Anime: Bakuman.

'Bakuman.'
The true meaning of the title was never revealed, but most speculators believe it's short for 'Bakuchi manga.' (Gambling Manga). It is a simple tale of two middle school guys setting out to become professional manga artists. The story progresses like any other sports or music anime, where ordinary guys aim for the top, facing many challenges and rivals on the way. However, I consider this to be the greatest shounen/seishun (coming of age) genre anime I have ever encountered, because it analyzes what makes a manga good in a coherent way, and more importantly, it practices what it preaches.

This is a review by 8thSin, and contains many spoilers. Read it at your own risk.

According to 'Bakuman.', there are seven major steps to manga creation - Name, under-sketch, inking, filling, effects, screen tone, and whiteout. I'm no expert in manga drawing, but with this series being a manga about manga (which actually got serialized), I have no doubt this is correct. Of course, this anime alone is not nearly enough to teach you about how to draw manga, but it is quite enough to entertain a casual viewer like me. The show also emphasizes the difficulty of the process, that one cannot hope to succeed half-heartedly.
As the character mentioned in the first episode, "Manga is the Japanese cultural heritage popular across the globe."
This NHK series is extremely educational not only in introducing the process of manga creation, it also debates many other aspects of mang such as: how things work in a weekly manga publisher; the selection process; how artist stay serialized; the importance of target demographics; and argues how things ought to be in the industry. In addition, famous classic and current manga series and their authors are mentioned throughout this series without alteration of any sort, which functions as a masterpiece suggestion for new manga readers. It even directly quotes them, re-enacts DBZ "fusion", and uses quirks like Naruto's "-dattebayo". I take this to be a stamp of approval from those authors, and also to pressure themselves to create a masterpiece worthy of mentioning those names. The show uses real-life examples as case studies to explain its theories.

According to 'Bakuman.', there are six key elements to a successful shounen manga - A world that pulls the readers in, clear reason why protagonists are fighting, battles where it's easy to tell what's happening, equally or even more intriguing antagonist, a cute heroine, and some laughs or tears.
The first episode had an extremely strong pull - The tested and tried "average joe whose life changed by a trigger event", in this case, Takagi's request to be a partner. The turn of events leads to a promise of marriage upon realization of dreams, which serves as the clear reason why the protagonist wants to get his manga serialized, which is the first step to getting an anime series.
The story then goes on to show them making manga, meeting their 'opponents' in manga contests, and their manga are actually shown... even with a clear ranking measurements to determine a winner - easy to tell what's happening in the battle.
Then, there is Niizuma Eiji, the prodigy archrival of the protagonists, who is extremely intriguing, and happens to follow the "Introduce an enemy character, he's even stronger than protagonists, but turns out to be an ally" as mentioned during the 'CROW' production.
There's the cute heroine in Azuki, and the show has many comedy and tear-jerker moments to keep the audience interested throughout the series.
I find it interesting that the shows makes many observations that we probably don't consciously realize when casually reading manga, and even more interesting that if we pay close attention, almost EVERY observations of a successful manga made in this series are actually reflected in the series itself. In fact, it was also mentioned that most shounen protagonists wield swords, and if you think about it, the protagonists in this show brandish their pens in "battle".

The protagonists make five manga series in the first anime series - 'The Two Earths', 'A Millionth of', 'The World Runs on Money and Wits', 'Angel Days', and 'Quasi-Detective TRAP'.
'The Two Earths' is their very first manga. It serves as introduction to the manga creation process.
'A Millionth of' shows the difficulty of getting a prize in manga contests, and introduction of various styles of manga.
'The World Runs on Money and Wits' functions as their confidence booster, as well as their gateway to future successes.
'Angel Days' is used to show the qualities of typical shounen manga, and the importance of choosing manga that fits each author style.
Finally, 'Quasi-Detective TRAP' is their success of the series, and its production process emphasizes the bond and friendship between the two main characters.
The story follows the standard shounen format with many seishun elements. The good guys work hard to realize their dreams while encountering one obstacle after another. After clearing each obstacle, they "level up" by becoming better artists and attain better understanding of themselves. Like all seishun sports or music anime, there are consistent themes of awkward youth love, challenges of being a student, and the importance of friendship.

