Two thumbs up, even. Otomo is a powerhouse creator. Script by Katsuhiro Otomo. Exhibit F: Squidly Diddly. “‘Akira’ really showed me what the possibilities are,” he says. Katsuhiro Ôtomo is a Japanese manga artist, screenwriter and film director. ( Log Out /  What inspired these two animators to pour so much time and energy into paying tribute to a 30-year-old film? Atomic bomb’s deep influence on Japanese anime and manga. Of course, Katsuhiro Otomo wasn’t the first artist to draw manga in a ‘realistic’ style but something about his take on near-future dystopia hits hard. – Steamboy: A very under appreciated film, but probably one of the most beautiful animations ever produced. I’m sure he’s done something you’ll dig. Katsuhiro Otomo (大友 克洋, Ōtomo Katsuhiro?, born April 14, 1954) is a Japanese manga artist, film director, and screenwriter. “The only complaint anybody gives us is that they want more of it. http://www.akira2019.com/Katsuhiro Otomo InterviewPart 1 of 4This interview was conducted after the movie was completed. Katsuhiro Otomo has been one of my biggest influences ever since taking on comics as my artform of choice. Exhibit E: War with a creature from beyond. And he still holds the film that helped inspire him to become an animator in high regard. Katsuhiro Otomo was born in the former to He is perhaps best known for being the creator of the manga Akira and its anime adaptation, which are extremely famous and influential. We all know him for Akira, but the dude’s short stories span all genre’s and styles. Change ), You are commenting using your Twitter account. They don’t tell the whole story, but they give you the key to understanding what’s within. The Influence of the Manga. Katsuhiro Otomo ((ja) 大友・克洋) es un dessenhaire de manga, scenarista e realisator de films d'animacion.Nasquèt lo 14 d'abril de 1954 dins la prefectura de Miyagi, al Japon.Es entre autre l'autor d'Akira, de son adaptacion en anime e de Steamboy Notice how the arm positions in panels 2-3 push your eye through each panel then on to the next. During this year’s Los Angeles Anime Expo the Akira creator announced not one, but two new projects in the pipeline. We’d say that makes him pretty much the coolest “Akira” fan on the planet. Akira featured extremely realistic backgrounds and cityscapes paired with intricately detailed industrial and mech design. Hundreds of artists worldwide have contributed pages to this massive project, re-creating the six-volume manga in “Simpsons” form. Mangaka-turned director Katsuhiro Otomo (born April 14, 1954) has been working in the field of manga since the 1970s. We can see the lasting images of the firebombings and the atomic bombs in the works of artist and director Osamu Tezuka and his successor, Hayao Miyazaki. I find his influence seeping into my art-making process on a regular basis. I’m also trying to use the time to tackle some house projects, so even my studio time might suffer. The movie that Katsuhiro Otomo might be finest identified for is his animated epic Akira (1988). For fans of anime and manga, the name Katsuhiro Otomo sits well above the rest. His first "short stories" were published in 1973, while he was still in college; three of his more famous short pieces were adapted into the film Memories in 1995. Despite their status as working professionals — Thorp has contributed to films like 2017’s “Ghost in the Shell,” Zeng created the opening titles for last year’s Pause Fest — the pair poured hundreds of hours into “Awaken Akira.”. Otomo also pioneered an incredible use of lighting, which is used to highlight important scenes. Waaaaaay up. There is no denying that Katshiro Otomo's influence as a director was crucial in achieving this status. The director used over 160,000 animation cells to create the end result. Music is by Jun Miyake and uses jazz and funk as its main influence, adding to the film's chaotic, comedic nature. After graduation, he began working at an anime studio as one of the few foreigners in the industry, illustrating frames for series like “The King of Braves GaoGaiGar,” “Gasaraki,” and “Crayon Shin-chan.” He even did some work on “Freedom,” a series that featured character and mechanical designs by none other than “Akira” creator Otomo. Let Neo-Tokyo be... ‘Akira’ inspires generations of foreign animators. 1. Parody animation “The American Akira” takes the idea to the logical extreme, imagining the film’s motorcycle-riding bōsōzoku protagonists as baseball-playing, prom-going all-American teens. I find his influence seeping into my art-making process on a regular basis. However, I will give y’all at least this one Studio Stuff update to tide you over. David Roy, who was inspired partly by ‘Akira’ to move to Japan and work in the anime industry. A few months ago, I proposed to the editors at The Japan Times that... © THE JAPAN TIMES, LTD. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED, ‘Why did you come to Japan?’ For many people, the answer is Katsuhiro Otomo‘s visionary brilliance. Speaking of trailers for imaginary films, “The Akira Project” is just that: a trailer for a what-if live-action version of “Akira,” created with the goal of “sticking as close to the source material as possible” (as opposed to the long-gestating Hollywood remake, at one point rumored to take place in New Manhattan and star Leonardo DiCaprio). Unfortunately, we were living in a small (SMALL) town and this was before ‘good’ internet. Contributing writer “Akira,” the Katsuhiro Otomo anime film that celebrates its 30th anniversary this year is so often cited as influential, it’s almost a cliche. Before Otomo, only the Osamu Tezuka school of Japanese cartooning was taken seriously (Hennum, 2013). Then he brings us back in context of the overall scene with the last panel escape out the window. “About 20 people from my little animation school entered the same studio. “How can you not be inspired by Otomo, right? He also pushes the camera in tight to highlight details. He is best known as the creator of the manga Akira and its animated film adaptation. Akira (Japanese: アキラ) is a 1988 Japanese animated post-apocalyptic cyberpunk action film directed by Katsuhiro Otomo, produced by Ryōhei Suzuki and Shunzō Katō, and written by Otomo and Izo Hashimoto, based on Otomo's 1982 manga of the same name. Growing up, Otomo was inspired to create comics from several different works. Every few years, Katsuhiro Otomo’s classic 1988 anime – based upon his 1982 manga of the same name – is released into cinemas for a limited run.We’re not complaining. hello apart from the memories book what other books did you get these images from ecspecially the cowboy in white. Japan’s voice of a troubled, ambigously nervous 80s, much like Alan Moore’s Watchman. “But trying to achieve what we needed to really took a lot of work. He even did an in-store signing at the storied Manhattan comic … Recently my dear friend and fellow artist, Rinko Endo, brought me two collections of Otomo’s short stories straight from Japan. “Awaken Akira” shows a similar careful craftsmanship. At the time no U.S. studios were doing anything on that level. Throughout all these proceedings there is action. “Time can’t deny its influence.”. Change ), You are commenting using your Google account. But alas, it didn’t take long before I had purchased my copy of Akira on VHS (yes that amazing US dub with Leonardo’s voice) and watched it nearly every night while painting for the remainder of my high school years. As one of the most prolific writers and animators of either medium, the master creator is hailed amidst his contemporaries - Hayao Miyasaki, Mamoru Oshii, Shinichiro Watanabe - first and foremost for his revolutionary manga-turned-movie, Akira, released respectively in 1982 and 1988 to worldwide acclaim. And that’s not even mentioning the Akira live-action remake arriving in 2021.. Thorp was introduced to “Akira” by his aunt as a child, but Zeng, who works under the name Zaoeyo, first saw the film just a few years ago. Katsuhiro Ôtomo is a Japanese manga artist, screenwriter and film director. Cannon Fodder. Every time I view Otomo’s work, I’m amazed and inspired. Studio Stuff/Influences: Katsuhiro Otomo’s AKIRA. “It was so advanced and carefully crafted.”. This book was published close to a whopping 30 years ago in 1983, the same year the anime was released. Filmografia, nagrody, biografia, wiadomości, ciekawostki. Category:Katsuhiro Otomo. Change ), 8 Things & New Things | Process Is Everything, My Favorite Things of 2014, Part 3: Music. The real work is in the gestures. Credit: Ollie Barder For most people outside of Japan, Akira is probably their first contact with the world of manga and anime. Thanks for reading and good luck hunting down some Otomo! While one of Otomo's works stands head-and-shoulders above the rest, both in terms of acclaim and influence, the rest of the author's projects are still worth seeking out. ( Log Out /  These works or works by this artist may not be in the public domain, because the artist is still living or has not been dead for at least 70 years. Every time I view Otomo’s work, I’m amazed and inspired. I highly recommend that everyone, artist and otherwise, give Otomo’s work a look. Not to put down other artists, but he was creating manga art on a visual no previous artist could pull off. Influences from mediums outside of comics We need to reach outside of the medium for influence, reference, and inspiration. “Akira,” the Katsuhiro Otomo anime film that celebrates its 30th anniversary this year is so often cited as influential, it’s almost a cliche. The magnitude of his energy and the work he put out is just crazy,” says Thorp. Katsuhiro Otomo (大友 克洋, Ōtomo Katsuhiro, born April 14, 1954) is a Japanese manga artist, screenwriter and film director. But he is constantly exploring new ways of rendering and enhancing the visual experience, using a variety of techniques and tools. 2. Is Katsuhiro Otomo more influential than guys like Toriyama/Togashi? Katsuhiro Ôtomo - profil osoby w bazie Filmweb.pl. 2. For many of the animators who toiled to bring Neo-Tokyo to life, it was... How Joe Peacock became the owner of the world’s largest collection of ‘Akira’ cels. – Memories, SOS, Sayonara Nippon, Kaba, Kaba 2, Batman: Black & White 4, Roujin Z. Based on the manga of the same name and written and directed by Katsuhiro Otomo, ... but the director often cited Star Wars as one of his prime influences. Otomo's filmic obsessions would heavily influence his later work. It is mentioned in the interview featurette that the story for Stink Bomb is based on an actual event. “If you were to study Rembrandt, you could read every book on him and study all his paintings, but not until you attempted to paint like