

| demographic = {{Transliteration|ja|Shōnen}}

| imprint = Jump Comics

| magazine = Weekly Shōnen Jump

| magazine_en = {{English manga magazine

| NA = Weekly Shonen Jump Alpha

}}

| first = August 11, 2008

| last = April 23, 2012

| volumes = 20

| volume_list = List of Bakuman chapters

}}

{{Infobox animanga/Video

| type = tv series

| director = {{ubl|Kenichi Kasai|Noriaki Akitaya}}

| producer =

| writer = Reiko Yoshida

| music = Audio Highs

| studio = J.C.Staff

| licensee = {{English anime licensee

| AUS = Madman Entertainment

| NA = Viz Media

| UK = Kaze UK

}}

| network = NHK Educational TV

| first = October 2, 2010

| last = March 30, 2013

| episodes = 75

| episode_list = List of Bakuman episodes

}}

{{Infobox animanga/Game

| title = Bakuman.: Mangaka e no Michi

| developer = Namco Bandai Games

| publisher = Namco Bandai Games

| genre = Visual novel, Puzzle game

| platforms = Nintendo DS

| released = {{vgrelease|JP|December 15, 2011}}

}}

{{Infobox animanga/Print

| type = Novel

| author = Sei Hatsuno

| title = PCP -Perfect Crime Party-

| publisher = Shueisha

| demographic = Male

| imprint = Jump J-Books

| published = October 2, 2015

}}

{{Infobox animanga/Other

| title = Related media

| content =

Bakuman (2015 film)

}}

{{Nihongo|Bakuman|バクマン。||stylized as BAKUMAN。}} is a Japanese manga series written by Tsugumi Ohba and illustrated by Takeshi Obata, the same creative team responsible for Death Note. It was serialized in Shueisha's Shōnen manga magazine Weekly Shōnen Jump from August 2008 to April 2012, with its 176 chapters collected into 20 {{Transliteration|ja|tankōbon}} volumes. The story follows talented artist Moritaka Mashiro and aspiring writer Akito Takagi, two ninth grade boys who wish to become manga artists, with Mashiro as the illustrator and Takagi as the writer. Some characters resemble real authors and editors of Weekly Shōnen Jump, and many manga titles mentioned in Bakuman have actually been published in the magazine.

It is the first manga released online by Shueisha in multiple languages before becoming available in print outside Japan. In 2009, Viz Media licensed the manga for English release in North America. Besides releasing the series in collected volumes, they also released it in their online manga anthology Weekly Shonen Jump Alpha. A 75-episode anime television adaptation of the series by J.C.Staff was broadcast for three seasons on NHK Educational TV from October 2010 to March 2013. A live-action film adaptation was released in October 2015.

Bakuman topped the Kono Manga ga Sugoi! list for male readers in 2010, was the seventh best-selling manga series of 2011 and the 10th best of 2012. The manga has over 15 million copies in circulation.

Plot

{{Main|List of Bakuman characters{{!}}List of Bakuman characters}}

When Moritaka Mashiro, a middle school student, forgets his notebook in class, he finds his classmate, Akito Takagi, who notes Mashiro's drawings. Takagi asks him to become a manga artist to his stories. However, Mashiro declines, citing his late manga artist uncle, who died from overworking. Takagi incites Mashiro to meet with Miho Azuki, Mashiro's crush, and tells her the two plan to become manga artists. In response, Azuki reveals her plans to be a voice actress. Mashiro proposes to her that they should both marry when Azuki becomes a voice actress for the anime adaptation of their manga. She accepts, but under the condition that they not meet face-to-face again until then. The two boys then start creating manga, under the pen name Muto Ashirogi, in hopes of getting serialized in Weekly Shōnen Jump.

After submitting many one-shots to Shueisha, Ashirogi begin their first serialized manga in Weekly Shōnen Jump, {{nihongo|Detective Trap|疑探偵TRAP（ぎたんていトラップ）|Gitantei Torappu}}, which is eventually canceled due to its declining popularity, after Mashiro is hospitalized for overworking on it. Their next series is the gag manga {{nihongo|Vroom, Tanto Daihatsu|走れ!大発タント|Hashire! Daihatsu Tanto}}, which they give up on, realizing it will never be popular, coupled with Takagi's difficulty with writing rapid-fire humor. After being challenged by the editor-in-chief of Jump to create a superior manga to their rival's, Ashirogi develops their current series {{nihongo|Perfect Crime Party|PCP -完全犯罪党-|PCP -Kanzen Hanzaitō-}}. It is met with considerable popularity but due to its theme, is unfit for an anime series. When their rival, Eiji Nizuma, submits a one-shot for serialization, Ashirogi competes by submitting Reversi which replaces Perfect Crime Party while the latter is moved to Shueisha's fictional monthly magazine, Hisshou Jump. After many conflicts involving the graphic novel sales and the voice actress choice, Reversi is chosen for an anime adaptation with Miho as the primary actress, after she passes a public audition. After fulfilling their dreams, the series ends with Mashiro officially proposing to Miho at the place they made their promise, the front gate of Miho's old home, followed by their first kiss.

