Anime Artists Reimagine Back to the Future for Its 40th

Back to the Future turns 40, and to celebrate, a group of ten well known anime and manga artists have each drawn their own take on the film’s cast. The illustrations are tied to an upcoming merchandise collection, and together they make a charming bridge between a Hollywood classic and Japanese pop art.

As the feature points out, the story would slot neatly into anime. A good hearted teenager with a strong sense of justice goes on a science fiction adventure, saves the day with the help of an eccentric friend, and even sees the villain reformed by the end. It is easy to imagine that premise running in a shonen magazine or a late night anime block.

The lineup of artists is a real treat. It includes Kazushi Hagiwara of Bastard, Pokémon card illustrator Naoki Saito, Otokojuku creator Akira Miyashita, and Masakazu Katsura of Video Girl Ai and Shadow Lady, each bringing a very different style to Marty and the gang.

Several more veterans joined in too, among them Masanori Morita of Rokudenashi Blues, Ryosuke Takeuchi, A3 artist Ryo Fujiwara with a notably fine featured Biff, and Fate/Grand Order character designer Lack, whose piece radiates classic adventure energy.

The artworks were unveiled on October 21, the very date Marty travels to in Back to the Future Part II. They will also appear at a special 40th anniversary booth at Tokyo Comic Con, which runs from December 5 to 7, with Doc Brown actor Christopher Lloyd among the guests.

My take: Seeing one beloved story filtered through ten distinct art styles is exactly the kind of crossover I adore. I would happily hang several of these on my wall.