Hirohiko Araki, the renowned creator of the long-running and globally celebrated manga series JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure, has publicly recommended a new manga titled “Love, Revenge, and Such” (愛だとか復讐だとか Ai da toka Fukushū da toka) by Michiki Hiroi. This endorsement has sparked considerable interest within the manga community, given Araki’s influential status and discerning taste.
Araki’s Enthusiastic Recommendation
Araki’s comment appears on the obi strip of the first volume of “Love, Revenge, and Such,” which was recently released in Japan on January 17, 2025. His succinct yet powerful statement reads: “This body-swapping story is incredibly interesting!” This endorsement has quickly spread throughout online forums and news outlets, signaling a potential hit within the manga world. The manga has been serialized in Ultra Jump since August 19, 2024.
What is “Love, Revenge, and Such” About?
“Love, Revenge, and Such” tells the story of Kaede Koshiba, whose life takes an extraordinary turn when he begins to inexplicably swap bodies every other day with a girl named Yuka Tsutsumi. Kaede’s ordinary life is disrupted as he navigates the challenges of this bizarre phenomenon. The story follows Kaede and Yuka as they attempt to solve the mystery behind their body swapping while also dealing with their drastically altered everyday lives. This premise combines elements of mystery and the everyday with a touch of the fantastical, a formula that appears to have resonated with Araki.
Hirohiko Araki’s Manga Legacy
Hirohiko Araki’s career began well before JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure, with works such as “Poker Under Arms” and “Gorgeous Irene.” However, it is JoJo that catapulted him to international fame. Starting its serialization in 1987 in Weekly Shōnen Jump, it has since become one of the longest-running and most influential manga series of all time. The series follows the multigenerational saga of the Joestar family as they battle supernatural forces.
Themes and Style of JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure
JoJo’s is known for its dynamic action sequences, flamboyant character designs, and unique storytelling style. Araki often blends elements of horror, action, comedy, and drama, creating a unique and engaging reading experience. The series’ different parts have allowed him to experiment with his storytelling and art, which has also become famous for its striking poses and fashion-forward character designs.
Araki is known for drawing inspiration from various sources, including classical paintings, sculptures, the color work of Paul Gauguin, Western pop culture, and fashion, which he incorporates into his distinctive style. He admits that his favorite manga comics, such as “Ai no Makoto,” “Ore Wa Teppei,” and “Babel II,” which are all fighting tales, have influenced his work.
Araki’s Influence
Araki’s work has had a profound impact on the manga industry and beyond. His distinctive art style, innovative storytelling techniques, and memorable characters have influenced countless artists and creators. JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure has been adapted into numerous anime series, video games, and other forms of media, further solidifying its global fanbase. The anime adaptation of JoJo’s has helped the series gain even more international recognition.
The Significance of Araki’s Recommendation
Araki’s endorsement carries considerable weight within the manga community. As a veteran manga artist and a beloved figure, his recommendations are highly regarded. His praise for “Love, Revenge, and Such” is likely to draw attention to the series and increase its readership. The fact that he finds the body-swapping story “incredibly interesting” indicates that it might contain elements that appeal to his own creative sensibilities. Given his work has experimented with unconventional plots and unique characters, Araki’s commendation highlights the potential of Hiroi’s new work.
Body Swapping: A Theme of Interest
The body-swapping trope is not new in manga and anime, but its execution and the way the narrative explores the theme can make it compelling. Araki’s appreciation for this type of story might stem from the potential it offers for complex character interactions, identity exploration, and creative scenarios. The body swap in “Love, Revenge, and Such” appears to create a unique framework for the story’s progression.
What This Means for “Love, Revenge, and Such”
The endorsement from such a revered manga artist as Hirohiko Araki could be a significant boost for the popularity of “Love, Revenge, and Such”. The recommendation has already caused a buzz online, which might translate into sales and a broader readership. Manga enthusiasts may be curious to see if the new series lives up to the hype generated by Araki’s praise and how it handles the body-swapping narrative.
Where to Find “Love, Revenge, and Such”
The first volume of “Love, Revenge, and Such” is available in Japan. International fans are waiting for updates on its potential release in other countries. As the manga gains more traction, it is likely to become more accessible to a global audience.
In Conclusion
Hirohiko Araki’s enthusiastic recommendation of “Love, Revenge, and Such” by Michiki Hiroi has added a new layer of intrigue to the manga world. Araki’s praise highlights the unique concept and narrative potential of this new manga. Fans of Araki and manga in general will likely keep an eye on “Love, Revenge, and Such” as it continues its serialization. This endorsement serves as an example of how one mangaka can elevate the work of another.
