who is YUSUKE MURATA?

Yūsuke Murata is a name that resonates deeply in the world of manga and animation. He’s best known for his incredible illustrations in One Punch-Man, a series that has captured the hearts of millions worldwide. His work on the manga, which is part of the Weekly Young Jump magazine’s online edition, has earned him a reputation as one of Japan's top mangakas.

But Murata’s talents don’t stop there. He also brought the Eyeshield 21 series to life, collaborating with writer Riichiro Inagaki. This American football manga was serialized from 2002 to 2009 in Weekly Shōnen Jump and later became a hit anime. Murata’s dynamic illustrations helped turn a niche sport into a global phenomenon, showcasing his ability to elevate any story with his unique visual style.

A Glimpse Into His Life

Murata’s journey to becoming a household name in manga began early. Born in 1978 in Miyagi Prefecture, Japan, he wasn’t just any ordinary kid—by the age of twelve, he had won a contest to design villains for Mega Man. That early success opened doors for his career. In 1995, he debuted as a professional manga artist with Partner, a one-shot published in a special issue of Weekly Shōnen Jump. This work won the prestigious Hop Step Award, setting the stage for his future achievements.

His collaboration with Riichiro Inagaki on Eyeshield 21 solidified Murata’s place in the industry. Over seven years, the series became a beloved staple, not just in manga but also in its successful anime adaptation. His partnership with “One,” the creator of One Punch-Man, further expanded his influence. Murata’s illustrations on the One Punch-Man web manga began in 2012 and have continued to captivate fans, with twenty-nine volumes released by November 2023. The anime adaptation, which aired in 2015, also became a massive success.

In January 2024, Murata took a significant step forward by announcing the creation of his own anime production studio, Village Studio. His first major project under the studio, Zaiyuki, has already begun to generate excitement among fans.

On a more personal note, Murata has openly shared some of the more intimate aspects of his life. In 2019, he mourned the passing of his father, a deeply personal moment that he incorporated into his work. His connection to his family is reflected in the One Punch-Man series, where he has drawn inspiration from his children, creating a special bond with the characters he brings to life.

Influences and Artistic Style

Murata’s art is influenced by some of the greatest names in anime and manga. He has often expressed his admiration for Kinu Nishimura, the legendary artist behind many Capcom video game characters, and Akira Toriyama, the creator of Dragon Ball. For Murata, the intense battles between Goku and Piccolo or Frieza in Dragon Ball are nothing short of iconic, and it’s clear that these moments have shaped his artistic vision.

Murata’s style is one of a kind—every detail is meticulously crafted. His work has been praised for its depth, with critics like June Shimonishi from School Library Journal commenting on the incredible attention to detail that fills every page. He makes sure that nothing feels out of place, and even the smallest elements have purpose.

Deb Aoki from Dotdash Meredith also admires Murata’s ability to infuse Eyeshield 21 with humor and life through the art. She notes how Murata doesn’t just draw action scenes; he uses the visuals to tell a story, making the experience much richer. His mastery of blending realistic and exaggerated features has drawn praise from many.

Experts like Zac Bertschy and Carlo Santos from Anime News Network have highlighted Murata’s skill in capturing movement—something that’s particularly challenging in manga. Bertschy believes that Murata’s ability to convey frenetic action is a key reason why manga can often surpass anime in its intensity.

Murata’s creativity shines not just in his action scenes but in his character designs. Each character in Eyeshield 21 is distinct, showcasing his knack for creating memorable, unique figures. It’s this level of imagination and his ability to tell compelling stories through his art that have made Murata a truly unforgettable force in the world of manga.

Murata’s contributions to manga and animation are nothing short of extraordinary. With each project, he continues to leave a mark, pushing boundaries and expanding the possibilities of visual storytelling.

Work

• One punch man
• Partner
• Samui Hanashi
• Kaitō Colt
• Eyeshield 21
• Eyeshield 21
• Madofuki Park
• Hetappi Manga Kenkyūjo R
• Blust!
• Minds
• Donten Prism Solar Car
• Dotō no Yūshatachi
• Dangan Tenshi Fan Club
• One Punch-Man
• Chikyū no Kaijū
• Gokiburi Buster
• Amazing Spider-Man: Renew Your Vows #4 (portada variante manga; 2015)
• Spider-Island #3 (portada variante manga; 2015)
• Spider-Verse (portada edición japonesa; 2016)