We all have a dream.

But for many of us, we set those dreams aside in exchange for
stability. For some of us, we work hard for years toward that
dream, only to fail. For fewer of us, we actually accomplish that
dream. No matter where it ends, it is the journey that matters.

Moritaka Mashiro always enjoyed drawing. His uncle was a manga
artist, and somewhat successful, but not successful enough to
retire on his one hit. When he died young, Moritaka was sure that
his parents would never allow him to follow in his uncle's
footsteps. So he resigned himself to a banal life. He studied hard
to get into a good high school, but had yet to find a passion other
than drawing.

Everything changes one day when the class genius Akito Takagi
comes across his notebook and discovers his talent. Akito tells
Moritaka that he wants to write a manga, and wants to team up with
him to draw it. At first, Moritaka refuses, knowing full well that
his parents would never allow it. Using a wily scheme, Akito tricks
Moritaka to confess to his crush Miho that he wants to be an
artist. In return, Miho confesses that she wants to be a voice
actress. The pair agree that they will only correspond via email
until the day that they are both successful. When that happens,
Miho agreed that she will marry him.

The proposal ignites a fire in Moritaka. He works up the courage
to ask his parents to become a manga artist. Amazingly, they agree
and even give him the keys to his uncle's studio. The boys spend
hours each day in the studio, studying manga and working on their
drafts. When they are finally happy, they make the decision to
submit their work to an editor for consideration. But will they
find success, or will their dreams be crushed?

Bakuman is one of those series that's been needed to be
made. It takes a realistic look at the process of how manga is
developed and published, but instead of making something
educational, it weaves the lessons into an endearing story about
two boys reaching for their dreams. The reader will quickly become
invested in the outcome.

This manga was written by the creators of the popular Death
Note, but what is interesting to note about Bakuman
is that it is surprisingly...plain. The panels never overlap. The
artwork is solid but typical. However, this is the kind of story
that doesn't need fancy artwork or big dramatic scenes because it
is all about an average boy. He is relatable and leads a very
normal life.

Bakuman is appropriate for anyone over 10 and would
especially appeal to those who are inspired by manga, want to learn
more about the process, or even want to create their own. The
lessons we take from it are the kind we can keep with us for the
rest of our lives.

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