The protagonists set four years as their goal for their anime debut. This is the prime reason why Mashiro is always in such a rush to make manga, and frequently shows his impatience.
The main characters in this series are extremely human, and they act according to their own desires to make their dreams come true.
Takagi has the ambition of becoming rich and famous, and he gave up the "mainstream" path of elites (get good grades to get into a prestigious university) for his love of manga and became a true "gambler".
Azuki follows her dream of becoming a seiyuu and moves to Tokyo, while stubbornly limits interaction with Mashiro to motivate both herself and Mashiro.
Miyoshi truly acts on her desires, and can't help but reveal secrets of others and butting into their business.
Niizuma also acting on his desires, but in a different way, drawing what he pleases and doesn't care what others think about him.
Hattori sees promise in Ashirogi, and does everything, even some "dirty adult tricks" to make them succeed.
What I'm trying to get at, is that the characters are interesting, and they "move on their own" according to their desires. I have to say, they are *too* human at times, and causes their actions and motivations to detach from reality, but as a fantasy and dreams shounen series, this is totally acceptable.

According to 'Bakuman.', there are three requirements for a successful mangaka - Conceit Confidence, Effort, and Luck.
One of the major themes in the series is to have "Confidence" in yourself to follow your dream.
To follow that dream, the protagonists put a lot of "Effort" into manga, sacrificing sleep, school, and even time for girls in order to become successful.
Further more, "Luck" is prevalent in this series. However, it remains realistic due to many setbacks they face, just as they would in the harsh reality. The protagonists consists of a relative of a mangaka and a guy who's getting the best grades in school yet interested in manga. Right off the bat, they have been dealt pocket aces as "gamblers". Still, they don't become an overnight success. It took a lot of sacrifices and effort, and after 5 manga series, they finally made it to an authentic weekly magazine.
This series isn't just a fairy tale. It successfully shows the difficulty of making a living with manga, and shows the harsh reality that only the most talented *and* hardworking succeed. They were dealt another lucky card in getting Hattori as the editor, who truly cares about the authors and preciously "raises" them as mangaka.
As a shounen manga, a convenient setting is actually preferred. The key is how realistic the story develops given the fantasy-filled premise.
I especially loved a subtle snippet of reality in Mashiro's family. Where the breadwinner and the eldest of the family call the shots in home, like when father and grandpa straight up shut off the mother in roundabout ways, with the "Decision-making process" in his home and "Please get me seconds (refill my bowl)" by grandpa. It's outdated and somewhat sexist, but the harsh reality in Japanese culture.

According to 'Bakuman.', there are two types of successful mangaka - "The Genius-Type", and "The Calculating-Type".
The anonymous author of this series is the same as that of 'Death Note' series, and it is also clear in this series that the storyteller is the "Calculating-Type" just like the protagonists. In other words, he "calculates the laughs and tears in a way that doesn't seem to be calculated, through calculation." Obviously, this is not going to work on everyone, so we will all have different opinion, but the story is extremely well-constructed, and the anime direction presented the plot in very interesting ways. It's easy to sympathize with the characters.

I believe the one single most important theme in 'Bakuman.' is the love for manga. Both protagonist and antagonists in this series really have passion for manga. It really shows how much love the author has for this series, and manga in general.
The series points out flaws in Shounen Jump ("Shounen Jack" in series), the only real-life title altered in the anime. The show communicates to producers in the real life through its characters.
For example, there shouldn't be any politics in manga selection, like rejecting student submission or favoring popular authors - "Anything interesting will be published."
The potential incompetence of editors, in their heavy reliance of survey to determine which series gets cut off - "Manga written for votes rather than true quality."
The need for manga to have a strong pull early due to selection process of using names of first three weeks and the threat of cancellation due to votes - "The lack of series that slowly draws the audience in, and consequently series being approved without long-term prospects."
Manga published in order of popularity - "Creates unfairness for new and aspring authors."
How audience like stereotypical stuff that stifles creativity - "All popular series have swords"
The young mangaka depicted in this series have hinted how they wanted to change Shounen Jack when they get popular. Perhaps the author of 'Bakuman.' wanted to do the same with this show as well.

'Bakuman.' is the "mainstream among mainstreams" in terms of shounen anime, but has the dreams, the inspiration, the depth, the entertainment value, and of course, the laughs and tears unmatched by any other. It also has the uniqueness in being a manga about manga and an anime about anime. In terms of contribution to the industry, this easily ranks among the most significant series to be aired in this century so far, and I have enjoyed every minute of it.

Note: Rate me! This review is based on [Mezawari] english subbing of the series and it may contain disagreeable opinions and spoilers. I aim to try and be assertive, objective and spoiler-free when it comes to my reviews but otherwise enjoy. I'am listening on feedback and for a different perspective on the series or first season, see roriconfan's ebert review.


