The Manga Artform

Manga is the unique form of comics produced in Japan, as well as an artform that is wildly popular in Japan and now gaining recognition throughout the world. Since the early 20th century, manga have become one of the most interesting and pervasive of Japan's modern cultural arts, synthesizing Japan's long history of visual aesthetics with the sequential storytelling format of comics imported from the West.

Hundreds of manga periodicals are published weekly in Japan, with manga aimed at all age groups and dealing with almost any conceivable topic or plot. There are adventure, mystery, horror and science fiction manga, as well as stories revolving around sports, business, history, romance and educational topics, showcasing a wide range of artistic and writing styles.

One particularly characteristic aspect of manga is it's bold monochromatic inkwork, which is derived in large part from Japan's traditional artistic conventions found in woodblock print and inkbrush illustration. Takemusu draws on the dynamic and powerful flavors of shonen (boys) manga, a popular subgenre of adventure manga that can be seen in the pages of the weekly Shonen Jump, Japan's most popular manga magazine.

About Aiki Shonen Den Takemusu

Aiki Shonen Den Takemusu was created especially for Aikido Online and the larger community of Aikido. Although there are many reference to Aikido, the story itself is complete fiction. Any resemblance to actual persons or events is not intentional. Enjoy!

About the Artists

Rob MacPherson (YamaZaru) has been inspired by manga art for almost twenty years, and especially admires the bold styles personified in the works of mangaka (manga artists) such as Akira Toriyama (DragonBall) and Eichiro Oda (One Piece). Since 2001 he has been training in Aikido under Peter Bernath at Florida Aikikai, and currently holds the rank of 3rd kyu.

Other than art and Aikido, he enjoys philosophy, studying Japanese language, collecting 60's reggae and drinking alarming amounts of green tea.

Milton Cadogan (Milty66) has been arting for nearly 22 years and is especially influenced by all illustration styles, most notably Japanese illustration. Influences include works of artists such as Katsuya Terada and Tatsuyuki Tanaka, and of course Manga of all styles. Since late 2001, he has been a student of Peter Bernath's of Florida Aikikai and currently holds the rank of 3rd Kyu.

In addition to a passion in Aikido and art, he finds himself pursuing that ever-so-elusive perfect Teriyaki steak and all other satisfying gastronomic delights. Also enjoying a good round of Bemani video games.