Yoshinori Natsume (夏目 義徳, Natsume Yoshinori), born on August 23, 1975, in Hiroshima, Japan, is a Japanese manga artist renowned for his contributions to the manga industry.
Early Life and Career
Natsume began his career in the manga industry after leaving Konami in 2000. He initially worked as an assistant to fellow manga artist Ryouji Minagawa.
Notable Works
- Togari: Serialized in Weekly Shōnen Sunday from August 2000 to February 2002, this series follows Tobei, an orphan from the Edo period who, after being beheaded for his crimes, is sent to Hell. There, he is given a chance for redemption by slaying 108 malevolent spirits in 108 days using a magical sword named Togari.
- Kurozakuro: Published in Weekly Shōnen Sunday from July 2004 to December 2005, this series centers on Mikito Sakurai, a high school student who, after swallowing a mysterious orb, gains superhuman strength and a violent appetite, leading him into a world of ogres and hunters.
- Batman: Death Mask: In April 2008, Natsume authored this prestige-format manga mini-series, offering a unique Japanese perspective on the iconic superhero.
- White Tiger: In 2013, Natsume published this series in Grand Jump, exploring themes of samurai and adventure.
Style and Themes
Natsume's works often delve into dark fantasy and supernatural themes, featuring protagonists who confront inner demons and external threats. His storytelling is characterized by intricate plots and well-developed characters, set against richly detailed worlds.
Legacy
Yoshinori Natsume has established himself as a significant figure in the manga industry, with works that have been both critically acclaimed and commercially successful. His ability to blend traditional manga elements with unique narratives continues to influence and inspire readers and artists alike.
See also
- Batman: Child of Dreams, the previous manga outing for Batman from Kia Asamiya.
- Batman: Black and White, an anthology of Batman stories, including a manga take from Katsuhiro Otomo.