Hong Kong Comic Master

"This is "My Monkey King" that I serialized for Akita Bookstore in 1952. I was only 24 years old at that time. Of course, compared to you, I was already old at that time!"

In the studio, Osamu Tezuka was introducing the comic books on his bookshelf to Li Wannian, while Kakuta was not in the studio.

The comic in his hand looks like just a book, but it is actually a part of Osamu Tezuka's life.

"Thank you for letting more Japanese people understand Chinese culture."

"It's still far from enough, and even I only have a superficial understanding of China."

Although Osamu Tezuka has a deep affection for China, he does not know enough about Chinese culture.

"It's already amazing, after all, you haven't lived in China!"

Li Wannian flipped through the comic book casually, put it back on the shelf, and then saw another comic book, so he took it out.

"By comparison, I still like your comic more!"

Looking at the "Fire Bird" in Li Wannian's hand, Osamu Tezuka smiled and said, "I like it too!"

When it comes to Osamu Tezuka's comics, people often think of "Astro Boy", "Jungle Emperor", "New Treasure Island" and other well-known comics.

But if we talk about Tezuka Osamu's most pinnacle work, whether in terms of quality, quantity or scale, it is generally recognized as "Fire Bird".

It started in 1954, and was redrawn and serialized in his own magazine "COM" in 1967 until Tezuka Osamu's death. In the following 21 years, 12 chapters were created intermittently. The last chapter "Modern Chapter" was not started, which was an unfinished work of Tezuka Osamu during his lifetime.

This work consists of multiple independent stories. Throughout all the content, there is a fire bird with eternal life, which travels through any era and region and witnesses the changes of human beings and life.

The whole work absorbs a large number of myths, legends and historical facts, showing readers the different attitudes of human beings in different eras towards life and death. The writing is heavy and the theme is profound, which is unprecedented.

Moreover, Osamu Tezuka cleverly combines the vast long story with the experimental expression method, and draws the 12 chapters in a shuffled chronological order. This work is generally regarded as the highest masterpiece of the Japanese comics industry.

Unfortunately, this comic is also a famous curse, which has been used by one magazine after another, from the school boy's company when it was serialized in 1954, to his own Mushi Production Company, and the famous "Manga Boy".

Looking at the "Fire Bird·Chaos" just published last year, Li Wannian thought: I have to finish all 12 chapters in this life!

"When did you start drawing comics?"

Li Wannian, who was looking at the comics in thought, suddenly heard Osamu Tezuka's question and raised his head suddenly.

"13 years old, 76 years!"

"So early?"

Osamu Tezuka was stunned at first, then came to his senses. This guy is only 16 years old now. It will take two or three years for him to draw so many comics.

"I just got into comics by chance!"

Li Wannian put the comics into the bookshelf, and then told Osamu Tezuka how he saved his father's printing factory when it was facing bankruptcy. [6][9][s][h][u][x][.][c][o][m]

After listening, Osamu Tezuka couldn't help but sigh: "Thank fate for not letting the comics industry lose you!"

"Mr. Tezuka, you are exaggerating. Even if there is no me, there are others in the comics industry!"

Although it has not been long since he met Osamu Tezuka, Li Wannian feels that the old man is a little too good to him.

Whether it is the current praise or the discussion about his future plans just now, it all reveals his concern for him.

Before this, when the two talked about Li Wannian's future, Li Wannian, although he did not say it explicitly, told him: "No matter what you want to do, as long as you do your best and don't regret it later!"

No, what's the matter?

You are so good to me, I will cry!

"Mr. Tezuka, why are you so good to me?"

Thinking again and again, Li Wannian decided that he should ask in person.

Faced with Li Wannian's question, Tezuka Osamu smiled, came to Li Wannian, looked into his eyes, and said seriously:

"Because I see the shadow of my youth in you!"

In response to Tezuka Osamu's burning eyes, Li Wannian couldn't help but say: "Were you so handsome when you were young?"

"...Maybe I am not as shameless as you!"

It must be said that although the two are very different in age, they do have similar personalities, and they can even joke with each other.

"Did Kadota tell you about the meeting with Kodansha tomorrow?"

"Yes, he said it was all thanks to your help!"

"I didn't do anything, I just asked Terada to introduce you. The final result still needs to be decided by Kodansha. You still have to rely on luck!"

"Luck?"

"Yes! It's luck!"

Osamu Tezuka is absolutely confident about Li Wannian's ability. The key is that Japan's prejudice against China is too deep. Even though Hong Kong's movies have conquered Japan, it still can't be reversed.

Even with the help of Osamu Tezuka and the introduction of Hirokuma Terada, it is still not enough to guarantee that Li Wannian's "Dragon Ball" can be serialized 100%.

In Hong Kong, Li Wannian's comics are exempt from inspection. After all, he owns the magazine. How dare others not let Li Wannian publish?

Even in the previous "Dragon Ball" serialization meeting, the editors did not oppose the serialization of "Dragon Ball", but the suspension of "Bleach".

But now, coming to Japan, he finally experienced the anxiety of ordinary cartoonists when facing serialization.

Even because of his identity, the situation he faced was worse than that of ordinary Japanese cartoonists.

At lunch time, Osamu Tezuka did not treat Li Wannian to an expensive meal, but a working meal in the studio.

However, Li Wannian did not refuse, and continued to eat and chat with him in Osamu Tezuka's office.

"How many days will you be in Neon this time? Won't it affect your creation?"

"About three or four days, no problem. I worked overtime before this and have already finished the drawings!"

"You heard that you are serializing several works now?"

"Yes, three magazines, a total of five comics!"

"Poof... five?"

Tezuka Osamu, who was drinking water just now, sprayed it directly. Fortunately, Li Wannian was far away and was not splashed.

Good guy, he serialized three works at the same time and was called a tentacle monster. Five? Is it so swollen now?

"I draw faster, and with the help of assistants, I can barely keep it up!"

Although Li Wannian said so, Tezuka Osamu still couldn't imagine how he could serialize five comics at the same time while maintaining such high quality?

"All weekly?"

"Yes, all weekly!"

"...You, you are really..."

This time, Tezuka Osamu really couldn't do it. Li Wannian's situation was beyond his imagination.

In front of you, I am not worthy of being called a tentacle monster. Even if I grow two more hands, they still won’t be enough!