Rembrandt would you understand him,” Thorp says. See more ideas about katsuhiro otomo, akira, art. I wanted to share some images from a the collections that highlight why Otomo is my hero. Exhibit G: Spooky murder scene. | MATT SCHLEY. Eventually, its swirling winds engulf the metropolis, swallowing it whole and leaving a skeleton of a city in its wake. […] Example: Katsuhiro Otomo. Otomo is a powerhouse creator. Who inspires YOU!? I wish Otomo’s work was easier to find here in the states! He is best known as the creator of the manga Akira and its anime adaptation. In fact, nearly 30 years later, Akira’s influence is still felt today. Years before any of those films or series, “Akira” helped influence the course of one American’s career — and inspired him to move halfway across the world. His first "short stories" were published in 1973, while he was still in college; three of his more famous short pieces were adapted into the film Memories in 1995. He is best known as the creator of the manga Akira and its animated film adaptation. one of Otomo’s first experiences with comics was Shotaro Ishimori’s book how to be a comic artist, and he was also inspired by American movies including Bonnie and Clyde, Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, and Easy Rider. By Isaac Rouse. His films and comics both address themes like coping with grief and the idea that nature, in all its beauty, can be compromised by man’s desir… We all know him for Akira, but the dude’s short stories span all genre’s and […]. Growing up, Otomo was inspired to create comics from several different works. What do you do next? ‘Awaken Akira’ by Ash Thorp and XiaoLin Zeng. First, I want to try and introduce readers to the cyberpunk influences within Akira. Nice blog, btw. Katsuhiro Otomo’s style influenced Neon Genesis Evangelion’s character designer Yoshiyuki Sadamoto. Speak Japanese like an ‘Akira’ biker punk. Do you remember the first time you watched ‘Akira’? Thorp and Zeng, coordinating between the U.S. and China via Skype (the pair only met in real life after finishing the short), began with a longer draft, then “distilled it down to the feel we wanted,” says Thorp, ending up with a one-minute storyboard. Katsuhiro Otomo's Akira is a classic of both anime and manga, and Kanye West tweeted out his appreciation for the 1988 film on Monday. ‘Why did you come to Japan?’ For many people, the answer is Katsuhiro Otomo‘s... ‘Akira’ soundtrack featured music worthy of a visual masterpiece, Geinoh Yamashirogumi's epic soundscape still resonating with musicians and listeners decades later. And the rest is… well ya know. Shibuya-based illustrator David Roy, who was born in the southern U.S. state of Louisiana, took the rare step of moving to Japan in the early 1990s to get into the animation industry. And being young and idealistic, I was like, ‘I’m going to do it the pure way, go to Japan and learn from the masters.'”. He’s also the first Japanese director to receive the award for Purple Medal of Honor and the Grand Prix d’Angouleme in Japan. Three decades later and it's still as important - and as fun - as it ever was. 'Akira' Creator Katsuhiro Otomo Talks Designing Kaneda's Iconic Bike Otomo thought the anime adaptation of ‘Akira’ would be a failure. Otomo felt he could change this. This tongue-in-cheek tribute is exactly what it sounds like: “Akira” recast with characters from “The Simpsons” (Bart is Kaneda; Ralph Wiggum is Akira). It was a decision in which “Akira” played no small part. He’s a master of illustration and storytelling, making him one of the greatest manga artists living today (as evidenced by his recent awarding of the medal with purple ribbon from the emperor of Japan). Both had witnessedthe devastation of the bombings at the end of the war. To which I respond, ‘No, no more. He also uses tiny motion lines and cast shadows to full effect in showing the tiny pencil’s journey. The graphic novel of memories is a really hard book to find. Filmografia, nagrody, biografia, wiadomości, ciekawostki. The kids are on vacation this week, so I’m not sure if I’ll be able to stick to my regular update schedule. Many people know of Akira, Otomo’s magnum opus, but he has a breadth of work that is astonishing. Katsuhiro Otomo (大友 克洋, Ōtomo Katsuhiro, born April 14, 1954) is a Japanese manga artist, screenwriter and movie director.He is best known as the creator of the manga Akira and its animated movie version. one of Otomo’s first experiences with comics was Shotaro Ishimori’s book how to be a comic artist, and he was also inspired by American movies including Bonnie and Clyde, Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, and Easy Rider. Change ), You are commenting using your Facebook account. My brother and I were fans of shows like Dragonball Z, Speed Racer, and Sailor Moon (this was a while ago). ( Log Out /  After teaching English in the countryside for two years, he moved to Tokyo and enrolled in an animation school. This slows down the manner in which we perceive the action, enhancing the impact of key moments. Each shot would take about a month total.”, The short was released in May, and the response has been “overwhelmingly positive,” says Thorp. He can show speed, tension, and motion simply through his panel layouts and framing: Exhibit A: A gunfight breaks out over cheating in a card game. 大友 克洋 Ōtomo Katsuhiro, ur.