Tears, laughter, and inspiration! Our 6 recommended manga themed around art.
I will introduce manga themed around art that will captivate not only art enthusiasts but also those unfamiliar with the art world! From hit classics to the latest releases—check them out!
- ‘Blue Period‘
- ‘Honey and Clover‘
- ‘Blank Canvas: My So-Called Artist’s Journey (Kakukaku Shikajika)‘
- ‘Look Back’
- ‘Eren the Southpaw (Hidarikiki no Eren)‘
- ‘Gallery Fake‘
Dive into the world of art with ‘Blue Period’
A youth story about a high school student who becomes fascinated with art and aims to get into Japan’s most prestigious art university. The determined protagonist’s efforts to reach his goal are truly inspiring, and the unique surrounding characters add to the charm. From the joy of drawing to the everyday struggles of school life leading up to the day of the exam, this is a manga you won’t be able to put down!
This work is also a great introduction to the world of art for those who are interested in learning more!
Check reviews on ComicAddict
‘Honey and Clover’ : The quintessential art school manga!
Adapted into both a movie and drama, the so-called ‘Hachikuro’ caused a major boom. The warm, gentle, and poignant daily lives of unique art students unfold on the stage of an art university. The realistic emotions of the characters whilst dealing with the struggles of youth make it easy to empathize with the protagonist.
Highly recommended for those who want to read a heartwarming youth ensemble drama!
Check reviews on ComicAddict
Art class with a bamboo sword?! Laughter and tears in ‘Blank Canvas: My So-Called Artist’s Journey (Kakukaku Shikajika)’
‘Blank Canvas: My So-Called Artist’s Journey’ (also known as ‘Kakukaku Shikajika’) is an autobiographical essay manga by Akiko Higashimura, the creator of hit works such as ‘Tokyo Tarareba Girls’ and ‘Princess Jellyfish’. The protagonist, aspiring to enter an art university, meets a strict mentor in a painting class and they begin to form an exceptional bond in a story filled with laughter and tears!
An amazing work that reminds you “because of those times, I am who I am now”!
Check reviews on ComicAddict
Speechless after reading?! The incredible manga ‘Look Back’
Although only 143 pages, the aftertaste is like that of watching a movie. The story begins with two high school students, a confident protagonist and a reclusive girl, who start to draw manga together. Their passion for manga alongside their jealousy, personal growth, and sincere feelings resonate deeply with the reader.
Check reviews on ComicAddict
For everyone who wished that they were a genius: ‘Eren the Southpaw (Hidarikiki no Eren)’
This is a story of Koichi, a designer at an advertising agency who is aware of his mediocrity and struggles desperately, and Eren, blessed with artistic talent but burdened by the troubles unique to geniuses. This work spotlights the harsh world of art, focusing on the contrast between an ordinary person and a genius. Although it is purely fictional, it realistically portrays its characters and their developments, and is a recommended manga for working adults who can particularly empathize with the challenges the characters face at their workplace!
Check reviews on ComicAddict
‘Gallery Fake’: Making art appreciation more enjoyable!
No prior knowledge of art required for this manga, as, after reading it you’ll definitely become more knowledgeable about art. The owner of Gallery Fake, armed with a genius aesthetic sense and restoration skills, delves into the hidden facade of the art world. With elements of art, religion, science, and more, it’s an enthralling masterpiece for art lovers.
Check reviews on ComicAddict
And that was the introduction to our roundup of recommended art-themed manga. If any caught your interest, be sure to give them a read!
Reference Images:
[1] Tsubasa Yamaguchi, Blue Period vol. 1, Kodansha, 2017, p.25
[2] Chika Umino, Honey and Clover vol. 1 (English Edition), VIZ Media: Shojo Beat, 2012, p.23
[3] Akiko Higashimura, Kakukaku Shikajika vol. 1 (Margaret Comics DIGITAL), Shueisha, 2012, p.26
