Interview with Cat’s Eye, City Hunter Manga Legend Tsukasa Hōjō

Hojo Division is an acclaimed cartoonist with decades of experience creating and illustrating countless works. His series of works are loved around the world and include such titles as cat eye, city ​​hunterand angel heart Just to name a few. With the recent release of cat eye and city ​​hunter Comics enter the American market, Hojo Division In an interview with Anime News Network, he was generous enough to provide insight into his career, work, and more.

city ​​hunter and cat eye Both are long-running and beloved series in Japan and around the world. What do you think contributed to their success when they first started?

Hojo Division: To be honest, as the author of this series, I’m not entirely sure why it’s still so beloved. It doesn’t feel real (laughs). However, both works are serials in shonen magazines, so there’s no need to try to sound complicated. What I find satisfying about them is that they are comics for readers to simply enjoy—that they can have fun as a form of entertainment.

for cat eyethere are many readers who prefer it as a romantic comedy rather than any heist story. The relationships between the characters, the dynamics that almost reveal true feelings but are kept secret, the complex emotions of love and hate – these are all elements that are very popular among female fans.

In my next works, city ​​hunterI turned the main character Ryo Saeba into a perverted character (mokkori man), so I was ready for the female fans to turn around, but apparently there are actually more female fans than male fans. In fact, I remember male fans telling me, “All the mokkoriing is embarrassing, so please stop it” (laughs). I’m constantly amazed by the response from my readers.

What do you think are the basic elements? cat eye and city ​​hunter story?

Hojo: At their core, they have always been a form of entertainment designed to be enjoyed simply and directly. especially in cat eyemy intention is to give readers “a glimpse into adult romance” because “one day you will be an adult too.” Since the series was published in a shonen magazine, I drew them with elementary school students in mind, but I actually seemed to get the biggest reaction from middle and high school students.

about city ​​hunterI left all the fun action to the anime and movies, and made a noticeable change in the manga, where I framed the series more as a story between a man and a woman, with more emphasis on human relationships. This may be the ultimate essence of the series.

city ​​hunter and cat eye Both have been adapted and brought into modern times many times over the years. What qualities do you think make it so adaptable?

Hojo:I think the biggest reason is that the kids who were reading the series at the time have grown up and are now in a position where they can create as creators. I believe there are still people who would like to use their own hands to bring back to the screen the series they have read in the past. Since they both have action scenes, I thought more action could be added with animated visuals, and it works really well with the music and sound effects.

For modern audiences who have never read either work, what do you hope they convey to these new readers?

Hojo: The art style of our generation might seem dated compared to modern anime, and I’m more worried about whether it will be accepted. Although I heard some voices saying it had a cool retro vibe (laughs).

However, since they are comics I drew while driving in my youth, I hope you can feel that raw, passionate energy and simply enjoy the series for what it is. Basically, “Please keep an open mind.” (laughs).

What did you learn about your own creative process in making the pieces that would inform your subsequent series?

Hojo: With so many works being adapted into anime or TV series, I started to wonder what elements were not appropriate for either medium – unique elements associated with comics. I decided to leave the action thrills to the anime and let the manga focus more on relationships.

It was also from that time that I began to explore the limits of freedom in comics, a process that led me to painting family group [F. COMPO]thinking: “This may be difficult to make into an animation or TV series.”

It can be challenging to produce work on a weekly schedule, making it difficult to reflect on the process. Do you feel the same way? city ​​hunter or cat eye How has it changed in the years since publication?

Hojo: Looking back now, I think I was still too inexperienced. My impression is that I was able to draw all this because I was young, and I doubt I would ever be able to draw anything like them again because my rationality always gets in the way.

But I also think that’s what made it possible to draw these comics, so I find them all very nostalgic now, including all the drive and energy of the time. Even for the depiction of Ryo’s “mokkoris”, I really tried my best and thought, “Wow, I really did a good job” (laughs).

Characters come from cat eye and city ​​hunter Appearing in crossover games with other games, e.g. Lupine the Third and Yahara!. Are there any other collaborations you’d like to see in the future?

Hojo: Most of the old collaborations were because they had the same animation production company or producer and were outside of other countries Lupine vs. cat eyeI was never directly involved.

To be honest, I find it hard to imagine an anime or manga today that would fit seamlessly with the physical proportions of my characters and the world they inhabit. But if I get an offer from someone that’s passionate enough and it resonates with me, then I’m willing to consider it.

cat eye and city ​​hunter Loved by fans around the world. Has a fan shared something with you that impressed or surprised you?

Hojo: For both comics I would get comments like “your comic saved me” or “reading this book gave me the will to live”. My spine straightens because I never thought any of the comics I drew could save anyone, and while that may sound a bit exaggerated, it makes me happy to be alive.

As far as anecdotes go, city ​​hunter (Ryo Saeba) Received complaints from women’s groups claiming the show is sexist. They obviously called the newsroom, but my editor at the time told them, “No, this thing is very popular with girls. Bye.” hung up on them, and they haven’t called since. (laugh). I remain grateful for all the help I received from strong allies like my editor.

Is there anything you would like to say to your long-time fans? cat eye and city ​​hunter Before these new versions are released?

Hojo: Many years have passed since these series began, and some may not see the point of releasing them now. However, if anyone has been waiting, then I want to say from the bottom of my heart, “Thank you for being so patient.” For new readers, I sincerely hope you enjoy them with an open mind.

Thank you again for taking the time to answer these questions and for the great work you have done over the years.

Hojo Divisionof cat eye and city ​​hunter The comic is now available in English Abrams Books.