Leiji Matsumoto 1938-? Mangaka
Leiji Matsumoto came into my life in high school with my discovery of Captain Harlock and Queen Milenia. His film, My Youth In Arcadia devastated me. I scored a copy of it on VHS, back in the dark days of anime trading and no subtitles, and watch the crap out of it. I cried from how unrelentingly depressing it was. The sequences with Harlock and the Arcadia made my imagination soar.
The storytelling was incredible. That’s what made it stick. It was pure storytelling.
Eventually, I found more of his films and tv. This lead to manga. I lost my mind. Galaxy Express 999 has made an indelible mark on how I view technology, especially environments. all of the dials and switches embedded in a polished, blacker than black setting is how I want the world to look.
- Helped create Space Battleship Yamato
- Created:
- Space Pirate Captain Harlock
- Galaxy Express 999
- Quinn Millenia
- Queen Emeraldas
- Gun Frontier
- Sexaroid
Matsumoto created an entire universe filled with his characters, telling different kinds of stories. His popularity is enormous in Japan. maetel, seen to the left, is one of a selection of his characters made into sculptures scattered around the country. The Harlock universe has new content added continually.
Final Yamato, another film he made, I believe is one of the greatest animated features ever. The color scheme is reminiscent of dark Disney and resonates with me.
Storytelling is the main drive in all of his work. He never shies away from heartbreak, creating rich, deep characters in fascinating situations. I encourage you to seek him out. Getting started will be complicated but the payoff is worth it in every way.
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