"Dr. Stone" is a manga series that was serialized in "Weekly Shonen Jump" and tells a science-themed survival story. As of the end of serialization in March 2022, it was a huge hit, with a total circulation of over 12 million copies, including digital versions. The first and second series of the anime adaptation have already aired, and a special edition, "Dr. Stone Ryusui," is scheduled to air in the summer of 2022, generating a lot of buzz. "Dr. Stone" has two different people in charge of the original story and illustrations, and in this article we'll introduce you to the illustrators!
Introduction: What's the story?
Senku Ishigami, a young science student with an incredible mind, and Taiki Oki, a man of confident physical strength and straightforward personality, are best friends. Taiki has a crush on a childhood friend and is about to confess his feelings. However, the next moment, the sky is covered in a dazzling light, and a mysterious phenomenon occurs in which all humankind on the world is "petrified." Approximately 3,700 years later... In the Stone World, where all civilization has disappeared, Senku and Taiju are reunited after being freed from the stones and vow to rebuild civilization from scratch.
Dr. Stone is illustrated by Boichi
Boichi is responsible for the illustrations of "Dr. Stone." He works closely with original author Riichiro Inagaki. Born in 1973 in Seoul, South Korea, Boichi is a manga artist. His real name is Park Moo-jik. He debuted as a manga artist in 1993 and began drawing adult manga in 2000.
Becoming a Manga Artist
In order to apply his knowledge to his manga, he majored in physics at university. While applying physics to manga may not sound like a very logical concept, understanding the laws of physics is crucial for manga settings and worldviews, and I believe Boichi decided to study the subject in depth at university. It's quite impressive that someone would go to such lengths to think about their future! Boichi debuted in 1993 with the work "Hello! Captain," which was published in the Korean girls' manga magazine "Miru." The following year, his serialized work "Penniless Classroom" became a hit, making him a popular manga artist. It was unusual for a male author to have a series published in a girls' manga magazine in Korea at the time, and he was a member of the Korean Women's Manga Artists Association. Incidentally, he made his debut as a manga artist in Japan around 2000.
About his signature work in Japan, "San-Ken Rock"
The manga that raised Boichi's profile in Japan was "San-Ken Rock," serialized in "Young King." It was serialized from issue 10 in 2006 to issue 6 in 2016. It's a popular series that ran for 10 years. A total of 25 volumes have been published, making it one of Boichi's most representative works.
What's the story?
The main character, who spends his days fighting, sees on TV that his ex-girlfriend has become a police officer, and decides to become one himself. However, he ends up joining a gang and spends his days as a gangster.
About His Style and Attention to Detail
In addition to action manga like "San-Ken Rock," he also draws romance and science fiction works. His works often incorporate elements of parody and social satire. While his illustrations are often bold and graphic, "Dr. Stone" is aimed at boys, and therefore has a more comedic style. He seems to have a strong obsession with buttocks, and in his manga for young men and adults, there are many scenes that highlight his obsession with buttocks. As expected, such depictions are not present in "Dr. Stone," a boys' manga.
Summary About Boichi
Boichi, the illustrator, is a talented manga artist, demonstrating his talent both in his home country and in Japan. He adapts his drawing style to suit each manga, resulting in a wide range of genres. I've introduced the original author, Riichiro Inagaki, in other articles, so please take a look! That's all for today. Thank you for reading.
