The Art of Hand-Drawn Manga: Shigeka Matsumori's Revival

The manga titled "REVIVAL - The Resurrection of the Empire" has captivated audiences since its release on March 16. The artist behind this work is Shigeka Matsumori, a veteran manga artist known for his contributions to iconic series such as "Golgo 13," "Hokuto no Ken," and "Souten no Ken." In an era dominated by digital creation, Matsumori has chosen to uphold the philosophy of hand-drawn artistry. He has been faithfully wielding a G pen for over 40 years, maintaining a unique dedication to traditional methods. Let's delve into the meticulous world of this remarkable artist and explore the sentiments embedded in his work.

More than 40 Years with the G Pen

Matsumori, since starting his career as an assistant, has been a pillar of Japanese graphic culture. Throughout these four decades, he has remained steadfast in his commitment to the G pen, which is a fundamental tool for artists. He currently uses G pens from three manufacturers: Zebra, Tachikawa, and Nikko, expertly leveraging each brand's characteristics to express various subjects and styles.

He recalls a past experiment with digital techniques. "A few years ago, I tried digital drawing. However, I felt that emotions weren’t captured in the lines. That’s why I continue to rely on the G pen." For him, each line that emerges from the pen is not simply a stroke on the paper; it embodies the artist's emotions.

The Soul Infused in the Pen Tip

Creating the artwork requires unimaginable focus and stamina. Sometimes, the pressure of his hand on the pen is so intense that the paper tears. His right hand bears the burden of decades of work, often causing electric-like pain from his shoulder to fingers. Notably, his middle finger bears a callus developed over these 40 years, which he describes as his "alter ego."

"This callus is practically my second self," he asserts, a statement brimming with the pride and resolve of a lifelong artist.

Two Days per Page: The Lone Artist's Production Style

In producing "REVIVAL," Matsumori shuns the use of production teams, opting to create every element on his own. He gracefully shifts roles from drawing nature to constructing buildings and bringing characters to life, diligently crafting each page. Notably dense pages can take him two entire days to finish, such is his commitment to detail.

"Drawing has become a habit, to the point where I sometimes catch myself tracing lines in my sleep," he shares, revealing the profound connection he has with his work.

Choosing Hand-Drawn Over Digital

Despite the digital trend prevailing in manga production today, Matsumori adheres to traditional hand-drawing methods for "REVIVAL," pouring his soul into each page with pen and ink. Each line drawn on paper captures the artist's breath, pressure, and determination.

Matsumori believes, "The weight and atmosphere of the artwork are born from hand-drawing. This authenticity resonates profoundly with the themes of Japanese spiritual culture, lending a unique realism to the story."

The World of REVIVAL Based on Real Events

"REVIVAL - The Resurrection of the Empire" is inspired by real events following the global financial crisis of 2008. At its core lies the concept of "RYO," an ancient Japanese currency, intertwined with themes of cultural revival and economic resurgence.

The back cover features the ancient ideographic script "Katakanuma," which is believed to be among Japan's oldest writing systems, shrouded in the mysteries of Japanese mythology and ancient thought.

This work merges heavy graphic expression with grand themes, marking it as a significant leap from conventional manga.

Widely Available in Bookstores and Online

Volumes 1 and 2 of "REVIVAL - The Resurrection of the Empire" are currently available in bookstores and online platforms. Experience the powerful grappling with Japan’s historical and spiritual culture depicted within this ambitious graphic novel.