Overview
Fujio Akatsuka (赤塚不二夫) was a Japanese manga writer and artist stated to be "The King of Comedy manga". He was born September 14, 1935 in Nekkasyo, State of Manchuria and died on August 2, 2008 at age 72.
Masterpieces
These English titles are based on the Fujio Production official website.
- Osomatsu-kun
A gag manga serialized in "Weekly Shōnen Sunday" from 1962 to 1969. Anime versions were produced in 1966 and 1988, both of which ran for over a year.
Originally, the main story is about the daily lives of six brothers who have exactly the same faces and costumes, but along the way, episodes of unique supporting characters such as Iyami and Chibita are increasing. In particular, "Sheeeh", which is performed in a unique pose when Iyami is surprised, created a trend that was imitated by celebrities of the time such as Godzilla, the Beatles, and Emperor Reiwa's boyhood.
It was Akatsuka's first work to gain recognition, and in 1965 won the 10th Shogakukan Manga Award. Furthermore, "Mr. Osomatsu", which began in 2015 to commemorate the 80th anniversary of Akatsuka's birth, has become a topical work that successfully combines the charm of the original with modern elements, and continues to gain popularity among the younger generation.
- Akko-chan's Got a Secret！
A girls' comic serialized in the monthly magazine "Ribbon" from 1962 to 1965. Anime versions were produced in 1969, 1988 and 1998.
A human comedy in which Akko receives a magical compact from a person in the Mirror Land and transforms with the power of the item to help others.
The element of an ordinary girl being given magical powers by an otherworldly residents and the ability to transform established a very important foundation for later magical girl-themed works such as "The Studio Pierrot Magical Girl Series", "Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon", and "Puella Magi Madoka Magica".
- The Genius Bakabon
A gag manga serialized in multiple magazines such as "Shōnen Magazine" from 1967 to 1978. Anime versions are the most of his works, it were produced in 1971, 1975, 1990, 1999 and 2018, a total of 5 times.
In this work, a bizarre comedy is drawn in which Bakabon's dad, who lives in a certain town, involves his family and neighborhood.
In 1972, Akatsuka's works including this work won the 18th Bungeishunju Manga Award.
- Extraordinary Ataro
A gag manga serialized in "Weekly Shōnen Sunday" from 1967 to 1970. Anime versions were produced in 1969 and 1990.
It depicts a human drama about unique characters such as Ataro, a boy who took over the grocery store after his father's death, and Dekoppachi, a henchman who helps him.
