Honestly, I’ve always found it challenging to create strong villains in my stories, but this book opened my eyes to the art of crafting memorable antagonists.

In “New Manga Techniques: How to Create Villains,” the creative genius behind one of Japan’s most iconic manga series shares invaluable insights that not only guide aspiring writers but also inspire anyone interested in the complexities of character development.

With his practical advice and personal anecdotes, I realized just how essential a compelling villain is to elevating any narrative.

The Book in 3 Sentences

• “Hirohiko Araki’s New Manga Techniques: How to Create Villains” offers an insightful look into the creative process behind the development of compelling villains in manga.
• Araki, the creator of JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure, shares his unique approach to storytelling, focusing on character design, motivations, and the intricacies of building memorable antagonists.
• The book serves as both a guide for aspiring manga artists and a behind-the-scenes glimpse into Araki’s own artistic evolution, blending practical advice with his personal experiences.

Impressions

How Did I Discover It?

I discovered this book while planning my second book and researching ways to create attractive characters in stories.

Although I’ve never read JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure manga, I knew about it because it had recently become a hot topic, with the movie being a big hit and merch being sold everywhere in Tokyo.

Who Should Read It?

I would recommend the book to:

1. Aspiring Manga Artists looking to improve their character design and storytelling, particularly in creating compelling villains.
2. Fans of Hirohiko Araki and JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure who want to learn more about his creative process and artistic approach.
3. Storytellers and Writers interested in exploring how to craft multi-dimensional antagonists in their own work — like me!

How the Book Changed Me

1. Embracing Feedback for Authenticity

It made me realize how vital it is to incorporate feedback from others during the creative process. We often risk creating work that feels self-indulgent if we don’t seek external perspectives. The tension between creating what one wants and what sells can lead to a downward spiral, resulting in frustration and stagnation. Many successful works have faltered when their creators prioritized marketability over authenticity. This book reminds us to stay grounded in our artistic intentions while being open to constructive criticism. By doing so, we can create pieces that are not only authentic but also resonate deeply with others.

2. Crafting a Vivid Sensory Experience

The book has changed my understanding of how to create a vivid world through sensory imagery, particularly sound, color, and rhythm. It emphasized that even the sound of a character’s name can convey a sharp impression when using specific katakana sounds, indicating a tone that is anything but soft and gentle. Similarly, I learned that colors are not just decorative; each hue evokes specific associations, like red suggesting “revolution,” and should be used with intention. The idea that the rhythm of panel layout resembles music was particularly enlightening; it underscored the importance of pacing in storytelling. These insights have encouraged me to think more deeply about the sensory elements of my work, allowing me to build a richer, more immersive world for my audience.

3. Consistency and Authenticity in Storytelling

The book presented a critical lesson about maintaining consistency in setting and balancing reality with fantasy. It emphasized that even the slightest inconsistency can alienate readers, underscoring the necessity for rigorous research, including on-site investigations. The notion of overtly presenting themes — like declaring “friendship is important” — was deemed ineffective and heavy-handed. It stressed the importance of ensuring characters act logically. For instance, allowing them to behave foolishly for convenience not only weakens the narrative but also reveals a lack of respect for the audience. This insistence on detail and authenticity is essential for captivating readers. It serves as a reminder that honoring the integrity of both characters and setting is fundamental to creating an engaging and believable story.

My Top 3 Quotes

• “When an editor says, ‘This manga feels like something is missing,’ in more than 90% of cases, I think it’s because ‘the villain isn’t standing out.’ Most of my meetings with editors are about the villain, and I often get pointed out with comments like, ‘The story is good, but isn’t this villain a bit too easy?’ or ‘This villain feels too ordinary and weak.’ Every popular manga has a strong villain, and having a compelling villain is an essential element of a masterpiece. This is because every story is structured around the ‘protagonist vs. antagonist’ dynamic.”（編集者が「この漫画、なんか足りないんだよね」と言うときは、九〇パーセント以上の確率で「悪役が立っていない」のだと思います。僕と編集者の打ち合わせもほとんどが悪役についての話で、「ストーリーはいいんですけど、この悪役はちょろいんじゃないですか」「なんだか普通で、弱すぎますよ」などと指摘されたりします。人気がある漫画には必ず強烈な悪役がいますし、魅力的な悪役がいることは名作に欠かせない条件と言えるでしょう。なぜなら、すべての物語は「主人公悪役」という構成になっているからです。）
• “When actually drawing a manga, I constantly keep in mind how the ‘four basic structures’ should blend together. I make sure to check: ‘Are the characters well-developed?’, ‘Is the story solid?’, ‘Is the world properly depicted?’, ‘Is the theme consistent and unwavering?’, and ‘Is the art up to par?’ All of these elements come together simultaneously. It may sound difficult, but in fact, it’s the opposite — it’s harder to think of each element separately and then try to combine them. For example, when thinking about a character, as the image becomes more three-dimensional, ideas for the art style and story naturally emerge. Once one part clicks, everything else seems to fall into place at once.”（実際に漫画を描くときにはこの「基本四大構造」が融合するように常に意識し、「よいキャラクターが作れているか」「ストーリーはOKか」「世界観はちゃんと描けているか」「テーマは一貫していて、ぐらついていないか」「絵は大丈夫か」と、すべてを同時進行で一体化させていきます。難しいように聞こえるかもしれませんが実は逆で、バラバラに一個一個考えていって、それを合わせる方が大変なのです。たとえばキャラクターを考えていて、イメージがどんどん立体的になっていくと、絵のタッチやストーリーのアイディアも自然と生まれるなど、何かひとつがハマれば一気に全部がつながっていくという感じです。）
• “Another very important factor is ‘what kind of person they are,’ or rather, the ‘motivation’ behind the character’s actions. This is because motivation is what draws the reader’s empathy, and a good motivation can serve as the trigger that makes someone think, ‘I want to read this manga.’”（そしてもうひとつ非常に重要なのは、「何をしたい人なのか」、つまりそのキャラクターの行動の「動機」です。なぜなら、動機は読者の共感を引き出すもので、よい動機は「この漫画、読んでみようかな」と思わせるきっかけになるからです。）

As a writer, I found his professional approach to storytelling incredibly inspiring.

This book isn’t just for seasoned creators; it’s a treasure trove for anyone interested in manga and anime.

By mastering the art of creating multi-dimensional villains, we can all enhance our narratives, making them more engaging and memorable.

Happy creating!