For dedicated manga enthusiasts, the challenges faced by creators are well-documented, particularly those behind highly acclaimed series such as Sui Ishida‘s Tokyo Ghoul. Long-term manga production frequently takes a toll on the mental and physical health of artists. The struggles of renowned creators like Yoshihiro Togashi (Hunter x Hunter) and Eiichiro Oda (One Piece) illustrate this demanding reality. Ishida himself has publicly addressed the immense pressures tied to his work and their impact on his health.
In his latest endeavor, Choujin X, Ishida has adopted a new approach that prioritizes his well-being while still delivering the engaging narratives and striking visuals his fans crave. The early reception of Choujin X indicates that Ishida is crafting another potential masterpiece, but under terms that suit his creative style.
The Influence of Tokyo Ghoul on Ishida’s Creative Process
Ishida’s Discontent with the Tokyo Ghoul Production
There’s a common misconception that success in manga, particularly for a series that has sold millions and spawned a popular anime adaptation, leads to better working conditions. However, this was not the case for Ishida and his creation, Tokyo Ghoul.
In an insightful afterword to Tokyo Ghoul: Re Volume #16, translated by Kenkamishiro, Ishida shares a profound reflection on his experiences. His tone reflects a sense of relief.
“If I want to be frank about how I currently feel, should I say it feels … liberating?”- Sui Ishida
Ishida attributes this liberation to the conclusion of both professional and personal pressures. He candidly reveals the toll that relentless deadlines inflicted during the serialization of Tokyo Ghoul had on him over its seven-year journey. Those ever-present deadlines loomed like a persistent adversary, a “ghoul”that continuously resurfaced no matter his efforts to escape its grasp.
On a personal front, Ishida demonstrated a unique self-awareness—an attribute not always common among manga creators regarding their limits. Instead of opting for breaks, often referred to as “hiatuses”in the industry, he persevered through the entirety of Tokyo Ghoul. Ishida recognized that any extended pause could jeopardize his ability to return or maintain his previous quality of work, leading him to continue unbroken for nearly seven years.
Choujin X: A Step Towards Sustainable Creativity
The blend of personal and professional pressures during his tenure on Tokyo Ghoul deeply affected Ishida, leading him to a state where the creative process was all-consuming, significantly impacting his emotional state and personal relationships. This resulted in a phase where he “hated working, ”leaving many speculating whether he would continue his career in manga following the series’ conclusion. Thankfully, this was not the end.
Only a few years after the conclusion of Tokyo Ghoul, Ishida introduced Choujin X, an entirely new serial. This story navigates through dark fantasy, transitioning away from the ghoul-centric narrative to explore a concealed struggle between humans with supernatural powers representing good and evil. However, what set Choujin X apart went beyond its thematic materials; it was Ishida’s flexible publishing strategy that manifested a stark contrast to his previous experience.
Contrary to earlier expectations around sequential updates, the irregular release schedule of Choujin X suggested a departure from the exhaustive demands Ishida previously faced. Yet, this was misinterpreted by fans as a reflection of his hardships, similar to Ken Kaneki’s struggles within Tokyo Ghoul. During a discussion with Manga Passion, Ishida elaborated on his transformative creative approach following the challenges of Tokyo Ghoul.
The success of his earlier project has afforded Ishida the freedom to create on his terms while still answering to editors and fan expectations, albeit in a protective manner. By implementing soft monthly deadlines instead of stringent weekly ones, Ishida ensures that he can manage his workload sustainably. This strategy allows him some flexibility to avoid the immense pressures that previously affected his creative output.
Though the new structure results in a heavier workload, Ishida believes that his self-imposed rigor often elevates the quality of his art. As he shared with Yomiuri Shimbun, via Kenkamishiro, when addressing elements of storytelling that resonate deeply with him, he prefers to maintain complete control: “I do not want anyone to touch them but myself.”With Choujin X being a project born out of passion, Ishida is ardently protective of the creative vision it encapsulates.
The Case for Creator Autonomy: Lessons from Choujin X
Prioritizing Creator Well-being Over Productions
Ishida’s distinct approach to Choujin X offers an alternative paradigm when considering the often rigid practices associated with manga creation. His philosophy emphasizes the importance of centering creators in the creative process, fostering a more essential and pragmatic relationship with the art form. This “let creators create”mindset not only grants Ishida the latitude needed to innovate but also allows him to cultivate a healthier work-life balance—something that stands out as enviable in a challenging industry.
The journey Ishida has taken—alongside his ongoing success with Choujin X—serves as a crucial wake-up call for fellow creators, encouraging them to resist the oppressive standards commonly seen in the manga world. Most importantly, it reinforces the vital notion that the mental and physical well-being of creators should never take a backseat to the demands of manga production. Observing Ishida’s journey showcases the viability of prioritizing health and happiness in creative pursuits.
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