Production

Tsugumi Ohba came up the idea for Bakuman after thinking of all the people who long to be manga artists. Because he is in the industry, he felt he could create a manga about manga.{{cite web|url=https://www.viz.com/blog/posts/interview-tsugumi-ohba-691|title=INTERVIEW: Tsugumi Ohba|publisher=Viz Media|date=May 28, 2012|access-date=January 21, 2017|archive-date=February 2, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170202002616/https://www.viz.com/blog/posts/interview-tsugumi-ohba-691|url-status=live}} Takeshi Obata, illustrator of the series, said that the title "means {{Transliteration|ja|bakuhatsu}} (explosion), {{Transliteration|ja|bakuchi}} (gamble) and {{Transliteration|ja|baku}} (an animal that supposedly eats dreams)… It has many meanings to it, and I think it's a very fun title."{{cite book|last1=Ohba|first1=Tsugumi|last2=Obata|first2=Takeshi|title=Bakuman|volume=2|year=2010|orig-year=2009|publisher=Viz Media|isbn=978-1-4215-3514-2|page=1}} Ohba said that for the fictional manga created in the series, he did not worry about the plot and settings, only focusing on "cranking them out." He revealed that he did actually make storyboards for the fictional The Classroom of Truth, and one he created for Otter No. 11 is actually seen in Bakuman.

When creating a chapter, Ohba did not meet with Obata. He would discuss things with his editor and create storyboards that were given to Obata. Obata then would create his own storyboards that were given to Ohba and their editor. The author said only minor changes were ever made and they never had disagreements. Obata said that when he started the manga, he struggled with the large amount of dialogue and information, not having enough space to draw the detailed backgrounds that he wanted. But he eventually realized that the dialogue is "the main character" of the series and shifted to making the art as unobtrusive as possible, such as using simple camera angles so that the composition was not too elaborate and the text could be read smoothly.{{cite web|url=https://natalie.mu/comic/pp/bakuman_eiga02|title=映画「バクマン。」特集小畑健×大根仁対談|language=ja|website=Comic Natalie|publisher=Natasha, Inc.|date=2015-09-25|access-date=2022-06-26|archive-date=June 27, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220627001749/https://natalie.mu/comic/pp/bakuman_eiga02|url-status=live}} Ohba referred to Bakuman as "a weird series." He revealed that the hardest part was coming up with new ideas as the story kept getting longer. But said because of this, he was able to include stories that he never initially considered.

When asked how accurate the manga process depicted in Bakuman is to reality, current Weekly Shōnen Jump editor-in-chief Hiroyuki Nakano said that as a work of fiction, some things are exaggerated for dramatic effect, "But it takes a lot of details from real life, so I think it's quite close."{{cite news|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/interview/2019-02-11/weekly-shonen-jump-editor-in-chief-hiroyuki-nakano/.143096|title=Weekly Shonen Jump Editor-in-Chief Hiroyuki Nakano|work=Anime News Network|date=February 11, 2019|access-date=February 11, 2019|archive-date=June 2, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200602050436/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/interview/2019-02-11/weekly-shonen-jump-editor-in-chief-hiroyuki-nakano/.143096|url-status=live}} Bakuman features many homages to Fujiko A. Fujio's Manga Michi, a semi-autobiographical manga series with a similar premise that Obata is a big fan of.

