In the world of manga and anime, creativity bursts through the seams in ways that continually astound us. Tatsuki Fujimoto, already known for his work on Chainsaw Man and Fire Punch, gives us another masterpiece with “Look Back” – a one-shot manga that dives deep into the soul of manga creation itself. Released on the Shonen Jump+ website in July 2021, this story stretched over 143 pages and captivated an audience of 2.5 million on its release day. Breaking from traditional serialization, Fujimoto explores the dual nature of love and hate for manga, navigating through a myriad of narrative styles in a long-feature format. It’s this rich, experimental storytelling that found its way into an anime adaptation, thanks to the talented Kiyotaka Oshiyama and Masahiko Minami’s guidance at studio Bones.
The anime adaptation of “Look Back” takes Fujimoto’s exploration of manga artistry and compresses it into a short film that’s both a faithful homage and a standalone work of beauty. Oshiyama uses Fujimoto’s manga almost like a storyboard, directly translating many scenes to the screen while infusing the film with his unique directorial finesse. We see innovative camera angles and thoughtful animation techniques that echo the original manga’s essence while adding depth through motion and sound—or the poignant lack thereof. Particularly impressive is the animation’s ability to convey the intricate dynamics between the characters Fujino and Kyomoto, enhancing the storytelling in visually expressive ways.
Having dived into “Look Back,” both as a one-shot manga and its anime adaptation, we’re left with a profound appreciation for Fujimoto’s narrative boldness and the creative synergy in its adaptation. Oshiyama and his team have created a short anime film that resonates deeply with those familiar with the struggles and triumphs of artistic creation. The absence of sound in pivotal scenes further elevates the emotional impact, leaving audiences around the world, including those at Annecy’s prestigious animation festival, in awe. “Look Back” is more than just an anime; it’s a reflective journey into the heart of storytelling through manga and animation, making it a must-watch for enthusiasts and creators alike.
