Manga artist Kentaro Yabuki, renowned for works like the "To Love-Ru" series and "BLACK CAT," has been in the industry for 28 years. While he currently doesn't have an ongoing serialization, Yabuki-sensei remains beloved by many, especially for his unparalleled skill in depicting female characters.
Yesterday (October 10th), he posted on his X account, sharing that a fan had sent him the very first issue of Weekly Shonen Jump where his debut series was serialized. He expressed both emotion and surprise, realizing how much time had passed.
Yabuki officially debuted with the serialization of "Yamato Gensoki" in 1999. In his post, he wrote: "A passionate fan sent me the first serialization issues of 'Yamato Gensoki,' 'BLACK CAT,' and 'Ayakashi Triangle,' all in excellent condition. Thank you so much! The first chapter of every series truly holds so many memories for me."
He also uploaded photos of these Weekly Shonen Jump issues, specifically highlighting the table of contents from the issue where "Yamato Gensoki" began its run. "Looking at the table of contents for 'Yamato Gensoki's' first serialization, I was only 19 back then. How did I dare jump into a battlefield like this..." he mused.
That particular issue of Weekly Shonen Jump featured an incredible lineup of serialized works, including "Rurouni Kenshin," "One Piece," "Hikaru no Go," "Yu-Gi-Oh!," "Shaman King," "Hell Teacher Nube," "JoJo's Bizarre Adventure Part 5," "I"s," "Hoshin Engi," "Kochikame," "Kajika," and "Seikimatsu Leader-den Takeshi!" Every single one was a smash hit, marking a true golden age just before the millennium.
It's worth noting that Kentaro Yabuki was a prodigy, having already won the Judge's Special Prize at Shueisha's 14th Tenkaichi Manga Award at just 17 years old for his one-shot manga "MOON DUST." The very next year, two one-shot versions of "Yamato Gensoki" were published in Akamaru Jump Spring and Weekly Shonen Jump.
Having debuted so long ago, Yabuki-sensei is now 45. With numerous works under his belt and a legion of fans who adore his exquisite artwork, we can only wonder when he might bless us with a brand new serialization!