Media

=Manga=

{{Main|List of Bakuman chapters{{!}}List of Bakuman chapters}}

Written by Tsugumi Ohba and illustrated by Takeshi Obata, Bakuman was serialized in Shueisha's Shōnen manga magazine Weekly Shōnen Jump from August 11, 2008,{{cite news|last=Loo|first=Egan|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2008-08-03/death-note-creators-confirmed-to-launch-bakuman-manga|title=Death Note Creators Confirmed to Launch Bakuman Manga|work=Anime News Network|date=August 3, 2008|access-date=August 22, 2008|archive-date=March 2, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090302045313/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2008-08-03/death-note-creators-confirmed-to-launch-bakuman-manga|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://jump.shueisha.co.jp/henshu/backnumber/2008/38.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080828035840/http://jump.shueisha.co.jp/henshu/backnumber/2008/38.html|archive-date=August 28, 2008|script-title=ja:週刊少年ジャンプ 2008年Vol.37•38|website=Pop Web Jump|publisher=Shueisha|access-date=June 30, 2023|language=ja}} to April 23, 2012.{{cite news|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2012-04-18/bakuman-manga-to-end-on-monday-april-23|title=Bakuman Manga to End on Monday, April 23|work=Anime News Network|date=April 18, 2012|access-date=December 20, 2012|archive-date=March 30, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220330042449/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2012-04-18/bakuman-manga-to-end-on-monday-april-23|url-status=live}}{{cite web|script-title=ja:「バクマン。」4年の連載に幕、ジャンプ次号より新連載続々|url=https://natalie.mu/comic/news/68257|website=Comic Natalie|publisher=Natasha, Inc.|access-date=June 30, 2023|language=ja|date=April 23, 2012|archive-date=April 29, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210429140717/https://natalie.mu/comic/news/68257|url-status=live}} The 176 chapters were then collected into 20 tankōbon volumes from January 5, 2009 to July 4, 2012.{{cite web|url=http://books.shueisha.co.jp/CGI/search/syousai_put.cgi?isbn_cd=978-4-08-874622-7|title=バクマン./1{{!}} 小畑健/大場つぐみ|publisher=Shueisha|language=ja|access-date=January 17, 2009|archive-date=October 5, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121005162526/http://books.shueisha.co.jp/CGI/search/syousai_put.cgi?isbn_cd=978-4-08-874622-7|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://books.shueisha.co.jp/CGI/search/syousai_put.cgi?isbn_cd=978-4-08-870466-1|title=バクマン./20 {{!}} 小畑健/大場つぐみ|publisher=Shueisha|language=ja|access-date=May 16, 2012|archive-date=September 21, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170921193604/http://books.shueisha.co.jp/CGI/search/syousai_put.cgi?isbn_cd=978-4-08-870466-1|url-status=live}} A 15-page one-shot of the series {{nihongo|Otter No. 11|ラッコ11号|Rakko 11-gō}}, the gag manga created by the character Kazuya Hiramaru in Bakuman, was published in the August 8, 2010 issue of Weekly Shōnen Jump.{{cite news|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2010-08-02/bakuman-manga-in-manga-otter-no.11-to-be-published|title=Bakuman's Manga-in-Manga Otter #11 to Be Published|work=Anime News Network|date=August 2, 2010|access-date=December 20, 2012|archive-date=July 5, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220705005418/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2010-08-02/bakuman-manga-in-manga-otter-no.11-to-be-published|url-status=live}} It was then published the following week in Shōnen Jump Next on August 16.{{cite news|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2010-08-12/bakuman-otter-no.11-also-runs-in-shonen-jump-next-mag|title=Bakuman's Otter #11 Also Runs in Shonen Jump Next Mag|work=Anime News Network|date=August 12, 2010|access-date=December 20, 2012|archive-date=March 30, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220330034544/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2010-08-12/bakuman-otter-no.11-also-runs-in-shonen-jump-next-mag|url-status=live}} In commemoration of the live-action film release, two new chapters were created by Ohba and Obata under the titles Age 13 and Age 14. They are set before Takagi and Mashiro first met, with the first chapter published in Weekly Shōnen Jump on September 21 and the second on September 28, 2015.{{cite news|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2015-09-10/bakuman-manga-gets-2-new-prequel-chapters-this-month/.92760|title=Bakuman. Manga Gets 2 New Prequel Chapters This Month|work=Anime News Network|date=September 10, 2015|access-date=September 10, 2015|archive-date=September 12, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150912012815/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2015-09-10/bakuman-manga-gets-2-new-prequel-chapters-this-month/.92760|url-status=live}}{{cite news|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2015-09-24/bakuman-death-note-creators-launch-platinum-end-manga/.93322|title=Bakuman, Death Note Creators Launch Platinum End Manga|work=Anime News Network|date=September 24, 2015|access-date=September 24, 2015|archive-date=September 25, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150925082324/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2015-09-24/bakuman-death-note-creators-launch-platinum-end-manga/.93322|url-status=live}} The two chapters were also included in the {{Transliteration|ja|bunkoban}} edition of Bakuman, published in 12 volumes between July 18 and December 15, 2017.{{cite web|url=https://natalie.mu/comic/news/241193|title=「バクマン。」文庫版刊行スタート、マンガ家の道歩む2人組描く青春劇|website=Comic Natalie|publisher=Natasha, Inc.|language=ja|date=2017-07-18|access-date=2022-06-27|archive-date=June 28, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220628025829/https://natalie.mu/comic/news/241193|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://natalie.mu/comic/news/261284|title=「バクマン。」文庫版最終巻に最高と秋人が出会う以前描いた読み切り|website=Comic Natalie|publisher=Natasha, Inc.|language=ja|date=2017-12-15|access-date=2022-06-27|archive-date=June 28, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220628025830/https://natalie.mu/comic/news/261284|url-status=live}}

