Manga 'REVIVAL' - Sometimes Taking 2 Days Per Page: The Philosophy of 'Hand-Drawing' Adhered to by Gekiga Artist Shigeyoshi Matsumori, Who Has Held a G-Pen for Over 40 Years

The manga "REVIVAL - The Revival of an Empire" VOL. 1 and VOL. 2, released on March 16th, has been generating buzz. The artwork for this series is handled by Shigeyoshi Matsumori, a gekiga artist who has also been involved with titles like the "Golgo 13" series, "Fist of the North Star," and "Fist of the Blue Sky." In today's manga production environment where digital creation is mainstream, Matsumori deliberately sticks to analog "hand-drawing" for his artwork. We delve into the behind-the-scenes of the production by this gekiga artist who has been drawing exclusively with a G-pen for over 40 years, and the feelings embedded in his work.

■ Reason for Continuing Exclusively with a G-Pen for Over 40 Years

Shigeyoshi Matsumori, who is responsible for the artwork of the manga "REVIVAL - The Revival of an Empire," is one of the artists who has supported Japan's gekiga culture. Matsumori began his career as a manga artist when he started as a live-in assistant. For over 40 years since then, he has continued to draw, adhering to the G-pen as his fundamental tool.

Currently, he uses G-pens from three companies: Zebra, Tachikawa, and Nikko. He utilizes the characteristics of each, switching between them depending on the subject matter and expression he wants to achieve.

"I tried digital drawing a few years ago. But, the lines didn't convey emotion. That's why I still stick to the G-pen."

For Matsumori, each line born from the pen tip is not merely drawing, but the artist's emotion itself.

■ The Soul Poured into the Pen Tip - The Callus on His Right Middle Finger is "My Avatar"

Matsumori's drawing process requires unimaginable concentration and physical stamina.

With too much force applied to the pen tip, the paper can tear. His drawing right hand is constantly exposed to the strain of over 40 years of work, sometimes causing a shooting pain from his shoulder to his fingertips.

And on his right middle finger, there is a callus etched by over 40 years of time.

"This callus is now my avatar."

Matsumori's words exude the pride and determination of an artist who has lived alongside gekiga.

■ 2 Days Per Page: A Solitary Production Style Unreliant on a Studio

In the production of "REVIVAL," Matsumori does not use a studio and completes all the drawing by himself.

He draws nature, draws buildings, and then draws people. While switching between roles by himself, he carefully works page by page...