While many manga creators remain in the shadows during the anime adaptation of their masterpieces, it’s not due to a lack of interest.
The demanding nature of manga creation often leaves these talented individuals with little bandwidth to actively engage in the animation process of their stories.
Yet, there are a select few who defy this norm. These authors immerse themselves in the anime adaptation of their creations, ensuring that the animated version remains true to its manga roots.
Their involvement often leads to richer and more authentic anime adaptations, as they provide invaluable insights on how specific manga scenes should come to life on screen.
Without further ado, let’s explore the top 10 manga creators who have not only penned iconic stories but have also played pivotal roles in bringing their stories to the anime world.
10. Yuusuke Murata
| Role Played in Anime | Character Designer |
| His Manga | All his works’ anime adaptations |
Yusuke Murata is best recognized for his stellar work on the “One Punch Man” manga. However, even before this hit series, he was renowned for his exceptional character designs, with all of his major works receiving anime adaptations.
Typically in anime productions, character designs are crafted by a specialized designer distinct from the manga artist.
However, Yusuke Murata’s exceptional animation skills and experience have enabled him to personally undertake the character designs for the anime adaptations of his works.
His anime character designs for titles like “Majin Bone” and “Eyeshield 21” are particularly notable within the anime community, showcasing his talent.
Beyond his manga contributions, Murata has also dabbled in animation. He’s taken to social media to share various short clips that he personally animated, further emphasizing his expansive range of talents in the manga and anime industry.
You Might Like: Yusuke Murata Working on Eyeshield 21 Anime One-Shot
9. Hajime Isayama
| Role Played in Anime | Consultant for Voice Actors Character Designer of OVA Episodes |
| His Manga | Attack on Titan |
Hajime Isayama, the mastermind behind the renowned seinen manga series “Attack on Titan,” had a unique role in the anime adaptation.
While his direct involvement was mostly confined to the character designs of the OVA episodes, he made significant contributions by guiding the voice actors to bring his characters to life as he envisioned.
Of the entire voice acting team, Yuki Kaji, who voiced Eren, had a particularly close relationship with Isayama. Especially after the initial seasons, Isayama frequently consulted with Kaji about Eren’s character development.
He also reached out to other voice actors, sharing his insights and feelings about each character to ensure their authentic portrayal.
You Might Like: Attack on Titan Final Episode New Trailer Released
8. Eiichiro Oda
| Role Played in Anime | Choosing Voice Actors Script-writer for Movies |
| His Manga | One Piece |
Eiichiro Oda is not just a standout figure in the manga world since its boom, but he’s also an accomplished scriptwriter. He’s the creative force behind some of the most popular “One Piece” movies, such as “One Piece Film Z” and “Film Gold.”
Beyond writing, Oda has been instrumental as a character designer for many of the “One Piece” films.
Given he’s the original creator, it’s only fitting that he’d be consulted on the designs of his characters. Another significant role Oda played was in the selection of key voice actors for the anime.
Notably, he was deeply involved in choosing Saori Hayami as the voice for Yamato, given her importance in the Wano Arc.
Despite the demands of his schedule, Oda was committed to ensuring the success of the “One Piece” live action, being actively involved throughout its production.
You Might Like: One Piece Live Action Season 2 Officially Confirmed
7. Nakashima Kazuki
| Role Played in Anime | Script-writer / Series Composer / Chief Producer |
| His Manga | Most of his works’ anime adaptations |
Nakashima Kazuki has carved a niche for himself in the manga industry as the brilliant mind behind some of the most iconic mecha series. His involvement doesn’t stop at manga; he’s been hands-on with the anime adaptations of his works.
Whether serving as a series composer, stepping in as a chief producer, or most often showcasing his prowess as a scriptwriter, Nakashima’s touch is omnipresent.
His unique style and approach are evident in the anime adaptations, offering a distinct flavor that only he can provide. Some of his standout works as a scriptwriter include titles like “BNA,” “Tengan Toppa Gurren Lagann,” and “Kill la Kill.”
6. Homura Kawamoto & Toru Naomura
| Role Played in Anime | Script-writer Character Designer |
| Their Manga | Kakegurui |
Homura Kawamoto, known for his storytelling prowess, and Toru Naomura, the skilled manga artist, teamed up to gift the world the renowned series “Kakegurui.”