Several chapters of the series were released on Jumpland's official website in Japanese, English, French, and German; the first chapter released on August 19, 2008. It is Shueisha's first manga to be released online in multiple languages before becoming available in print outside Japan.{{cite news|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2008-08-19/death-note-team-bakuman-manga-posted-in-4-languages|title=Death Note Team's Bakuman Manga Posted in 4 Languages|date=August 19, 2008|work=Anime News Network|access-date=January 31, 2009|archive-date=February 25, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090225194809/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2008-08-19/death-note-team-bakuman-manga-posted-in-4-languages|url-status=live}} At San Diego Comic-Con in 2009, Viz Media announced it had licensed the series for English release in the US and Canada.{{cite news|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2009-07-24/viz-shonen-jump-adds-bakuman-toriko-manga|title=Viz's Shonen Jump Adds Bakuman, Tokiko Manga|date=July 24, 2009|work=Anime News Network|access-date=July 24, 2009|archive-date=July 26, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090726052247/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2009-07-24/viz-shonen-jump-adds-bakuman-toriko-manga|url-status=live}} The 20 volumes were published from August 3, 2010, to August 6, 2013.{{cite web|title=Bakuman。, Vol. 1|url=https://www.viz.com/read/manga/bakuman-volume-1/product/2527|publisher=Viz Media|access-date=June 8, 2023|archive-date=January 30, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230130114416/https://www.viz.com/read/manga/bakuman-volume-1/product/2527|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=Bakuman。, Vol. 20|url=https://www.viz.com/read/manga/bakuman-volume-20/product/3109|publisher=Viz Media|access-date=June 8, 2023|archive-date=March 30, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230330025232/https://www.viz.com/read/manga/bakuman-volume-20/product/3109|url-status=live}} In addition to the collected volumes, Viz also published the series online in their manga anthology Weekly Shonen Jump Alpha (now known as simply Weekly Shonen Jump).{{cite news|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2011-10-14/viz-to-launch-weekly-shonen-jump-alpha-digital-anthology|title=Viz to Launch Weekly Shonen Jump Alpha Digital Anthology|work=Anime News Network|date=October 14, 2011|access-date=December 20, 2012|archive-date=April 4, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150404114434/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2011-10-14/viz-to-launch-weekly-shonen-jump-alpha-digital-anthology|url-status=live}} Bakuman started with chapter 162 in the anthology's debut issue on January 30, 2012, and ended with the series' final chapter released on May 7, 2012. Viz digitally released the two Bakuman. Age 13 chapters in Weekly Shonen Jump on the same days that they ran in Japan.{{cite news|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2015-09-14/viz-shonen-jump-to-run-new-bakuman-prequel-chapters-samon-the-summoner-preview/.92930|title=Viz's Shonen Jump to Run New Bakuman. Prequel Chapters, Samon the Summoner Preview|work=Anime News Network|date=September 14, 2015|access-date=September 14, 2015|archive-date=September 15, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150915232652/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2015-09-14/viz-shonen-jump-to-run-new-bakuman-prequel-chapters-samon-the-summoner-preview/.92930|url-status=live}}

=Anime=

{{Main|List of Bakuman episodes{{!}}List of Bakuman episodes}}

A 25-episode anime television series based on Bakuman was announced in Weekly Shōnen Jump{{'}}s second issue of 2010.{{cite news|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2009-12-10/bakuman-manga-tv-anime-confirmed-for-fall-2010|title=Bakuman. Manga's TV Anime Confirmed for Fall 2010|work=Anime News Network|date=December 10, 2009|access-date=December 11, 2009|archive-date=September 21, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210921093055/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2009-12-10/bakuman-manga-tv-anime-confirmed-for-fall-2010|url-status=live}} Produced by J.C.Staff, it began broadcasting on NHK on October 2, 2010 and ran until April 2, 2011. In December 2010, Weekly Shōnen Jump announced that a second season would air in Fall 2011; it ran from October 1, 2011 to March 24, 2012.{{cite news|url = http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2010-12-14/bakuman-manga-gets-2nd-tv-anime-next-fall|title = Bakuman Manga Gets 2nd TV Anime Next Fall|work = Anime News Network|date = December 14, 2010|access-date = July 27, 2011|archive-date = March 28, 2022|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220328104303/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2010-12-14/bakuman-manga-gets-2nd-tv-anime-next-fall|url-status = live}}{{cite news|url = http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2011-08-29/bakuman-2-tv-anime-slated-for-october-1|title = Bakuman 2 TV Anime Slated for October 1|work = Anime News Network|date = August 29, 2011|access-date = December 20, 2012|archive-date = November 15, 2021|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20211115152250/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2011-08-29/bakuman-2-tv-anime-slated-for-october-1|url-status = live}} A third and final season was announced in the 3/4th (2012) combined issue of Weekly Shōnen Jump and began airing on October 6, 2012.{{cite news|title=Bakuman Manga Gets 3rd TV Anime Next Fall|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2011-12-14/bakuman-manga-gets-3rd-tv-anime-next-fall|work=Anime News Network|access-date=May 5, 2012|archive-date=November 15, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211115153916/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2011-12-14/bakuman-manga-gets-3rd-tv-anime-next-fall|url-status=live}} It ran for 25 episodes between October 6, 2012 and March 30, 2013.

