One of the most touching moments at the recent New York Comic Con was when renowned mangaka Hiro Mashima revealed exclusive insights about his most famous work, the manga/anime “Fairy Tail”, inspired by his deep feelings of loneliness.
During the Q&A session at the convention, Mashima shared that the central theme of his stories often stems from his personal experiences of not having close friends outside of work. “To be honest, I write stories because I don’t have friends. My loneliness is what you see in Fairy Tail”, the author admitted. This confession resonated with the audience.
Mashima became well-known for his debut work “Rave Master” in 1999, but his biggest success came with “Fairy Tail” in 2006. The “Fairy Tail” manga was adapted into an anime in 2009 and has since continued with a sequel, “Fairy Tail: 100 Years Quest,” currently illustrated by Atsuo Ueda, while the anime adaptation is being produced by JCSTAFF and is set to premiere in July 2024.
Mashima is still working on the characters in the story and is focused on completing the 100 Years Quest. However, he strongly emphasized that the overall narrative and its direction are determined by the company, even though he personally feels responsible for the story’s progression.
In the discussion, Mashima also acknowledged the significant influence of Akira Toriyama’s “Dragon Ball” on his career, while simultaneously expressing his admiration for the legendary mangaka. Even though he has successfully created “100 Years Quest,” Mashima clarified that the idea for the sequel is not solely his but a decision made by the company. Nevertheless, he is dedicated to this work as it consumes his entire being.
The panel also touched on his other works, including “Eden Zero,” “Rave Master,” and his latest creation “DEAD ROCK,” where he enjoys exploring darker themes. When asked if he would continue the anime adaptation of “Rave Master,” Mashima admitted that, despite feeling honored by the fans’ affection, he is currently more focused on his new projects.
The event was not just a nostalgic moment for fans of “Fairy Tail.” Mashima enthusiastically greeted fans in New York with a sense of pride, reflecting on his journey as a mangaka. Additionally, he delighted the audience with two surprise announcements that generated cheers and excitement as his characters came to life.
Mashima also emphasized the importance of emotional connection in the creative process, encouraging creators to engage with the world around them, not just concentrate on technical skills. “One of the most important qualities of a creator is the ability to absorb the world around you,” he remarked.
