Girl Power: A Spotlight on Female Mangaka

The queen bees of makin’ manga.

Hiromu Arakawa (Full Metal Alchemist): Our first mangaka on the list is responsible for one of the most beloved series in recent history. The Silver Spoon author Hiromu Arakawa initially got her start in the industry as an assistant to the author of Mahojin Guru Guru and quickly followed with the publication of her first work, Stray Dog, which met with both critical and popular acclaim. In 2001, she started what would become her most successful work, Fullmetal Alchemist, an international hit which spanned a decade. She also loves the work of Mike Mignola, making her even cooler in our eyes.

Rumiko Takahashi (InuYasha): Many fans may be surprised to learn that the person behind InuYasha, an Edo period manga filled with magic, samurai, and intrigue, is a woman. Rumiko Takahashi, through her work in manga and anime, is not only one of Japan’s biggest manga artists, but she’s also one of the nation’s wealthiest people. Known best for Ranma ½ and InuYasha (which was published over the course of 12 years), Takahashi proves that all you need to succeed in manga is to be an undeniably dynamic creative force.

Naoko Takeuchi (Sailor Moon): Who could have known that wearing sailor suits, joining the astronomy club and manga club in high school would lead Naoko Takeuchi to create one of the most successful manga franchises of all time, Sailor Moon? In hindsight, it seems kind of obvious, but since the age of 19 the celebrated creator has been making her mark on the manga world and now with Sailor Moon celebrating it’s 20th anniversary, we’re all grateful for her dedication and hard work.

Who are your favorite female mangaka? Let us know on Facebook and Twitter!

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