Exploring the World of Anime and Manga Production: A Must-Watch List

Discover a curated list of anime series that offer unique insights into the challenges and triumphs of the anime and manga industry. From Shirobako to Monthly Girls’ Nozaki-Kun, these shows provide a glimpse into the creative process, the struggles faced by creators, and the personal and professional relationships within the industry.

Exploring the World of Anime and Manga Production: A Must-Watch List

The anime industry is a challenging and demanding field, but it has inspired some incredible anime series that delve into the process of creating anime and manga. These shows offer a glimpse into the highs and lows of the industry, shedding light on the struggles and triumphs of animators, directors, producers, and voice actors. While some anime present a lighthearted and appealing portrayal of the creative process, others tackle the darker side of the industry, cautioning newcomers about its challenges. Here are some noteworthy anime series that explore the world of anime and manga production.

( Credit to: Screenrant )

Shirobako: A Glimpse into the Harsh Realities of the Anime Industry

Shirobako is a female-led anime that follows a group of students who make a promise to work together on an anime after they graduate. Despite the difficulties they face upon entering the industry, they remain determined to achieve their goals. Shirobako depicts the harsh realities of working in the anime industry while maintaining a positive outlook on the journey.

( Credit to: Screenrant )

Keep Your Hands Off Eizouken!: Unleashing Creativity in the Face of Opposition

Keep Your Hands Off Eizouken! takes a unique and creative approach to the struggles of amateur production. The series follows three girls as they endeavor to create short animated films, despite facing opposition from their school, peers, and parents. With its surreal and imaginative visuals, Keep Your Hands Off Eizouken! stands out as a truly exceptional anime about making anime.

( Credit to: Screenrant )

Animation Runner Kuromi: Satirical Take on the Challenges of Anime Production

Animation Runner Kuromi is an older anime that satirizes the technical side of anime production. Through its parody angle, the series humorously portrays the challenges and taxing nature of the industry. While the anime dates back to the early 2000s, it still offers an informative and amusing look into the world of anime production.

( Credit to: Screenrant )

Bakuman: A Delicate Exploration of the Manga Industry

Bakuman explores the manga industry and the issue of overworking. The story revolves around artist Mashiro and writer Takagi as they strive to publish their own manga. The series delicately examines the reasons behind manga creators taking hiatuses and offers relatability and value to viewers. Created by the same duo behind Death Note, Bakuman is a unique and underrated anime worth watching.

( Credit to: Screenrant )

Kakushigoto: My Dad’s Secret Ambition: Comedy and Family Dynamics in the Manga Industry

Kakushigoto: My Dad’s Secret Ambition strikes a balance between comedy and family dynamics. The protagonist, Kakushi, hides his profession as a creator of fanservice-laden manga from his daughter. The anime alternates between heartwarming moments in their relationship and humorous jabs at the manga industry. Created by Koji Kumeta, known for his work on Joshiraku and Sayonara, Zetsubou-Sensei, the series offers top-notch writing and storytelling.

( Credit to: Screenrant )

Comic Party and Dojin Work: Insights into Doujinshi Production

Comic Party and Dojin Work explore the production of doujinshi, self-published manga typically sold at anime conventions in Japan. Comic Party follows Kazuki’s journey as he attempts to sell his own doujinshi, providing insights into fan works and the struggles of the creative process. Dojin Work focuses on the work that goes into producing fanworks and showcases the profitability that can come with effort. Both anime offer comedic stories with quirky characters and shed light on the fan side of manga production.

Seiyu’s Life!: The Demanding Nature of Voice Acting

Seiyu’s Life! delves into the world of voice acting, an essential component of anime production. The series follows three newcomer voice actresses as they navigate the challenges of the industry and strive for success. Seiyu’s Life! highlights the hard work and dedication of voice actors, shedding light on the demanding nature of their profession.

Girlish Number: A Realistic and Thought-Provoking Portrayal of the Anime Industry

Girlish Number takes a more serious approach to exploring the anime industry. The protagonist, Chitose, is an overly confident voice actress who blames the industry for her lack of fame. The series exposes the darker side of the industry, depicting producers and directors as meddling and greedy individuals who exploit their workers. Girlish Number provides a realistic and thought-provoking portrayal of the anime industry.

I’m Glad I Could Keep Running: Metafictional Insight into the Voice Acting Industry

I’m Glad I Could Keep Running is a metafictional anime that focuses on personal issues and trauma in the voice acting industry. Despite having only four episodes, the series offers an informative and heartwarming story.

Comic Girls: A Slice-of-Life Take on the Challenges of Making Manga

Comic Girls offers a lighter take on making manga, framing the creative process within a typical slice-of-life anime. The series explores the challenges faced by creators and the compromises they make to survive. While the focus is more on comedic hijinks, Comic Girls still provides insights into the creative process and the struggles of creators.

A Galaxy Next Door: A Unique Perspective on Manga Creation

A Galaxy Next Door adds a sci-fi twist to the narrative of content creation. The female lead, Shiori, is an alien, and the series showcases the financial burden faced by creators if they don’t achieve immediate success. Alongside its charming love story, A Galaxy Next Door offers a unique perspective on the manga process.

The Pet Girl of Sakurasou: Exploring the Challenges of Switching Artistic Mediums

The Pet Girl of Sakurasou follows Mashiro’s struggle to transition from being a painter to a manga artist. The series explores the challenges of creating manga and the difficulties that arise from switching artistic mediums. The romantic relationships within the series add charm and depth to the story.

Sekai Ichi Hatsukoi: The World’s Greatest First Love: An Insight into Manga Editors and Relationships

Sekai Ichi Hatsukoi: The World’s Greatest First Love focuses primarily on manga editors and their various relationship dramas. As a yaoi anime, it provides representation within the industry. The heartfelt romance and representation make the series enjoyable even for those not specifically interested in editing.

Monthly Girls’ Nozaki-Kun: The Ultimate Anime about Making Manga

Monthly Girls’ Nozaki-Kun takes the top spot as the best anime about making manga. It follows the creative process of writing manga while incorporating a romantic storyline. The series combines humor, romance, and informative commentary on creating manga, making it a must-watch for anime and manga enthusiasts alike.

Conclusion: A Glimpse into the Passionate World of Anime and Manga Production

These anime series offer a range of perspectives on the anime and manga industry, providing viewers with insights into the creative process, challenges faced by creators, and the personal and professional relationships within the industry. Whether exploring the struggles or celebrating the triumphs, these anime showcase the dedication and passion required to bring anime and manga to life.