The Art of Manga: A Comprehensive Overview of Kiyohiko Azuma’s Works
A Collection of Manga Works by Kiyohiko Azuma, Renowned for “Yotsuba&!”
For those who wish to explore his other works, this article serves as a reference.
Basic Information
Kiyohiko Azuma
Date of Birth: May 27, 1968
Origin: Hyogo Prefecture
He began drawing manga when he joined a doujinshi circle in his second year of high school. Throughout college, he continued his doujinshi activities. After graduation, he worked on original drawings for games, anthology comics, illustrations, and more. He gained fame in 1999 with “Azumanga Daioh.” Later, in 2003, he began serializing “Yotsuba&!”.
Works That Are Still Relatively Available
Yotsuba&!
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A classic slice-of-life manga serialized in “Monthly Comic Dengeki Daioh” since 2003. It has won various awards, including the Japan Media Arts Festival’s Manga Division Excellence Award and the 20th Tezuka Osamu Cultural Prize. The prototype is “Try! Try! Try!” which is included in “Azumanga 2.”
Azumanga Daioh
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A high school slice-of-life manga serialized in “Monthly Comic Dengeki Daioh” from the end of 1998 to 2002. It’s Kiyohiko Azuma’s breakout work. It has been adapted into short films, an anime series, and various merchandise. As the phrase on the new edition’s obi states, “21st-century 4-panel manga started here,” it has had a significant influence on subsequent 4-panel manga. The new edition released in 2009 not only has redrawn parts but also includes the “Azumanga Daioh Supplementary Edition.”
Azumanga 2
A set packed with four contents:
– Bonus manga from “Azumanga” onwards, like “Tenchi Muyo!” and “Battle Athletes Victory.”
– The original manga “Wallaby” serialized from 1998-2000.
– “Try! Try! Try!”, the prototype of “Yotsuba&!”.
– A CD-ROM containing rough sketches of “Wallaby” and commercial data.
Given the timing of its release, it shares similarities in expression and atmosphere with “Azumanga Daioh.” Especially recommended for those who want to read Kiyohiko Azuma’s earlier works. The prototype version of “Yotsuba&!”, “Try! Try! Try!”, features prototype characters, making it a must-read for “Yotsuba&!” fans. The different hairstyles are quite intriguing.
Azumanga Recycle
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A re-edited version of “Azumanga” released in 1998. It includes bonus manga from series like “Tenchi Muyo!”, “Battle Athletes Victory”, and “Magical Girl Pretty Sammy.” Most of the works were published in video or LD booklets at the time. Although titled “Azumanga,” it’s unrelated to “Azumanga Daioh” and feels more like a “Kiyohiko Azuma past works compilation.” Among the relatively available books, this one lets you enjoy the oldest works of Kiyohiko Azuma.
Other Related Books
Osaka Expo
A fanbook of “Azumanga Daioh” to commemorate its 10th anniversary. Published under the name “Yotsuba Studio,” it’s introduced here as it’s relatively available. Released in 2009, the first half records past merchandise and projects. The latter half features an anthology by renowned manga artists. The contributing artists and their notable works are as follows:
Ume Aoki – “Hidamari Sketch”
Keiichi Arawi – “Nichijou (Everyday)”
Masakazu Iwasaki – “Kemeko Deluxe!”
Usakun – “Mako-chan’s Illustrated Diary”
Kashmir – “Inhabitants of the Book”
Kazho – “Kill Me Baby”
Masaru Kaneko – “Fura Furo”
Ryoichi Koga – “Ninin ga Shinobuden (2×2=Shinobuden)”
Saxyun – “Yurumeitsu”
Roh Shino – “Yatagarasu-san Gets Angry”
Suka – “Hirona ex.” (Designed Sakura for the desktop mascot software “Shimeji”)
Ohki – “Harumination” (Also known for doujinshi activities for “Touhou” and “KanColle” under the name “Dioxin”)
Douman Seiman – “Voynich Hotel” (In “Paraizo,” characters from “Azumanga Daioh” make guest appearances with permission)
Barasui – “Ichigo Mashimaro (Strawberry Marshmallow)”
Hekiru Hikawa – “Pani Poni”
Shinichi Yuhki – “Momoe Size”
It’s a luxurious anthology drawn by famous manga artists, worth purchasing for that alone. Each artist’s unique style and artistry are emphasized, making it even more enjoyable for those familiar with the original manga.