PROLOGUE:
Directed by Kenichi Kasai and animated by J.C staff, Bakuman is a shonen anime series written by Tsugumi Ohba and illustrated by Takeshi Obata. The series follows 2 high school student protagonists, Moritaka Mashiro and Takaki Akito as they strive to become "mangakas" to fulfill their set dreams and goals for the future. Mashiro strives reluctantly to become a mangaka for a girl he likes, Azuki Miho who dreams of becoming a talented voice actor. As such, she holds promise to voice act in their future manga anime adapatation as well as promosing to marry Mashiro under his proposal once they've achieved their dreams. Takaki on the other hand, only aims to achieve highly in the role of being an aspiring mangaka. As both Mashiro and Takaki work hard to meet their dreams as mangakas, their journey of struggle and development unfold as they wonder if their effort will reach their dreams fullfiled in the end.

As this series debuted in the late 2010 anime season, the show did seem interesting and promising to pick up from the cover. On first impression, I was expecting a unique comedy of all sorts but in the end, the series had more to do with presenting, a unique take or interest in the development of manga through manga artists whilst bringing in a mix of comedy and romance to spice things up a little. The end result is certainly appealing enough as a show worth watching during the transition from 2010 to 2011, but just how good is the start of the series in itself overall? Sure the series may not be finished with a second season coming along late 2011 but judging from the first season, well... onto the review. Note that the review is a bit shorter and hopefully more accessible this time around in comparison to my last reviews. I changed the format a little.

ANIMATION AND SOUND SECTIONS
Whats hot?
Starting off with animation, the animation is pretty solid all around with a nice and varied backdrop in colors and fluidity to character design, activities and atmosphere. Most of the atmosphere is quite frankly clean industrial reality with a little bit of nature. As such, you'll be seeing mostly 3rd person perspectives of city and apartment buildings, to parks, school and house buildings and rooms. Interestingly, the animation also manages to present 1st to 3rd person perspectives of manga aspects and adaptations of which being the main theme revolving around the story. As such this in interesting in the fact that it gives the viewer an idea as to how manga is designed towards the viewer and overall they look faithfully close to how you see manga in real life. In terms of character, the designs are solidly appealing in all perspectives with good details along with nice superficial details in appearance overtime through different clothing. Objects such as school tables, pens books and shelfs are simple but nicely solid too in detail. As a whole, the animation is none the less, a solid, good and simple package of detail presented well better then average to retain my interest.

In terms of sound, the package is again solid. The musical soundtrack does well as it presents a sense of feeling and immersion for the series through joyful, warming and somewhat mello tunes. The opening song, "Blue Bird" by Kobukuro gives the viewer a warm and joyful feeling through each start of an episode while both the ending themes "BAKUROCK ~Mirai no Rinkakusen~" by Ya-Khim (eps 1-13) and "Genjitsu to Iu Na no Kaibutsu to Tatakau Mono Tachi" by Takahashi Yu (eps 14 +) are both different and catchy ending songs to finish off an episode. Sound effects are also solid such as the scripting effects of action and dramatic scenes when the animation presents a certain manga. Not to mention, the voice acting is also a solid effort in making characters believable and act accordingly through situations well throughout the series. Overall, the sound of the series is good in presenting it's effects to detail and sense of feelings throughout the events of the series.

Whats not?
As much as the animation and sound are both solidly designed and tuned for the most part, they aren't really considered great and both of them do have their glaring flaws. Animation for a start did have flaws in terms of design consistency from close character facials looking a bit off, flat and awkward upclose sometimes in detail. For example, Miho's face looking too similar to her mum's. Not to mention, the lack of variety in atmosphere as activities and events seems to be mostly staged in building and city environments and I would have liked a bit more nature in scenery particularly like park environments or a bit of nature such as plants inside the buildings. In terms of sound flaws, it does come off a bit more subjective. The soundtracks as a whole from tunes to openings and endings weren't at all particularly memorable to me. Not to mention they fall a bit flat at times to do any better in regards to emphasizing certain feelings or immersion aimed throughout the series.

