Naoki Urasawa's Manben neo

Synopsis

Naoki Urasawa's Manben Neo, originally titled 浦沢直樹の漫勉neo, is a documentary-style Japanese television series that delves deep into the creative process of manga artistry, hosted by the acclaimed manga artist Naoki Urasawa. Released in 2020, this series offers an intimate, behind-the-scenes look at how various renowned manga creators conceptualize, storyboard, and bring their stories to life. Each episode features a different artist who demonstrates their techniques, tools, and workflows, giving fans and aspiring artists unique insights into the art of manga creation. The show is part of the broader Manben series and stands out for its educational value, reverence for the manga medium, and the way it unpacks the nuanced craftsmanship behind popular manga works through candid conversations and artistic demonstrations.

Cast

• 

  Naoki Urasawa

  Self - Presenter

• 

  Wakana Aoi

  Self - Narration (voice)

Reviews

Naoki Urasawa's Manben Neo has been appreciated by both manga enthusiasts and general viewers who are interested in the artistry behind comic creation. On IMDb, the series holds a respectable rating of around 7.8/10, reflecting positive viewer feedback for its informative and engaging nature. Critics have praised Urasawa's role as a host, lauding his ability to engage with other artists and extract thoughtful commentary on their creative philosophies and techniques. Reviewers from manga-focused platforms and forums highlight the show's success in demystifying the manga production process without sacrificing the integrity or complexity of the craft. However, some critics point out that the series' appeal is somewhat niche — its documentary style and slow pace may not captivate viewers unfamiliar with manga or those expecting more conventional entertainment. Rotten Tomatoes does not have enough critic scores to generate a formal rating, but user reviews generally favor the educational content and the rare glimpse into professional manga studios. Overall, Manben Neo is recommended for fans of manga and aspiring artists who seek inspiration and knowledge, though it may not resonate as strongly with casual viewers.