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The world of manga is defined by the creators’ long tales of perseverance and passion in the face of countless resistance, and Naoki Urasawa’s journey is no exception. Known for iconic works likeMonster,20th Century Boys,Pluto, and many more, this genius mangaka’s creative journey, especially in terms ofMonster‘s success was far from smooth.
Naoki Urasawa faced an uphill battle, not from critics or fans, but from his own publisher, who initially refused to see the potential ofMonster, which would become one of the most celebrated works in manga history. His fight against the odds earned a place forMonsteras one of the greatest psychological thrillers in the manga industry to this day.
Skepticism OverMonster‘s Success by Naoki Urasawa’s Publisher
In 2019, Naoki Urasawa showed a group of journalists around the free exhibition of his artwork at Japan House London. The brief encounter was penned down by Andrew Osmondin his own blog. During this meeting, Urasawa introduced20th Century Boysas a partial autobiography; a legacy of his 1960s childhood dreams and memories.
Upon talking about his worldwide hitMonster,Naoki Urasawarevealed a crucial glimpse of his journey to creating this manga. He shared that when he first pitchedMonsterto his publisher, the reception was far from enthusiastic. In fact, Urasawa recalls how his publisher tried to shut the project down before it even began, quoting,
My publisher was adamant that it just wouldn’t do well; they really tried to stop me.
Centered around the endeavor of a neurosurgeon, Dr. Kenzo Tenma, the idea of a dark, psychological thriller with themes of murder and Cold War secrets seemed too niche for the mainstream manga market. The publisher believed that audiences wouldn’t connect with the grim subject matter and unconventional storyline.
“It is certainly not worthy of the reviews”: How Well Has Monster Aged Today? – Breaking Down the Conflicting Masterpiece That Still Divides Fans
However, Urasawa fought back, determined to bring his vision to life, even if it meant going against the wishes of his publisher. This resistance from within, rather than outside forces, proved to be one of the greatest challenges of his career.
Naoki Urasawa: A Manga Legend in the Making
InMonster, Naoki Urasawa crafted a story that explored uncharted territories. The story follows Dr. Tenma’s thrilling journey, as his life turns upside down after he chooses to save the life of young Johan Liebert over a City Mayor. This decision unfolds a chain of nightmarish events as Tenma later gets accused of murder, and continuously chased afterJohan Liebert— who represents the worst aspects of human depravity.
Urasawa’s masterful storytellingis intertwined together with themes of guilt, morality, and the aftershocks of historical events, particularly those of World War II and the Cold War. But despite the strength of the story,Monsteralmost never saw the light of day, if Urasawa hadn’t remained steadfast to his vision.
WhileMonstereventually found success in Japan, Urasawa faced another obstacle in trying to reach international audiences, particularly in countries where manga hadn’t fully integrated into popular culture. One of the most notable examples was the United Kingdom, as he remarked,
I couldn’t quite grasp why the country which had the Beatles, who loved rock music, couldn’t understand manga.
This finding pointed to a bigger problem that manga’s global distribution was dealing with at the time. Manga was still regarded as a niche product in Western markets, despite its huge popularity in Japan and other Asian countries. With its complex themes and gloomy undertones, Urasawa’sMonsterhad even greater challenges in its quest for international recognition.
“He’s both attractive and cold”: Animating Monster Wasn’t a Walk in the Park as Naoki Urasawa Had a Strict Directive That Wasn’t Negotiable
However, despite the initial resistance from his publisher and the cultural barriers manga faced internationally,Monsterbecame a resounding success. Urasawa’s vision for a psychological thriller resonated with readers in Japan and eventually found an audience across the globe. It serves as a reminder that great stories are worth fighting for, even when the odds seem stacked against them.
Monsteris currently available to watch and read on Netflix and Viz Media, respectively.
Moumita Chakraborty
Articles Published :931
Moumita Chakraborty is a seasoned Anime Writer at FandomWire with over 900 published articles. Passionate about the vibrant world of Japanese anime, she brings sharp analytical skills and cultural insight to every piece. From dissecting intricate plotlines to spotlighting the latest trends and releases, Moumita’s work resonates with both casual fans and seasoned otakus. Her writing aims to connect with fellow anime enthusiasts while contributing meaningfully to the ever-growing anime community.
