Tatsuki Fujimoto, the acclaimed creator of Chainsaw Man, has proven his versatility as a mangaka with his recent one-shot web manga, Look Back. While Chainsaw Man has garnered attention for its upcoming anime adaptation by MAPPA, Look Back showcases Fujimoto’s ability to go beyond the typical tropes of the shounen genre.

Look Back tells the story of Kyo Fujino, a young woman who discovers her passion for drawing comics at a young age. The manga follows her journey from childhood to adulthood as she navigates the challenges and triumphs of pursuing a career in art.

Fujino’s comics gain popularity when they are published in the school newspaper. However, she faces a dilemma when her teacher suggests that she give up one of her spots to a classmate named Kyoumoto, who is known for his exceptional background art. Inspired by Kyoumoto’s talent, Fujino pushes herself to further develop her own art and eventually forms a symbiotic relationship with him, publishing as a duo. But success does not come without struggles, and tragedy forces Fujino to mature as an artist and re-evaluate her relationship with her work.

Released on the second anniversary of the Kyoto Animation studio arson attack, Look Back incorporates allusions to this tragic event. Fujimoto uses these allusions to highlight the scrutiny and pressure that artists face when their work is put in the spotlight. The manga examines the personal and intimate act of creating art while also addressing the dangers of fanaticism and the devaluation of artistic expression.

Fujimoto’s own experiences in the manga industry are reflected in Look Back. Just like Fujino and Kyoumoto, who achieve success at a young age, Fujimoto himself is a young mangaka at only 27 years old. His early start in art, similar to Fujino’s, has undoubtedly influenced his ability to capture the fleeting essence of adolescence and evoke emotional melancholy in his work.

With Look Back, Fujimoto delves into the complexities of creating art. Through his expressive character art and meticulous attention to detail, he explores the nuances of Fujino’s insecurities and the obsessive nature of inking. The manga offers a meta-commentary on the process of making comics, highlighting the mental, spiritual, and physical challenges that artists face.

Look Back serves as a powerful reminder that behind every piece of artwork, there are passionate individuals pouring their heart and soul into their craft. Fujimoto’s manga urges readers to appreciate the effort and dedication that artists put into their work, reminding us that artistic passions often come hand in hand with pain.

Fecomic