来見沢善彦の愚行 (Kurumizawa’s Folly)
Natively: Level 24?? (I think it’s higher than that)
Summary
時は1971年春、熱気あふれる『少年ビクトリー』編集部。かつて一世を風靡した人気漫画家・来見沢善彦は焦っていた。新作の構想を編集者に見せるも、色よい返事は返ってこない。行き詰まり苦悩だけが募る道すがら、漫画家志望の青年・畑と出会う。才能あふれる畑の漫画を見た来見沢は、ある禁断の手段に出る――。
English Summary
The year is 1971 and the once popular manga artist Kurumizawa is in a major slump. The pressure builds as each new submission is rejected. But one day, he meets a young, promising artist named Hata. When he sees Hata’s wonderful work, Kurumizawa hatches a dark plan…
Availability
Physical: Amazon JP, CD Japan
Digital: Bookwalker, Amazon
(More links on Natively)
Personal Opinion
I have been reading this in English since the first chapter came out, and it has hands down been my favorite thing Shounen Jump has put out in a while. It’s one of those stories I feel is more entertaining the less you know going into it. The drama and suspense is great, and is one of those stories where the mystery and tension is pushed forward by amazing dialogue and just characters talking. This manga is such a 9~10/10 for me so far, and I’d love to re-read it.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- The first 3 chapters in English are free on Shonen Jump website/app
- Compelling, very well written mystery/drama
Cons
- Some kanji don’t have furigana
- There may be some specific vocabulary around creating manga
- It may take a little to get used to/into the story?