STORY AND CHARACTER SECTIONS
Whats hot?
In terms of story for starters, it is overall a good one. In an orderly fashion, the series is interesting in it's manga concept. As such, it does a good job in pacing and developing the central plot, being the journey of Takagi's and Mashiro's way of becoming aspiring mangakas in order to fulfill their future dreams. In terms of story development, the series throws in a nice varied mix of supporting and conflicting moments to develop the central plot journey, each of which deal with the themes of friendship, commitment, promise to recurring thoughts, communication and motivations. The moments themselves mostly come out at the right times and although they may sound simple in draft, they are otherwise still effective when presented and developed right for processing the central plot. Supporting moments mostly come in the form of side characters offering advice and cheering the protagonists onwards to fullfill their dreams as mangakas. On the other hand, conflicting moments come in the form of character commitment, effort and communication problems towards the process of making quality manga, bringing the moments of friendship flaws in characters throughout the central plot of the series. As a whole, the supporting and conflicting moments are well presented in perspective as well as helping to serve as solid development for the story. In this case, they are presented and developed well enough in that you'll most likely sympathize with each of the characters actions and motives towards the concept of manga and given central plot. There are also some nice comedy elements and other manga/anime references for added interest of which are presented between characters and story moments. As such, the comedy and references are done well in giving the viewer a break from the serious moments as well as lightening up for certain characters during their ambitions, events and takes particularly on manga development being the main concept of the story. Overall, the story serves up to be a good and unique package of good storytelling for viewing and more so if your into the process of manga and how it can be taken as a development process.

Characters in the series are well developed and presented throughout supporting and conflicting moments of development within the story. Each character manages to play a role in support or conflict of development towards the central plot, themes and manga concept of the story so overall almost no one is being left out. As such, the characters are developed well in the way of personal backgrounds like Mashiro's relationship to his uncle along with the motivations behind such backgrounds particularly in the series concept of manga. Not to mention, the characters are generally intellegent and unique from one another with different motives and actions. For example Niizuma Eigi is one character who's crazy in actions yet intelligent a way who serves as comedy, weirdness and also somewhat an antagonist during the story. Overall, the cast is solid none the less towards developing and adding activity towards the story.

Whats not?
Both story and character sections aren't perfect to say the least. Despite the manga concept taken, Story flaws for starters come in the way of inconsistent pacing, meaning development of the central plot can go too slow or too fast. The story also lacks in a decent conclusion in the sense that it left us hanging ready for a second season. Not to mention, the central plot itself is a bit convenient and can get a bit repetitive in development. For example, you'll see moments of conflict coming of as "work harder, try again" many times particularly in development and success towards the central plot. The central plot being of course, Mashiro and Takagi's main journey of becoming mangakas for their dreams. The romance presented within the story is probably the weakest aspect of the series, given that there is little presented in the way of "chemistry" and development, particularly Mashiro and Miho's romantic relationship.

In terms of character flaws, it had it's share of some questionable and annoying moments present within character motives and actions given in advancing the story. Mashiro for example seems a bit over ambitious in motives and actions as he strives in the quickest way to become a mangaka to fulfill his dreams. Not to mention, Azuki's acceptance in marrying Mashiro in relationship, given along with the dreams of their future manga adaptation seems a bit artificial, prone to fail and rushed. Characters aren't exactly great in terms of appeal or interest in their dreams of becoming mangakas either. Not to mention, some side characters such as Miyoshi get little screentime in the ways of character development but instead, play a supporting or backdraft role towards the central plot. However, the story and characters still work well for development and entertaining, given that it's still plausible for the viewer to believe whats happening.

VALUE, ENJOYMENT AND FINAL THOUGHTS
Despite the series suffering from a bit of repetition in plot development and some ridiculous character moments, Bakuman is a great show worth watching solely for its unique and personal take on the process of manga development. The animation and sound is certainly decent if not too overly special. Not to mention, it certainly has a bit of rewatchability at times just to see how manga is developed during early stages regardless of it being fictional or not. Most of the enjoyment you'll get out of the series is based on rooting and knowing the characters intentions, particularly Mashiro and Takagi to succeed and fulfil their dreams as mangakas as well as how other characters unfold towards the interest of manga development. The first season or series itself did leave itself hanging on a cliffhanger, which can hurt rewatch value. Not to mention, there really isn't much development done well in caring and presentation in the ways of romance. However from what has been seen in the first series, Bakuman does it's series well for a start in presenting the manga concept in making, uniquely in story and characterization moments. Fans themselves as well as those who liked it should look forward to seeing the second series as a contiuation when it comes out. Other then that, the first series, though not great, is overall a worthy recommendation and start for viewers who have any sort of interest in the concept of manga along with a good mix and focus in storytelling and character.

NOTICE: This review covers all seasons of the show.

Bakuman is a fairy tale about two high schoolers, as they try to become famous mangaka. And I say “fairy tale” and not “story” because it is very ideal and easy-going. The problems these guys face are detached from reality; not that different from the boys reading fighting shonen full of juvenile ideals. I mean, how does this premise sound to you when you read it out loud?

“The girl I love and have never spoken to, agrees to marry me as soon as I make my first anime series before I am even 18 years old. My parents, who were against me becoming a mangaka because it is a crappy profession, agree to let me do it because I really want it. My uncle was a famous mangaka and I now get his workshop full of manga and equipment all for free. My sweetheart’s best friend happens to love my best friend too. My sweetheart’s mother happened to love my uncle too, so it is DNA telling me that I deserve to have her. Also money or school exams are never a problem.”

