Mashiro's uncle had been a mangaka (manga writer). Since he was only middling successful, and died fairly young, Mashiro never considered being one himself. He was going to go to that good university, and get that good job, so he can get his good paycheck, and go live out his lukewarm life. At least, that was the plan until fellow student Takagi notices that Mashiro's artwork is quite good. Takagi is one of the top students at the school; someone he has never talked to before. And Takagi has a proposition: The two of them become a mangaka team. He will write the manga stories, and Mashiro will draw the art.
It takes a while for the enthusiastic Takagi to sell Mashiro on the idea. But once he does, Mashiro has to face his next hurdle: telling his parents!
Bakuman is a slice of life, but it's not anemic. It brings to it a lot of passion for life, and hopes and dreams. These young men realize it's an exciting time in their lives, a time when they can make a name for themselves. The whole world is before them. And Takagi does what he can to encourage Mashiro's romantic relationship with a girl he has a crush on.
But there's a lot that's down-to-earth, and everyday. Mashiro faces the awkwardness of still being dependent on his parents, but having to make decisions that will affect the rest of his life. Because of uncle's "failure," he was the pitied member of the family. Mashiro is afraid of being disowned by his parents when they hear of his plans. He knows the procedure in his family: ask mom. If mom says no, that's the end of it. If mom says maybe, she'll discuss it with dad, and then tell him. He never speaks with his father directly.
There's not much comedy, but there's lots of humor. (One recent funny incident was when they contemplate whether or not to read his uncle's "love letters.") Takagi is very enthusiastic about everything, and is always pushing Mashiro to do things he doesn't want to. Eventually, Mashiro loosens up. They seem to run on the same wavelength.
The animation is pretty good. It's got lots of nice, bright color, without being too unrealistic.
If you absolutely hate slice-of-life, you might find it boring. If you have a young heart that hopes for the future, and are thinking of all the dreams you have yet to fulfill, I think you might enjoy it.
I haven't read the manga. So I don't know where the story goes from here. But I'm looking forward to seeing this series play out.
