In celebration of Back to the Future’s 40th anniversary, a team of 10 all-star anime and manga artists have created unique illustrations that reimagine the beloved Hollywood classic. This collaboration highlights the movie’s plot, which features a kind-hearted teenager on a thrilling science-fiction adventure. The storyline of friendship, justice, and redemption aligns perfectly with the themes found in anime, making it a fitting tribute to the original film.
Among the featured artists is Kazushi Hagiwara, renowned for his edgy dark fantasy work, Bastard. He delivers a surprisingly cheerful depiction of the iconic characters. Pokémon card illustrator Naoki Saito adds a softer touch with his interpretation of Marty and Jennifer. Notably, Akira Miyashita, the creator of Otokojuku, brings his signature distinctive character designs to the table, showcasing manly jawlines that fans can easily recognize.
The illustrations vary widely in style, demonstrating the versatility of the artists. Mazakazu Katsura, known for his work on Video Girl Ai and I’s, offers a more balanced aesthetic, while Raita Kazama, character designer for the popular Xenoblade RPGs, presents an intensely dramatic piece that captures the adventurous spirit of the movie.
Koji Inada, famous for Dragon Quest: The Adventure of Dai, contributes a more playful, super-deformed style, while Masanori Morita creates a striking illustration reminiscent of a classic North American movie poster. Ryosuke Takeuchi delivers a piece that evokes the feel of an American newspaper comic, and A3 (Ace Three) artist Ryo Fujiwara provides a modern anime take on Marty facing the villain Biff.
The reveal of these illustrations on October 21 aligns with the infamous date Marty travels to the future in Back to the Future Part II. These works will be showcased at a special booth during Tokyo Comic Con, which is set to take place from December 5 to 7. This event will also feature appearances from Christopher Lloyd, who portrayed Doc Brown, along with other cast members who will be available for autographs. Fans can look forward to a unique merchandise collection featuring the new manga-style artwork.
This collaboration not only honors a cinematic classic but also celebrates the creativity of manga artists, allowing fans to appreciate the film through a fresh lens. The upcoming Tokyo Comic Con promises an exciting experience for Back to the Future enthusiasts, blending nostalgia with artistic innovation.