Ohtaka’s love for anime and manga began when she was a child. She was inspired by the works of the legendary Osamu Tezuka, who is regarded as the father of modern manga. She was a keen follower of Tezuka’s work and always looked forward to his new releases. In junior high school, Ohtaka started creating her own stories and drawings in her notebooks, which would eventually lay the foundation for her manga career.
After graduating from high school, Ohtaka enrolled in the fine arts department at Tokai University. It was during this period that she honed her drawing skills and nurtured her passion for storytelling. Her efforts paid off when she won first place in the 7th Jump Treasure New Manga Award with her one-shot ‘Arabian Nights.’ With the win, she caught the attention of Weekly Shonen Sunday, which soon hired her as an assistant to the manga artist, Yoshio Sawai. This opportunity enabled her to learn the finer details of the manga industry under the guidance of a seasoned professional.
In 2009, Ohtaka made her debut as a solo manga artist with the release of her first series, ‘Sumomomo Momomo.’ The manga was a romantic comedy with a twist of martial arts and had 12 volumes in total. Although it wasn’t a massive hit, it helped establish Ohtaka as a serious manga artist. Her breakthrough moment came in 2012 with the release of ‘Magi: The Labyrinth of Magic.’ The manga was a massive success and had over 37 million copies in circulation as of April 2021. The manga was also animated and has had two successful TV series adaptations.
‘Magi: The Labyrinth of Magic’ tells the story of Aladdin, a young magician who embarks on a journey with his friend, Alibaba Saluja, to explore the world and uncover its secrets. The manga was highly praised for its compelling storytelling, beautiful artwork, and well-developed characters. Ohtaka’s success with ‘Magi’ earned her a prestigious Shogakukan Manga Award in 2014, cementing her place as one of the most talented manga artists of her generation.
Ohtaka’s latest series, ‘Platinum End,’ is a psychological thriller that began serialization in 2015. The manga centers around Mirai Kakyoin, a boy who is granted a set of angelic powers by an entity called Nasse after he tries to take his life. The manga touches on themes of power, control, and morality and has been well-received by manga readers and critics alike.
In conclusion, Shinobu Ohtaka is one of the most talented manga artists of her generation, and her creations have had a significant impact on the industry. Her highly acclaimed series, ‘Magi: The Labyrinth of Magic,’ is a testament to her exceptional storytelling and artistic abilities. Ohtaka’s success is a result of her unwavering dedication and passion for manga, which she has nurtured since childhood. Her work has inspired and entertained millions of people worldwide, and she continues to impress with her latest series, ‘Platinum End.’