‘Shamo’ Illustrator and Creator Duke it Out in Court
So, word on the streets– or rather, at Iza –is that Akio Tanaka, the illustrator of the manga Shamo, is suing the original writer, Izo Hashimoto, over the copyright of the manga. Apparently Tanaka says that the story and characters were all created by him.
The article notes that while conflicts like this aren’t rare, going to court over them is unusual. Shamo ceased printing in January because of the dispute, and its continued suspension has raised concern in fans.
Now, the next part I’m not entirely sure I’ve got right, so take it with a grain of salt, but it looks like Tanaka is seeking ¥50 million– about $472,000 USD. The court proceedings opened today, with Hashimoto contesting the charges.
According to Tanaka, all Hashimoto did was write a very rough outline or summary of a manuscript, while Tanaka invented all of the remaining details. Hashimoto left all the commenting up to his lawyer, who isn’t quoted in the article.
Tags: akio tanaka, izo hashimoto, lawsuits, shamo
June 29th, 2008 at 7:21 am
[...] News from Japan: Yuu Watase is closing down Yuu Watase Perfect World Fushigi Yuugi magazine so she can start a new work, according to ANN. ANN also reports that a new series, Mobile Suit Gundam 00: Aoi Kioku (Blue Memories) just started up in Kadokawa Shoten’s Gundam Ace magazine. A new Macross manga and novel are on the way as well. Akio Tanaka, the artist for the manga Shamo, is suing Izo Hashimoto, who is credited as the creator of the manga. Tanaka claims that he was the one who came up with the plot and characters. Gia has more. [...]
June 29th, 2008 at 8:35 am
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