In August 2011, Media Blasters licensed the first two seasons of the Bakuman anime for North America, including an English-language dub.{{cite news|url = http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2011-06-28/media-blasters-adds-bakuman-anime|title = Media Blasters Confirms It Licensed Bakuman Season 2|work = Anime News Network|date = August 29, 2011|access-date = December 20, 2012|archive-date = November 7, 2012|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20121107131524/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2011-06-28/media-blasters-adds-bakuman-anime|url-status = live}} The first seven episodes were included on a 2-disc DVD set released on November 22, 2011, however, the second was halted in February 2012.{{cite web|url=https://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B005K8RIZC/|title=Bakuman: First Issue|date=22 November 2011|publisher=Amazon.com|access-date=December 20, 2012|archive-date=June 30, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230630161312/https://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B005K8RIZC/|url-status=live}}{{cite news|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2012-02-03/media-blasters-halts-releases-of-bakuman-ikki-tousen-great-guardians|title=Media Blasters Halts Releases of Bakuman., Ikki Tousen Great Guardians|work=Anime News Network|date=February 3, 2012|access-date=December 20, 2012|archive-date=October 30, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121030200812/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2012-02-03/media-blasters-halts-releases-of-bakuman-ikki-tousen-great-guardians|url-status=live}} The first Blu-ray release was cancelled indefinitely in June 2012.{{cite news|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2012-06-15/retailer/media-blasters-cancels-1st-bd-volume-of-bakuman|title=Retailer: Media Blasters Cancels 1st BD Volume of Bakuman|work=Anime News Network|date=June 15, 2012|access-date=December 20, 2012|archive-date=July 28, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120728062526/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2012-06-15/retailer/media-blasters-cancels-1st-bd-volume-of-bakuman|url-status=live}} Viz Media Europe acquired the rights for release in Europe and the United Kingdom in March 2012, in collaboration with Manga Entertainment and Kazé.{{cite news|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2012-03-27/viz-media-europe-acquires-bakuman|title=Viz Media Europe Acquires Bakuman Rights for U.K.|work=Anime News Network|date=March 27, 2012|access-date=December 20, 2012|archive-date=November 13, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121113212800/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2012-03-27/viz-media-europe-acquires-bakuman|url-status=live}} After Media Blasters' cancellation, Kazé revealed the UK release would be subtitled only.{{cite news|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2012-09-25/bakuman-to-be-released-sub-only|title=Bakuman To Be Released Sub-Only|work=Anime News Network|date=September 25, 2012|access-date=December 20, 2012|archive-date=June 9, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130609020336/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2012-09-25/bakuman-to-be-released-sub-only|url-status=live}} In November 2012, Media Blasters officially announced they are discontinuing the series, but added that Viz Media might pick up the license for NA.{{cite news|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2012-11-01/media-blasters/no-more-bakuman-plans-anime-may-go-to-viz|title=Media Blasters: No More Bakuman Plans, Anime May Go to Viz|work=Anime News Network|date=November 1, 2012|access-date=November 4, 2012|archive-date=November 4, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121104190216/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2012-11-01/media-blasters/no-more-bakuman-plans-anime-may-go-to-viz|url-status=live}}

=Live-action=

{{main|Bakuman (film){{!}}Bakuman (film)}}

A live-action film adaptation of Bakuman was released on October 3, 2015. Written and directed by Hitoshi Ōne (Moteki), the film stars Takeru Satoh as Moritaka Mashiro and Ryunosuke Kamiki as Akito Takagi.{{cite news|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2014-05-06/kenshin-takeru-satoh-and-ryunosuke-kamiki-stars-in-live-action-bakuman-film|title=Kenshin's Takeru Satoh & Ryunosuke Kamiki Star in Live-Action Bakuman Film|work=Anime News Network|date=May 7, 2014|access-date=May 7, 2014|archive-date=August 9, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160809120207/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2014-05-06/kenshin-takeru-satoh-and-ryunosuke-kamiki-stars-in-live-action-bakuman-film|url-status=live}} Japanese rock band Sakanaction performed the soundtrack, Motion Music of Bakuman, including the theme song "Shin Takarajima", which they released as a single four days before the film's release.{{cite web|url=http://natalie.mu/music/news/155945|title=サカナクション「バクマン。」主題歌シングル限定盤に劇伴CD|website=Ongaku Natalie|publisher=Natasha, Inc.|language=ja|date=August 4, 2015|access-date=August 4, 2015|archive-date=August 4, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150804162130/http://natalie.mu/music/news/155945|url-status=live}}

A play adaptation, Bakuman The Stage, ran at three locations in Tokyo and Osaka throughout October 2021. Written and directed by Worry Kinoshita, it starred Hiroki Suzuki as Mashiro and Yoshihiko Aramaki as Takagi. A recorded performance was released on home video on March 29, 2022.{{cite web|url=https://natalie.mu/stage/news/448488|title=「バクマン。」開幕、高校生マンガ家コンビに扮する鈴木拡樹・荒牧慶彦が自信|website=Stage Natalie|publisher=Natasha, Inc.|language=ja|date=2021-10-08|access-date=2022-06-27|archive-date=June 28, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220628023013/https://natalie.mu/stage/news/448488|url-status=live}}

