Movies of War

Every year, the Jump+ Serialization Audition allows professionals and amateurs alike to pitch and have a chance to get their manga published on the platform. As the grand prize winner in 2023, Tendai Yano was able to release their debut work. They created an action-packed story about not giving up on dreams and starting over as adults, mirroring Yano’s experience of pushing through to become a mangaka in the winner’s interview. “Daddy and Buddy” focuses on Tanaka Kanata, a father of three who was laid off from his gymnastics teacher job. Amidst his frustration, he meets Asato Kakuuchi, a famous children’s show host who is exterminating a monster latching on Tanaka’s son. Asato then reveals himself as a Gymnastics Buddy whose job is to protect children from creatures called grumble bugs that feed off of their vitality. After helping Asato save a child possessed by one of these monsters, Tanaka is inspired to become one himself and finally fulfill his dream of becoming a hero. As a manga targeted at teenagers and young boys, it’s uncommon to have an adult as the main character. Tanaka is a man in his late twenties. Furthermore, he’s also a parent who needs to take care of his children, so he is shown to struggle with adult challenges such as unemployment. While this might not be very relatable to Jump+’s largely teenage demographic, the series presents realistic life issues and a refreshing new take on one of Japan’s biggest shounen manga platforms. The story also has a strong message on being able to start over as an adult. Tanaka decides to change the course of his life as he nears thirty, but he still has to face obstacles in a society with age discrimination. While going through the Gymnastics Buddy test, Tanaka gets questioned about his age and abilities even when he’s already displayed that he has the right skills and personality. This topic becomes clearer when it’s revealed that there are age limits in their profession. While Tanaka’s journey is only beginning, Asato, who is already thirty-one years old, is an example of someone nearing retirement. He also struggles with this fact multiple times, showing different perspectives between the two main characters. It does not only center around adults though. The hardships faced by children in this three-volume series are portrayed with gravity. Every character realizes how it can affect the child well as they grow up. Rather than intervening, the characters try to motivate adults to help by facilitating conversation and empathy to let children figure it out themselves. Even though “Daddy and Buddy” is an action manga with an engaging storyline, its pacing feels rushed. Opportunities for more world-building, such as exploring the existence of grumble bugs and Gymnastics Buddy, are cut short. As the plot approaches the end, key character development is also lacking. Tendai Yano shows their art skills with this work that deserved to be the Grand Prize Winner. Every scene is able to bring action to life packed with dynamic choreography inspired by gymnastics moves. The designs for the grumble bugs look eerie yet realistic. It’s already stunning, considering this is their first work. Even though comedy isn’t a central element of this manga, Tendai sometimes draws realistic facial expressions for comedic purposes . This is particularly noticeable in scenes of the gymnastics buddies rehearsing for the TV show shoot. Overall, “Daddy and Buddy” is an exciting action manga that highlights the importance of adults protecting the younger generation, while encouraging children to solve their own problems through compassion. Most importantly, it’s a hopeful story about how it’s never too late to start fulfilling your dreams and taking a leap forward. Tags:daddy and buddytendai yano