If you're into classic manga, then the name Masakazu Katsura probably rings a bell. The visionary behind iconic 90s hits like "Video Girl Ai," "I"s," and "Shadow Lady" has left an indelible mark on the industry. Last year, his first long-running superhero series, "Zetman," even got a well-received live-action drama adaptation.
However, the 62-year-old Katsura took to his X (formerly Twitter) account on November 4 to share some personal news: he recently underwent major surgery and is now recuperating.
While Katsura occasionally shares life updates on social media, this time he made a special announcement. He wrote, "Lately, I've mostly been reposting others' content, but there's something I need to report. Without going into too much detail, I recently had major surgery. I'll be taking a temporary break to slowly recover and will casually repost things in the meantime."
He also made a specific request to his fans: "Please refrain from asking me or Shueisha about this matter. Thank you for your understanding."
Regarding his work, Katsura stated, "All current work is on hold for now. However, projects that were accepted before the surgery will slowly continue. It will take some time for my stamina to fully return, so I won't rush things. I'll push through it step by step."
The post was met with an outpouring of support and encouragement from fellow manga artists and fans alike, all wishing Katsura a swift recovery. At 62, prioritizing health is paramount, and everyone hopes he'll regain his strength to continue creating.
While Katsura doesn't currently have an ongoing serialization, he remains involved in numerous commercial collaborations and even contributes character designs for anime projects. Here's hoping Masakazu Katsura takes good care of himself and makes a healthy return to his creative endeavors!