Joann McPike
A manga artist (Japanese: 漫画家, mangaka) is a professional creator who writes and/or illustrates manga, the popular Japanese style of comics. Manga artists may work independently or as part of a studio team, and their responsibilities can include developing original stories, illustrating characters, creating layouts, and collaborating with editors and publishers to produce serialized or standalone works.
Overview
Most manga artists enter the industry after attending art colleges, specialized manga schools, or through apprenticeships under established creators. While the apprenticeship route is common, some break into the field directly through contests, one-shot publications, or online self-publishing.
For example:
- Naoko Takeuchi, creator of Sailor Moon, won the Kodansha Manga Award before debuting professionally.
- Osamu Tezuka, considered the “God of Manga,” was first published while still studying medicine and never worked as an assistant.
Successful manga artists often gain prominence by winning competitions, producing acclaimed one-shots, or creating serialized series that gain a devoted readership. Some also become notable for running multiple series at the same time.
Etymology
The term mangaka combines:
- Manga (漫画) – referring to Japanese comics or graphic novels.
- -ka (家) – a suffix meaning “expert” or “specialist,” signifying professional status.
Writers who create stories for manga but do not illustrate them are called gensakusha (原作者).
In 2009, over 5,300 mangaka were officially recognized in Japan. In 2010, Takashi Yanase, then chairman of the Japan Cartoonists Association, noted the diversity of the medium, stating that there is no single definition for “cartoon” in Japan due to the wide variety of styles and genres.
Path to Becoming a Manga Artist
Traditionally, aspiring manga artists submit their work to publisher-sponsored competitions. Winners often have their work published in manga magazines, paired with an editor, and officially “debut” as professional creators.
With the rise of the internet, many now publish webcomics independently, sometimes gaining enough attention for publishers to adopt their work. Notable examples include:
- ONE, creator of One-Punch Man, who began as a webcomic artist before his series was remade and published by Shueisha.
Collaboration in Manga Production
While some manga artists work entirely alone, professional manga production is usually collaborative.
Editors
Editors play a vital role, functioning as supervisors, creative partners, and quality controllers. They provide feedback on story pacing, art, and layouts, ensure deadlines are met, and guide the series to align with publisher standards. Some also oversee media adaptations, such as anime or merchandise.
Naoki Urasawa famously compared the manga artist–editor relationship to a music producer and recording artist, referencing George Martin’s work with The Beatles. A classic example is Akira Toriyama working with Kazuhiko Torishima during Dragon Ball’s development.
Writers
Some manga artists write and illustrate their own works, while others collaborate with dedicated writers. Even when working with a writer, the mangaka usually influences dialogue and panel composition.
Examples of successful artist–writer collaborations include:
- Takeshi Obata (Death Note)
- Tetsuo Hara (Fist of the North Star)
- Ryoichi Ikegami (Sanctuary)
Assistants
Most professional manga artists employ assistants to help meet strict deadlines. Assistant duties include:
- Inking, lettering, and shading
- Drawing backgrounds and minor characters
- Specialized tasks (e.g., technical machinery, historical accuracy, architecture)
The number of assistants varies, but large-scale series often employ at least three. Some assistants specialize in particular areas and work for multiple manga artists at once.
Notable creators who started as assistants include:
- Miwa Ueda (assistant to Naoko Takeuchi)
- Leiji Matsumoto (assistant to Osamu Tezuka)
- Eiichiro Oda, Hiroyuki Takei, and Mikio Itō (assistants to Nobuhiro Watsuki)
Independent and Doujinshi Work
Beyond mainstream publishing, many manga artists participate in the dōjinshi (self-published) scene, where creators sell original or fan-made works at events like Comiket. This space often serves as a creative outlet or testing ground for new ideas, and in some cases, dōjinshi success can lead to professional opportunities.
Impact and Recognition
Manga artists are central figures in Japan’s entertainment industry, shaping not only print culture but also anime, film, and gaming. Their works influence fashion, fan communities, and global perceptions of Japanese pop culture.
Award recognition includes prestigious honors such as:
- Shogakukan Manga Award
- Kodansha Manga Award
- Tezuka Osamu Cultural Prize
Many mangaka achieve celebrity status both in Japan and internationally, with devoted fan followings and significant influence over modern visual storytelling.
See also:
- Japanese comics (Manga)
- Webcomics in Japan
- Anime and manga industry