=Other media=

Bakuman received a four-episode Vomic adaptation, where voice actors, music and sound effects are heard as the manga images appear on screen, that was broadcast on the TV show Sakiyomi Jum-Bang! in June 2009. Mashiro and Takagi were voiced by Jun Fukuyama and Shinnosuke Tachibana respectively.{{cite web|url=https://natalie.mu/comic/news/29667|title=アニメ「バクマン。」最高＆秋人の声優決定！VOMICより一新|website=Comic Natalie|publisher=Natasha, Inc.|language=ja|date=2010-03-27|access-date=2022-10-24|archive-date=October 25, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221025021429/https://natalie.mu/comic/news/29667|url-status=live}}

A video game based on Bakuman was made for the Nintendo DS by Namco Bandai Games.{{cite web|url=http://www.siliconera.com/2011/08/05/bakuman-ds-game-has-players-create-a-manga/|title=Bakuman DS Game Has Players Create A Manga|publisher=Siliconera|date=August 5, 2011|access-date=July 9, 2013|archive-date=February 16, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190216234952/https://www.siliconera.com/2011/08/05/bakuman-ds-game-has-players-create-a-manga/|url-status=live}} {{nihongo|Bakuman.: Mangaka e no Michi|バクマン。マンガ家への道||"Bakuman.: The Road to Becoming a Manga Artist"}} was released in Japan on December 15, 2011.{{cite web|url=http://www.siliconera.com/2011/11/10/how-to-create-a-manga-plot-bakuman-video-game-style/|title=How To Create A Manga Plot, Bakuman Video Game Style|publisher=Siliconera|date=November 10, 2011|access-date=July 9, 2013|archive-date=June 28, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130628111205/http://www.siliconera.com/2011/11/10/how-to-create-a-manga-plot-bakuman-video-game-style/|url-status=live}}

A novel titled PCP -Perfect Crime Party- and based on the fictional manga of the same name created by Takagi and Mashiro in Bakuman was released by Shueisha on October 2, 2015. It was written by Sei Hatsuno, although Takagi and Mashiro's fictional pen name "Muto Ashirogi" is credited with the original story.

Reception

Bakuman was chosen as the best manga for male readers in the 2010 Kono Manga ga Sugoi! guidebook, which surveys people in the manga and publishing industry.{{cite news|first=Egan|last=Loo|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2014-07-09/nana-komatsu-to-play-live-action-bakuman-film-heroine-azuki/.76476|title=Nana Komatsu to Play Live-Action Bakuman Film's Heroine Azuki|work=Anime News Network|date=2014-07-09|access-date=2020-11-10|archive-date=November 11, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201111113749/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2014-07-09/nana-komatsu-to-play-live-action-bakuman-film-heroine-azuki/.76476|url-status=live}} It was nominated for the third annual Manga Taishō award in 2010.{{cite news|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2010-01-18/10-titles-nominated-for-3rd-manga-taisho-awards|title=10 Titles Nominated for 3rd Manga Taisho Awards|date=2010-01-18|work=Anime News Network|access-date=January 21, 2015|archive-date=February 9, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100209052531/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2010-01-18/10-titles-nominated-for-3rd-manga-taisho-awards|url-status=live}} The first volume of the series placed fourth on the Oricon manga chart during its debut week, selling 154,675 copies.{{cite news|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2009-01-14/japanese-comic-ranking-january-6-12|title=Japanese Comic Ranking, January 6–12|date=January 14, 2009|work=Anime News Network|access-date=January 31, 2009|archive-date=February 22, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090222042822/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2009-01-14/japanese-comic-ranking-january-6-12|url-status=live}} The second volume followed suit, placing second during its first week with 228,056 copies.{{cite news|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2009-03-18/japanese-comic-ranking-march-3-9|title=Japanese Comic Ranking, March 3–9|date=March 18, 2009|work=Anime News Network|access-date=March 28, 2009|archive-date=July 6, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140706035217/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2009-03-18/japanese-comic-ranking-march-3-9|url-status=live}} The third volume continued the trend and placed fourth during its debut week, selling 200,369 copies.{{cite news|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2009-06-10/japanese-comic-ranking-june-1-7|title=Japanese Comic Ranking, June 1–7|date=June 10, 2009|work=Anime News Network|access-date=June 15, 2009|archive-date=July 2, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140702134135/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2009-06-10/japanese-comic-ranking-june-1-7|url-status=live}} During the first half of 2009, the first volume placed twenty-eighth and the second volume placed twenty-seventh on Oricon's list of fifty top-selling manga in Japan, selling 381,633 and 394,567 copies respectively.{{cite news|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2009-06-15/top-selling-manga-in-japan-by-volume/1st-half-of-2009|title=Top-Selling Manga in Japan by Volume: 1st Half of 2009|date=June 15, 2009|work=Anime News Network|access-date=June 16, 2009|archive-date=December 26, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161226191302/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2009-06-15/top-selling-manga-in-japan-by-volume/1st-half-of-2009|url-status=live}} Bakuman was the seventh best-selling manga series of 2011, with almost 4.4 million copies sold, and the tenth best of 2012, with over 3.2 million sold that year.{{cite news|url = http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2011-11-30/top-selling-manga-in-japan-by-series/2011|title = Top-Selling Manga in Japan by Series: 2011|work = Anime News Network|date = November 30, 2011|access-date = December 20, 2012|archive-date = October 13, 2013|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20131013123424/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2011-11-30/top-selling-manga-in-japan-by-series/2011|url-status = live}}{{cite news|url = http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2012-12-02/30-top-selling-manga-in-japan-by-series/2012|title = 30 Top-Selling Manga in Japan by Series: 2012|work = Anime News Network|date = December 2, 2012|access-date = December 20, 2012|archive-date = June 18, 2013|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130618151720/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2012-12-02/30-top-selling-manga-in-japan-by-series/2012|url-status = live}} By April 2012, over 13 million copies had been sold,{{cite web|url=http://mantan-web.jp/2012/04/23/20120422dog00m200026000c.html?mode=pc|script-title=ja:バクマン。：累計1300万部の人気マンガが連載4年で幕 10年越しの主人公の恋の行方描く|publisher=Mantan Web|access-date=February 10, 2014|language=ja|archive-date=February 21, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140221230044/http://mantan-web.jp/2012/04/23/20120422dog00m200026000c.html?mode=pc|url-status=live}} with this number growing to over 15 million copies in publication by May 2014. In the United States, volume one debuted at number 6 on The New York Times Manga Graphic Books list for the week of August 12{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2010/08/22/books/bestseller/bestgraphicbooks.html?scp=1&sq=bakuman&st=cse|title=Graphic Books List|date=August 12, 2010|work=The New York Times|access-date=August 25, 2010|archive-date=June 30, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230630161245/https://www.nytimes.com/books/best-sellers/2010/08/22/bestgraphicbooks.html/|url-status=live}} and remained on the list for eight weeks straight.{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2010/10/10/books/bestseller/bestgraphicbooks.html|title=Graphic Books List|date=September 30, 2010|work=The New York Times|access-date=October 9, 2010|archive-date=June 30, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230630161246/https://www.nytimes.com/books/best-sellers/2010/10/10/bestgraphicbooks.html/|url-status=live}}

