Leiji Matsumoto: Essays on the Manga and Anime Legend

Leiji Matsumoto is a legendary Japanese myth creator whose work spans past, present, and future in a constantly connecting multiverse. This collection of essays covers his seven decades of comic creation, drawing on contemporary scholarship, artistic practice, and fan studies to map his vast universe. Contributors mirror the range of his work and experience, offering previously unexplored biographical and bibliographic detail from a life story as thrilling as anything he created.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 206 pages
Publication date: 30 January 2021
Publisher: McFarland & Co Inc

Leiji Matsumoto, a legendary Japanese myth creator, has left an indelible mark on the world of comics and pop culture. However, his vast and diverse body of work, spanning across time and space in a constantly interconnected multiverse, remains largely unknown outside of Japan. Matsumoto's creative genius was instrumental in shaping the American television anime landscape, particularly through his involvement in Star Blazers, which became a gateway drug for anime enthusiasts in the United States. He also created the iconic character Captain Harlock, which gained immense popularity in Europe. Beyond space operas, Matsumoto's artistic prowess extended to manga, covering a wide range of subjects, from musicians like Bowie and Tchaikovsky to American cowboy shows like Laramie. He also created numerous girls' comics, showcasing his versatility as a storyteller. In addition to his creative achievements, Matsumoto is a respected manga scholar, an expert on Japanese swords, and a frustrated engineer and pilot who continues to dream of becoming a spaceman in his eighties. This comprehensive collection of new essays, the first book on Matsumoto in English, delves into his seven decades of comic creation, drawing on contemporary scholarship, artistic practice, and fan studies to provide a comprehensive overview of his vast universe. The contributors, including artists, creators, translators, and scholars, reflect the diverse range of Matsumoto's work and experience. From his early struggles with poverty to his global recognition, this volume offers previously unexplored biographical and bibliographic details that bring his life story to life in thrilling detail.

Weight: 454g
Dimension: 178 x 254 x 23 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781476679969