Unrelenting determination is the underlying theme of Bakuman, the latest series by the creators of Death Note, Tsugumi Ohba and Takeshi Obata. The two main characters, Moritaka Mashiro and Akito Takagi, both aged 15, are determined to become successful Mangaka (Manga artists/writera) by having a regular series published in Shonen Jump and eventually having it made into an anime.
The great thing about this story is to see how these teens are willing to do what it takes to make their dreams come true. They work hard, really hard, but at the same time they are willing to listen to the advice of others who have gone before them.
According to Malcolm Gladwell’s Outliers: The Story of Success, a person needs to put in 10,000 hours of work in order to become good at something. Mashiro and Takagi are good example of this work ethic. As a parent, I would love see some of their resolve to rub off on my kids. Many stories in North America tend to favour ‘instant success’ but this story gives a more realistic view of the hard work and ups and downs that go on behind the success (I am assuming they will be successful, but who knows). Apart from the (clears throat) humour in this series, I would recommend it as good series for teens 13 and up.
An example of the infectious quality of the series, every time I read it I feel like I want to storyboard too. I’m looking forward to Bakuman Vol. 4 coming in out in April.