Yu Tsukada | Characters of Manga Real—The "Great Capcom Exhibition—Game Creation That Charms the World" (Part 2)
This article reviews the "Great Capcom Exhibition" and discusses the significance of the "Manga Real" style in the character design of Capcom's works.Summary
Capcom, the creator of popular series like 'Rockman,' 'Street Fighter,' and 'Resident Evil,' is currently hosting the "Great Capcom Exhibition—Game Creation That Charms the World." This article, the second part, focuses on the creative aspects, particularly the "Manga Real" style evident in Capcom's character designs, exemplified by the 'Street Fighter' series. Manga Real, which emerged in the early 90s and was influenced by artists like Katsuhiro Otomo and the shift toward Bishōjo comics, blends manga-like stylization with realism, a style also seen in the work of illustrators like Noriyoshi Ohrai. This aesthetic was crucial for Capcom as it allowed for the realistic depiction of muscular bodies, supported by internal anatomical studies shown at the exhibition. Manga Real is considered an important trend in Japanese illustration history, perfectly matching the 'Street Fighter' universe and playing a vital role in globalizing Japanese character content, alongside other worldwide successes like 'Resident Evil' and 'Monster Hunter World.'
(Source：artscape)