In each generation, there is a mangaka, who tends to define a generation. While our generation has numerous names that have elevated the reputation of the Shonen genre. One such name is Tite Kubo, the mangaka, whose name stands out from the rest for featuring an art style that stands out from the rest.
Despite having the least popular series in The Big Three, Kubo-Sensei has made a name for himself for not only featuring the most distinct art style but also adjusting it in his work to meet the given situation of the scene. The artist’s magnum opus, Bleach, is the most prevalent example of his creative genius.
However, what the otakus do not realize is that there was one other work, that had already forecasted his rise to fame in the anime and manga industry.
Zombiepowder: The canceled manga that shaped Tite Kubo’s legacy
Tite Kubo, the mastermind behind Bleach, has always been vocal about how being a renowned name requires an unprecedented passion for the art style. For years, the mangaka has met the industry’s standards and came up with engaging storylines that made him struggle with burnout, stress, and even creative plot development.
However, these limitations are all worth it because he channeled all his energy into making his dream a reality. Right after picking up his first manga, Saint Seiya, in elementary school, he developed an undying desire to become a successful artist in the manga industry. Kubo-Sensei polished his skills, and in 1999, he finally made his debut with his first serialization titled Zombiepowder.
The work was an instant hit and immediately made him a name that would shape the legacy of the industry in the coming years. However, the success was a short-lived one because it made him witness the dark side of the industry, and how it would put a huge strain on his health in the process.
Though the 1999 work was loved by the fans, it was canceled a year later, having only 27 chapters. To add to his problems, he was in an emotionally low state of mind, because he would often pay more attention to his editor’s comments than his ideas.
This was evident when he recalled a meeting with Shonen Jump’s editor-in-chief via ComicBook, who didn’t like his work and wanted him to create something that “represents Jump.” The harsh comments made him feel miserable about his ideas, which ended up with him not writing for nearly a year.
Though the work was canceled shortly afterward, fans who have read Kubo-Sensei’s early work know that it was a one-of-a-kind work that flaunted his genius and art style that later became a signature trait of all his later works.
Why does Zombiepowder remain a cult classic despite getting canceled?
Serialized in 1999, Tite Kubo’s Zombiepowder, narrates the story of Gamma Akutabi, who is on a quest to hunt down the 12 Rings of Death. After collecting the artifacts, it will allow the bearer to create a substance called zombie power, which can resurrect a dead person or make a living person immortal.
Different people hunt these rings for different reasons, and our protagonist wants to become immortal. In his quest, he is accompanied by three other misfits, one of the common traits found in Bleach as well. What made the work leave a lasting impression was the immensely simplistic yet stylish artwork that complimented the characters’ different body styles, giving them a sharp yet sleek feature in each panel.
Despite being the first major work of the author, he transitioned between the tones effortlessly, alternating between being goofy and being serious. However, it’s not merely about going back and forth on different themes. The series consisted of a ton of action, which worked carefully as he decided to showcase these battles in a pretty cool way that tends to work every single time.
The work is a must-read for every Tite Kubo, where fans would find some pre-Bleach elements, giving fans a heads-up for his magnum opus, which would debut 2 years later.
Zombiepowder can be read on VIZ Media.
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