Their partnership extended beyond the manga pages, as both played integral roles in the anime adaptations of “Kakegurui.”
Homura-sensei contributed by penning scripts for specific episodes, ensuring the narrative’s authenticity. Meanwhile, Naomura-sensei showcased his artistry through the character designs, which became a defining feature of the series.
In addition to the main series, the duo has expanded the “Kakegurui” universe with spin-offs like “Kakegurui Twin” and “Kakegurui Midari,” further showcasing their combined talents.
You Might Like: Kakegurui Author Collaborating on a New Manga
5. Natsuki Takaya
| Role Played in Anime | Executive Producer (Supervisor) |
| Her Manga | Fruits Basket (Remake) |
Natsuki Takaya is the brilliant mind behind what many consider the pinnacle of romance series, “Fruits Basket.” However, the initial anime adaptation didn’t quite resonate with fans as expected.
Recognizing the series’ potential and its significance, “TMS Entertainment” opted for a fresh take with a remake.
To ensure the series received the treatment it deserved, Takaya-sensei was appointed as an executive producer.
Her role wasn’t just ceremonial; she was deeply involved, especially in the animation of key moments, ensuring the essence of her creation was captured perfectly.
Thanks to her meticulous oversight, the “Fruits Basket” remake not only redeemed the series but also, at one point, made it the highest-rated anime on MAL.
4. Tite Kubo
| Role Played in Anime | Supervisor |
| His Manga | Bleach |
Tite Kubo, renowned for creating the celebrated shounen series “Bleach,” was instrumental in bringing to life its climax season, “The Thousand Year Blood War.”
The season’s production was significantly influenced by Kubo-sensei’s decision to join the anime team as a supervisor.
To ensure the series captured its essence after a decade-long break, director Tomohisa Taguchi held in-depth discussions with Kubo-sensei, diving into his vision for the series’ comeback.
Kubo-sensei’s involvement wasn’t just supervisory; he had a clear intent. He wanted to introduce original scenes that the manga hadn’t depicted.
A prime example of this was the inclusion of Aizen in episode 6 of the climax season, a scene specifically requested by Tite himself.
3. CLAMP
| Role Played in Anime | Character Designer Script-writer (Cardcaptor Sakura) |
| Their Manga | All of their works’ anime adaptations |
“CLAMP” is a collective of female manga artists who have made significant marks in the industry since its inception.
Beyond their own captivating series, they’re widely recognized in the anime world for their standout character designs, even for series not originally their own.
Their design brilliance is particularly showcased in the “Code Geass” series, where they were responsible for the memorable character aesthetics.
Of course, they’ve also been the creative minds behind the designs for all anime adaptations of their works, encompassing beloved titles such as “Cardcaptor Sakura,” “Chobits,” and “xxxHOLiC.”
Among the CLAMP team, “Nanase Ohkawa” is the primary storyteller. Beyond crafting tales, she’s extended her expertise to the anime side, contributing to the scriptwriting for episodes of the renowned “Cardcaptor Sakura” series.
2. Tsukushi Akihito
| Role Played in Anime | Consultant for the anime and Key Animator |
| His Manga | Made in Abyss |
Tsukushi Akihito, a standout in the realm of dark fantasy manga, is the creative force behind the celebrated “Made in Abyss” series.
He actively participates in various animation departments, serving as a consultant. His primary focus lies in the Key Animation department.
The video above offers a unique insight, highlighting the collaboration between the series’ voice actors, the animation studio, and Akihito himself.
In the anime adaptation of “Made in Abyss,” Akihito-sensei’s role is not just peripheral.
1. Tatsuki Fujimoto
| Role Played in Anime | Consultant in every department |
| His Manga | Chainsaw Man |
Tatsuki Fujimoto, the brilliant creator of the standout Shounen manga “Chainsaw Man,” took an exceptionally hands-on approach with the anime adaptation of his work.
His influence on the series was profound, working closely with the production team every step of the way.
The contemporary pop-culture references that fans appreciated in the opening song of “Chainsaw Man” were integrated with guidance from Fujimoto-sensei himself.
As mentioned in the above Tweet, he didn’t just offer input; he served as a supervisor across all departments.
Suggested Read: Chainsaw Man Author Hints To Retire As a Manga Artist Soon
So, there it is: Our list of the top 10 manga artists who actively participated in the anime adaptations of their works. We’d love to hear your thoughts on this list in the comments below.
