Making manga isn’t easy, and making it big in the manga world is even more of a challenge. In Bakuman, two young men think they have what it takes to set sail in such a ruthless industry, and they’ll do whatever it takes to make it happen!

Meet Akito Takagi and Moritaka Mashiro, better known as the manga creating duo of Muto Ashirogi. They're best friends who have been trying to charge into the manga world ever since they were Middle School students. Despite some success throughout their brief careers, they soon find that staying consistently on top in Weekly Shonen Jump is even more demanding than expected, but they’re up for the challenge!

Takagi and Mashiro are back in the game with a brand new series in the works—one they couldn’t be more excited to get off the ground. Not only that, but they’ve finally come eye-to-eye with their editor Miura, who now realizes that creating something you love is the best way to make manga.

Despite their newfound enthusiasm, however, they’ve got a lot to stand up against. Not only does their rival/friend Eiji Nizuma stand in their way, but the up-and-coming artist Ryu Shizuka poses an all-new threat as well! How will their proposed series fare against such tough competition?

In addition to the stiff competition Muto Ashirogi will face, it seems all the trouble they caused is not forgotten by the editorial department. Second chances don’t come easy in such a tough industry, and the higher-ups want the pair to prove they deserve a place in Weekly Shonen Jump! Editor in Chief Sasaki issues an ultimatium: come up with a manga series that can stand on par with Eiji Nizuma...or leave the magazine for good! Defeating their ultimate rival with a brand new series seems like an impossible task, but they’ve got no choice but to make it happen.  After all, their very lives as manga creators are at stake!

Can Muto Ashirogi create a new work that can go toe-to-toe with Eiji Nizuma? Or will they be left looking for work with a new publisher? Find out in Bakuman volume 10, on sale now!

Related Links:
Bakuman
Previews
Graphic Novels
Weekly Shonen Jump Alpha
Manga

by Julie Lutz