Jason Thompson referred to Bakuman. as "a love letter to the manga industry done in old-school shonen manga style." He felt that while it can be "text-heavy" on the process of making manga, it is ultimately a "heroic story of self-improvement, friendship and striving to succeed." Thompson cited the villain characters as the most interesting, but called the series sexist for only portraying its female characters as either "bitter, man-hating viragos motivated by grudges against men" or "patient helpmates" striving to support them instead.{{cite news|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/house-of-1000-manga/2015-03-26/bakuman/.86397|title=Bakuman. – House of 1000 Manga|last=Thompson|first=Jason|date=March 26, 2015|work=Anime News Network|access-date=March 29, 2015|archive-date=March 28, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150328200215/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/house-of-1000-manga/2015-03-26/bakuman/.86397|url-status=live}} Carlo Santos of Anime News Network was surprised that Bakuman succeeds, not only as a manga about manga, but as a slice-of-life story about the dreams of youth. Although he praised the conflicting viewpoints of the protagonists, Santos remarked that the series could learn from Ohba and Obata's previous serial Death Note; commenting that the beginning is not as gripping and the plot twists are "pretty weak" and "seem like petty contrivances." Despite this, he believes that the series is "another hit."{{cite news|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/right-turn-only/2009-03-31|title=30 Seconds to Pluto – RIGHT TURN ONLY!!|last=Santos|first=Carlo|date=March 31, 2009|work=Anime News Network|access-date=May 23, 2009|archive-date=April 20, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090420121823/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/right-turn-only/2009-03-31|url-status=live}} Allegra Frank of Polygon seems to disagree with Santos' criticism, calling Bakuman. a "sweet, funny page-turner" that is gripping right from the start just like Death Note, only in "a completely different, far more low-key way".{{cite web|url=https://www.polygon.com/comics/2018/10/26/18028916/bakuman-manga-read-translation-online-free-shonen-jump|title=Death Note creators' fantastic follow-up manga is free to read right now — and you should|last=Frank|first=Allegra|publisher=Polygon|date=October 26, 2018|access-date=January 14, 2023|archive-date=January 14, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230114214709/https://www.polygon.com/comics/2018/10/26/18028916/bakuman-manga-read-translation-online-free-shonen-jump|url-status=live}}