All that and several more are what alienated me from the very first episode; there is no real conflict in the show and everything plays out conveniently. Those who are actually affiliated with manga-making will most likely laugh with how unreal the whole thing plays out. Real life is a lot more challenging than what the anime shows you. But I guess all that are trivial if you just accept the fact you are watching an unrealistic story about some cartoons who want to become famous by drawing more cartoons. It is after all a shonen story about teenagers striving to become the best in their field; not that different from your run of the mill sports or superpower manga they love and mention all the time.

Speaking of manga, the show is not afraid to mention actual names of manga and even some vague reasons for why they were so successful. It is also full of tips around becoming good in the field, so on a very basic level it does help someone to know how it feels like to be a mangaka. It also helps the average Jump Shonen fan to have a sense of familiarity with what is going on in the story. But beyond all that, Bakuman is still a rather shallow slice-of-life show, with stereotypical characters and superficial conflicts which are resolved with cop-outs.

Down to it, it is an otaku-oriented series. It will mean a lot less for anyone who is not an anime-fan, and chances are he will see it as nothing more than yet another school romcom or something. And why wouldn’t he; a big part of the show has to do with one of the protagonists being a shy wimp who can’t even look at the girl he likes without getting a heart attack, and the other one being an indecisive four-eyes who loves to be beaten all the time by his tsundere platonic girlfriend.

As for those who already are deep in the hobby, chances are they will like it a lot just for mentioning the thing they like. In fact, it’s not a stretch if you see the entire show as propaganda around the bright side of manga-making. And it works if you don’t try to see the whole thing as realistic. The characters are all lively and their goals seem plausible under the light way everything is presented. All you see them doing is studying for awhile, then taking part in silly school romances, then they draw some manga, and then they take them to some director to approve them or not. Sure, it all looks understandable and acceptable if chicks love you even if you spend most of your time drawing cartoons instead of having fun with them, and if the publishing company is just a few blocks away from your house. Oh, and of course if you have a fully equipped professional workshop for free.

I would be fine with all that if at least the stakes were high, but they weren’t. Do you know what will happen if they fail in their goal to be mangaka? Here, let me tell you.
“Oh no, my story didn’t get published; I guess I will now need to find a different, better paid and more secured profession.”
Sounds a lot less thrilling than in a fighting shonen where defeat means you get killed or the world gets destroyed, doesn’t it?

Also, the romance part is completely retarded. Why are the girls interested in these boring losers? They are hot enough to have anyone they like. And why is there even romance in this story if it’s not really moving forward in any way? It’s just there for teasing you to keep watching, but it otherwise might as well be absent from the plot, as it doesn’t offer anything. I mean, they try to make it sound like the boys are going to have sex if they succeed, but it’s not like they would never attempt to be mangaka if they weren’t promised sex. They do it because THEY LOVE IT! Not because they want money or girls. In fact, this is not a job they would choose if they wanted money or girls. So in all, the romance is a useless extra, that was initially added for teasing the viewer into expecting something to happen. But as it always happens with anime romances they don’t go anywhere, and are just standing in the way like annoying fillers. Heck, being dumped by their girlfriends ends up being the only way to offer development in this otherwise useless aspect.

And I might as well add how it lasts way longer than it needs to. The premise didn’t deserve three seasons, because watching people making manga is a lot more boring than reading them. The novelty wears off faster than you think, and the cool ideas for manga they have at first are soon replaced with generic stuff we see all the time. That is why most viewers gave up on it in the second season, and the animators skipped a lot of chapters in the third one because they knew it got tiresome and nobody would stick around for more. This wouldn’t be an issue if they had removed the useless romance, but chances are if they did the manga this anime was based on wouldn’t be given the greenlit. Otakus love cute girls on the cover and half of them wouldn’t bother to buy a single volume if it was just dudes. So, ironically enough what ruins the show are the very stereotypes of the shonen demographic, in a story that claims to be about creativity… by using the same shit everybody uses so that his manga won’t get the axe in a dozen chapters.

So is Bakuman a good show? For an anime which deals with manga-making it is definitely the best… because there is hardly any competition. There are other anime with a similar theme, such as Doujin Work and Comic Party but they are short and silly. Bakuman definitely stands out, it is full of references to famous anime, and provides some tips for the rookies to know what is going on behind the scenes. Other than that, it is nothing but an unrealistic romcom, with simplistic characters and an easy-going plot that outstays its welcome.