Yoshikazu Yasuhiko ,
known for his work as a character designer and director on “ Mobile Suit Gundam ”
as well as his career as a mangaka, recently shared his thoughts on the
importance of the original author’s role in adapting his work into anime. Despite
having devoted himself exclusively to manga for a while, Yasuhiko returned
after 25 years to take on the role of director on the animated adaptation of
his manga “Mobile Suit Gundam: The Origin.” This decision was due to
his belief that the creator of the source material is the best suited to direct
its adaptation.
« The manga ‘Mobile Suit Gundam: The
Origin’ had a very passionate fan base. Because of that, I thought that the
manga author should be the one to direct the adaptation ,»
Yasuhiko explained. His approach to anime directing is known for making
significant changes to the original script. « When I direct anime, I
almost always change the script considerably. I have even rewritten the initial
storyboards, which has made the scriptwriters angry. On those occasions, the
director has had to step in to mediate, but I maintain that scripts should be
changed if necessary .»
Yasuhiko sees the storyboard as a detailed blueprint
that guides the production of the anime. « When capturing the script
on the storyboard, aspects inevitably arise that must be modified. However,
when there is original material, the situation changes . The
mangaka argues that while the original can be modified to improve it, this
often results in a detriment to the work. For this reason, he decided not to
work on adaptations by other authors, so as not to run the risk of damaging the
original material. " It would be irresponsible to damage
someone else's work ."
The success of the film “THE FIRST SLAM DUNK”,
directed by its original author Takehiko Inoue, is a clear example of the
benefits of this practice. “ Inoue carried out the adaptation
meticulously, which made manga fans happy and attracted new followers ,”
Yasuhiko noted. “ This was possible because Inoue has the necessary
skills, and that is how it should be in general .”
In recent times, it has become a norm for anime
adaptations to be faithful to the source material, which has limited creativity
and expression in anime, according to Yasuhiko. " In a sense,
we have returned to a time where manga is the 'master' and anime is the
'servant,' " he noted. However, he also acknowledges that
there are creators who only produce original anime, showing that anime has
established itself as an independent medium of expression.
" Those who wish to create
adaptations faithful to the original can do so, and those who do not can
develop their own world ," Yasuhiko concluded. " Today,
unlike in the past, both paths are viable ." Yasuhiko's
opinion highlights an important trend in the anime industry. The direct
involvement of the author in the adaptation of his work can ensure a more
authentic and respectful representation of the source material. At the same
time, the importance of creative freedom in anime is recognized, allowing
creators to explore and expand their own visions.
Source: Otakomu
