Kyosuke Usuta, the mastermind behind the hilariously bizarre manga series Pyu to Fuku! Jaguar, has launched a brand new gag manga titled Arabake! Arabaki Gungun Park. Fans of Usuta’s brand of humor can rejoice as this new series promises to deliver the same eccentric and laugh-out-loud comedy that made his previous works so popular.
A New Park Opens: What to Expect from Arabake! Arabaki Gungun Park
Arabake! Arabaki Gungun Park debuted on Shueisha’s Shonen Jump+ service. While specific details about the plot are still emerging, early summaries suggest a story about a boy who loves animals encountering a mysterious creature and a human who dislikes people. With this premise, readers can anticipate a series of absurd situations, quirky characters, and unpredictable comedic twists that are hallmarks of Usuta’s style.
Kyosuke Usuta: A Gag Manga Maestro
Kyosuke Usuta, born on May 25, 1974, in Aichi Prefecture, Japan, is a renowned manga artist known for his gag manga. He grew up in Kōshi, Kumamoto. Usuta’s career began after winning the 2nd Weekly Shonen Jump’s GAG King Special Award in 1990. He is celebrated for his unique brand of humor and distinctive art style, solidifying his place in the manga industry.
Pen Name Origins
Interestingly, “Kyosuke Usuta” is a pen name. Originally, he submitted the name “Usuta Sosuke,” inspired by Worcestershire sauce (commonly called “usuta sosu” in Japanese). However, a typo by the Jump editorial team resulted in “Kyosuke,” and he decided to stick with it.
Early Recognition
Usuta’s talent was recognized early in his career. In 1990, he won the 2nd Weekly Shonen Jump’s GAG King Special Award for “The ★ Tenuki-kun Objective Vinegar Go-kun”. The following year, he received an honorable mention in the 34th Akatsuka Award for “Go For It! UFO Man”.
The Legacy of Pyu to Fuku! Jaguar
Pyu to Fuku! Jaguar, serialized in Weekly Shonen Jump from 2000 to 2010, remains one of Usuta’s most beloved works. The series follows Kiyohiko “Piyohiko” Saketome, an aspiring musician whose life takes a comical turn when he meets Jaguar, an eccentric recorder enthusiast. The manga was adapted into OVAs, an anime film, and even a live-action movie.
Story and Characters
The series revolves around Kiyohiko “Piyohiko” Saketome, who dreams of being a successful guitarist. However, his aspirations are derailed when he encounters Jaguar, an oddball obsessed with the recorder. Jaguar persuades Piyohiko to join him in playing the recorder, leading to a series of bizarre and hilarious events.
Jaguar is portrayed as a strange but musically gifted man who enjoys playing the recorder. He and Piyohiko share a room in Gari Dormitories, where Jaguar teaches a recorder class. Despite his lazy teaching methods, Jaguar’s musical talent is undeniable, capable of creating vivid imagery in the minds of his listeners.
Adaptations and Appearances
Pyu to Fuku! Jaguar has been adapted into various forms, including a series of flash-original video animations (OVAs) and a film released between 2007 and 2009. A live-action film starring Jun Kaname as Jaguar was released in 2008. Characters from Jaguar have also appeared in video games such as Jump Super Stars, Jump Ultimate Stars, and J-Stars Victory VS.
Other Notable Works by Kyosuke Usuta
Besides Pyu to Fuku! Jaguar, Usuta has created several other notable manga series:
- Sexy Commando Gaiden: Sugoi yo!! Masaru-san: Published from 1995 to 1997, this series was adapted into a 48-episode anime series. The story revolves around the “Sexy Commando Club” and their bizarre martial arts techniques.
- Bushizawa Receive: Serialized in 1999.
- Chikusaku Call: A collection of short stories published in 2001.
- Food Fighter Tabelu: Launched on Shonen Jump+ in 2015, this “eating” gag manga concluded in 2018.
- Shoulder Tackle Yasuzaki-man: Serialized in 2007.
Usuta’s Influence and Recognition
Usuta’s work has not only entertained readers but has also gained recognition within the manga industry. In 2016, Shonen Jump Rookie, a webcomic portal for novice artists, created the “Usuta Kyosuke Manga Award” for aspiring manga artists.
Dragon Ball Gallery
Kyosuke Usuta also participated in the “Dragon Ball Gallery,” a segment in Saikyo Jump where manga artists create their own renditions of Dragon Ball cover pages. Usuta recreated the cover art of Dragon Ball Volume 23 in his unique style.
Kyosuke Usuta’s new gag manga, Arabake! Arabaki Gungun Park, promises to deliver the same quirky humor and unpredictable comedy that has made him a beloved figure in the manga world. With a career spanning decades and a portfolio of memorable works, Usuta continues to bring laughter to readers with his distinctive style and imaginative storytelling.
