J.C. Staff, check. Director Kenichi Kasai with previous slice of life and romance anime work such as Honey and Clover, check. Even the writer and illustrator combo of Ohba Tsugumi and Obata Takeshi, the guys behind Death Note, bring past success to the table.
Bakuman features two kids that want to create a hit manga that will eventually be created into an anime. No doubt this is a nostalgia trip story based on the creator’s as they made into the manga creation industry. The director’s influence from previous work makes its’ mark known here ranging from the pastel colors and pallets to the late 90’s character designs. Much of the anime besides a duo’s goal to become great mangakas is the romance sub-plot of the duo with their female counterparts. Their love story is a major motivation for Bakuman.
The bromance between Mashiro and Takagi is something of a spectacle, while the story revolves around the motivations and actions of Mashiro. His drive to create a manga to become a hit anime in order to fulfill a non-sensible love struck promise kind of falls into a shounen type anime clashing with shoujo characteristics. Much of the other characters are second nature to what Mashiro himself does ranging from stubborn illustrations to overwork itself. Most of these issues tackled in Bakuman says much about the state of the industry itself. Bakuman clearly clashes with ideals and ideas of what romance is and was and even the characters themselves get called out for it during the journey. While the romance is there for good story intentions, it often feels over used and misguided for the real story being told.
Bakuman is strongest when moving away from any sub-plots and focuses on the core, making a hit manga and the struggles that come with it. Season 1 hits this quite well. However, as the series continues from there is where it seems to slow to a crawl. Sure, waiting on weekly rankings to see where they stand or even waiting to hear back from the board if their manga will make it into the magazine makes for a tight intriguing watch. Unfortunately, character motivations and choices battle with the incredible realistic tone on the industry. It is well done in most aspects, but a realistic pace and portrayal may not make the best entertainment in the long run. That’s what hurts Bakuman the most, not the unrealistic fantasy dream of romance in the sub-plot.
There is no doubt Bakuman comes with frustrations while watching. Also, there is no doubt the third season culminates into something worth the effort, if dying to see how the duo winds up with their manga success. This series is unique and is at least worth the effort of giving a good try.
