Bakuman

Considered one of the best animes by J.C. Staff Studio, "Bakuman" is a poignant exploration of the multifaceted world of manga creation, where ambition, dedication, and the pursuit of one's true calling converge.

In the realm of artistic aspirations and the pursuit of dreams, "Bakuman" ventures into the life of Moritaka Mashiro, a young boy who, in his formative years, harbored ambitions of becoming a mangaka. Inspired by his uncle, Tarou Kawaguchi, the genius behind a beloved gag manga, Moritaka's imagination knew no bounds.However, fate intervenes in the most unexpected way, extinguishing the flames of his childhood dreams. With the weight of tragedy on his shoulders, he forgoes his artistic passions and dedicates his middle school days to a different pursuit – the conventional path of becoming a salaryman.

Yet, a chance encounter beckons. Akito Takagi, Moritaka's classmate and a prodigious writer, stumbles upon a notebook adorned with intricate, compelling drawings. Recognizing the extraordinary potential concealed within Moritaka's artistic expressions, Akito makes a proposition that would forever alter the course of their lives. He presents the idea of embarking on a shared journey as mangaka, crafting stories that could captivate the masses.

After much deliberation, Moritaka succumbs to the allure of this proposition. He envisions a future where the fruits of their collaboration yield not only artistic fulfillment but also the realization of a personal dream – winning the heart of Miho Azuki, the girl of his affection, by involving her in the voice acting for the anime adaptation of their work. Together, they assume the guise of "Muto Ashirogi" and plunge headlong into the waters of the manga industry, aspiring to etch their names as the preeminent mangaka in Japan.

Release: 2010

MyAnimeList Score: 8.53/10