Christopher Butcher reviewing volume one for About.com had strong praise for the art, calling it "quite possibly the best-drawn manga out today." He also enjoyed the behind-the-scenes information on the manga industry. Like Thompson, Butcher did state that while he enjoyed it, he has reservations about recommending Bakuman. because it is "horribly sexist."{{cite web|url=http://manga.about.com/od/vizmedia/gr/Bakuman-Volume-1.htm|title=Bakuman Volume 1|last=Butcher|first=Christopher|publisher=About.com|access-date=2014-08-04|archive-date=2016-03-04|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304115803/http://manga.about.com/od/vizmedia/gr/Bakuman-Volume-1.htm|url-status=dead}} In an article discussing the underdevelopment of its female lead characters, Gregory Segal of Comic Book Resources wrote that some fans speculate the series' inclusion of such tropes is a form of meta-commentary on the traditional portrayal of women in {{Transliteration|ja|shōnen}} manga.{{cite web|url=https://www.cbr.com/bakuman-anime-problematic-characterization/|title=Bakuman Is a Great Anime With Problematic Characterization|last=Segal|first=Gregory|publisher=Comic Book Resources|date=April 13, 2022|access-date=January 14, 2023|archive-date=January 14, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230114214708/https://www.cbr.com/bakuman-anime-problematic-characterization/|url-status=live}}

The film was number-one at the Japanese box office on its opening weekend, with {{USD|2.1 million}}.{{cite web|url= https://variety.com/2015/film/box-office/japan-box-office-bakuman-lands-in-top-spot-1201612306/|title= Japan Box Office: 'Bakuman' Lands in Top Spot|author= Mark Schilling|date= October 7, 2015|access-date= October 7, 2015|work= Variety.com|archive-date= November 25, 2015|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20151125185244/http://variety.com/2015/film/box-office/japan-box-office-bakuman-lands-in-top-spot-1201612306/|url-status= live}} It earned {{USD|1.15 million}} during the October 18 weekend.{{cite web|url= https://variety.com/2015/film/box-office/japan-box-office-library-wars-2-wins-weekend-1201621688/|title= Japan Box Office: 'Library Wars 2' Wins Second Weekend|author= Mark Schilling|date= October 19, 2015|access-date= October 21, 2015|work= Variety.com|archive-date= November 25, 2015|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20151125170600/http://variety.com/2015/film/box-office/japan-box-office-library-wars-2-wins-weekend-1201621688/|url-status= live}} At the 39th Japan Academy Prize awards, its editor Yasuyuki Ōzeki won the Japan Academy Prize for Best Film Editing award, while Sakanaction's Motion Music of Bakuman won the Outstanding Achievement in Music award.{{cite web|url=http://www.oricon.co.jp/news/2067937/full/|title=【日本アカデミー賞】『海街diary』が最多4冠 "4姉妹"が歓喜|language=ja|publisher=Oricon|date=March 4, 2016|access-date=March 6, 2016|archive-date=March 7, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160307180702/http://www.oricon.co.jp/news/2067937/full/|url-status=live}} The film was also one of two releases that won the Popularity award, alongside Maku ga Agaru. Matt Schley of Otaku USA wrote that Bakuman. is "a real celebration of and testament to the unique power of Japan's comics culture" and the best live-action manga adaptation he's seen this year.{{cite web|url=http://www.otakuusamagazine.com/JPop/News1/Bakuman-LiveAction-Film-Review-6957.aspx|title=Bakuman: Live-Action Film Review|publisher=Otaku USA|date=2015-10-12|access-date=2015-11-24|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151114163631/http://otakuusamagazine.com/JPop/News1/Bakuman-LiveAction-Film-Review-6957.aspx|archive-date=2015-11-14 }} Kotaku{{'}}s Toshi Nakamura also suggested that it is possibly the best live-action manga adaptation he's seen. However, he said the motivational romance between Mashiro and Azuki was "surprisingly inconsequential" and boring.{{cite web|url=http://www.kotaku.com.au/2015/10/a-wonderful-movie-about-the-hardships-of-making-manga/|title=A Wonderful Movie About The Hardships Of Making Manga|publisher=Kotaku|date=2015-10-16|access-date=2015-11-24|archive-date=November 25, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151125153438/http://www.kotaku.com.au/2015/10/a-wonderful-movie-about-the-hardships-of-making-manga/|url-status=dead}} Mark Schilling for The Japan Times gave the film four out of five stars, with strong praise for director and screenwriter Hitoshi Ōne.{{cite news|url=http://www.japantimes.co.jp/culture/2015/10/07/films/film-reviews/bakuman-depicts-life-death-quest-manga-success/#.VlUk3r_0389|title='Bakuman' depicts a life-or-death quest for manga success|newspaper=The Japan Times|date=2015-10-07|access-date=2015-11-24|archive-date=November 27, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151127162020/http://www.japantimes.co.jp/culture/2015/10/07/films/film-reviews/bakuman-depicts-life-death-quest-manga-success/#.VlUk3r_0389|url-status=live}}

References

External links

[http://www9.nhk.or.jp/anime/bakuman/ Bakuman. anime at the NHK website] {{in lang|ja}}
[https://www.viz.com/bakuman Bakuman. at Viz Media website]
[https://mangaplus.shueisha.co.jp/titles/100002 Bakuman. at Manga Plus website]
{{IMDb title|qid=Q11327594|title=Bakuman.|description=(anime)}}
{{Anime News Network|manga|10225}}