In the competitive world of manga creation, aspiring artists face an uphill battle to get their series published. Each year, hundreds of hopeful creators vie for a spot in publication, and even industry veterans like Masashi Kishimoto (creator of Naruto) encounter challenges in launching new projects.
For Ken Wakui, the creator of Tokyo Revengers and Astro Negai, a major rejection ultimately set him on the path to success. In a recent interview with Natalie, Wakui opened up about his career journey, revealing that his first manga pitch to Shonen Jump was met with rejection.
Ken Wakui’s Journey: From Rejection to Success in Manga
Reflecting on the experience, Wakui explained,
“I also brought [my work] to Shonen Jump at first. But my style didn’t match and it wasn’t selected. At that time, I was told to draw something more familiar to my interests elsewhere. So when I drew my manga Shinjuku Swan, I was told it was interesting there.”
Undeterred by the setback, Wakui was determined to pursue his passion for manga. He took a bold leap of faith, quitting his job and dedicating an entire year to honing his craft. Focused on improvement, Wakui diligently practiced drawing and refining his skills.
Armed with completed work, he began pitching Shinjuku Swan to Kodansha, demonstrating unwavering persistence in his pursuit of becoming a manga artist.
Wakui’s persistence paid off, as Shinjuku Swan found success, running for eight years and establishing Wakui as a recognized creator in the industry. This paved the way for the debut of Tokyo Revengers in 2017, further solidifying Wakui’s reputation as a talented mangaka.
Now, Wakui finds himself busy with Astro Negai, his latest series, which is being published by Shonen Jump—a delightful twist of fate considering his earlier rejection by the same publication.
For those unfamiliar with Tokyo Revengers, Wakui’s acclaimed manga is available on the K Manga app, offering readers the chance to get into its gripping storyline.
Meanwhile, Astro Negai releases new chapters weekly on the Shonen Jump app, providing fans with fresh content to enjoy. As Wakui continues to make his mark in manga industry, his journey serves as a testament to the power of perseverance and dedication in pursuing one’s dreams.
