Learning to Draw Manga from Reading a Manga “Hetappi Manga Kenkyuujo R” -Learning from the Books of Legends
2. Read it as a short manga on its own
Another way to read “Hetappi Manga Kenkyuujo R” is as a short manga on its own.
Yuusuke Murata, “Hetappi Manga Kenkyuujo R” (Shueisha, 2011) p. 6
“Hetappi Manga Kenkyuujo R” is about a manga editor named Saitou who gets tired of his job and decides to become a manga artist, and asks the mangaka, Murata, to teach him how to draw manga.
Yuusuke Murata, “Hetappi Manga Kenkyuujo R” (Shueisha, 2011) p. 7
There’s plenty of humor in watching the former editor, Saitou, attempt to get the hang of drawing manga, so it also works as a quick read for laughs.
What’s more, over the course of the half-year in the story, other popular manga artists with works serialized in Weekly Shonen Jump make appearances in order to give tips on making manga.
What’s more, over the course of the half-year in the story, other popular manga artists with works serialized in Weekly Shonen Jump make appearances in order to give tips on making manga.
Yuusuke Murata, “Hetappi Manga Kenkyuujo R” (Shueisha, 2011) p. 91, shown: Mitsutoshi Shimabukuro, author of “Toriko”
In addition to Jump fans, manga lovers will get a kick out of seeing many of their favorite mangaka make appearances, so the book offers that to look forward to as well.
Yuusuke Murata, “Hetappi Manga Kenkyuujo R” (Shueisha, 2011) p. 112, shown: Yoshihiro Togashi, author of “HUNTER X HUNTER”
Those in the mood for a short and funny manga should definitely pick this up.
3. Read it as a collection of Murata’s drawings
This third way to read the book is something slightly different. The book itself contains an assortment of drawings with Murata’s personal touch; you can read it as a drawing collection as well.
As seen above, there are many other mangaka who make appearances in the book. Naturally, the characters from their works also appear.
As seen above, there are many other mangaka who make appearances in the book. Naturally, the characters from their works also appear.
Yuusuke Murata, “Hetappi Manga Kenkyuujo R” (Shueisha, 2011) p. 48, shown: Mizuki Kawashita, author of “Strawberry 100%”
They’re drawn in a way that you think the respective original artists drew them, but in actuality, Murata is the one who drew them, imitating the style of the originals.The quality of his reproduction will surprise you.
Yuusuke Murata, “Hetappi Manga Kenkyuujo R” (Shueisha, 2011) p. 93, Mitsutoshi Shimabukuro, “Toriko”
On a related note, in 2008, when Weekly Shonen Jump celebrated its 40th anniversary, Murata worked on a piece that showcased 180 of the characters from Jump’s history--meaning he was able to recreate 40 years worth of varying artists’ styles. Now that’s Jump-level talent!
Yuusuke Murata, “Hetappi Manga Kenkyuujo R” (Shueisha, 2011) p. 116, Yoshihiro Togashi, “HUNTER X HUNTER”
As such, the book is worth a read for lovers of Murata’s work and those who would appreciate outstanding drawing ability through this collection of art.
A recommended book for aspiring mangaka as well as manga lovers
“Hetappi Manga Kenkyuujo R” is a book for people who want to become mangaka, as well as people who simply want to enjoy manga in a new, deeper way. You can also just treat it as a light read. It might even be worth reading it as a companion piece to the original “Akira Toriyama no Hetappi Manga Kenkyuujo” too.
As well, we brought this to you, pixivision readers and pixiv users, thinking of how its message would resonate with you, as well as everyone else who loves to draw and create.
As well, we brought this to you, pixivision readers and pixiv users, thinking of how its message would resonate with you, as well as everyone else who loves to draw and create.
Yuusuke Murata, “Hetappi Manga Kenkyuujo R” (Shueisha, 2011) p. 109
“I don’t care if you send them in or upload them, I just want to see more creations. [...] Nowadays, when I look at homepages, there’s a heckuva lot of darned talented teenagers who can really draw. I’m always thinking I’d want them not just to be happy to post stuff on their homepages, but actually put a manga together and bring it to me.”
(Quoted from “Hetappi Manga Kenkyuujo R,” punctuation that of editors’)
If you thought “That’s me!” when reading the book, you can certainly give it a try and send in a submission to Jump’s editorial department. When you do, tell them you came after reading Yuusuke Murata’s “Hetappi Manga Kenkyuujo R”!
