Dr. Osamu Tezuka ( 手塚治虫 ) was a Japanese manga artist, animator, producer and medical doctor, although he never practiced medicine. Born in Osaka Prefecture, he is best known as the creator of Astro Boy and Kimba the White Lion. He is often credited as the "Father of Anime", and is often considered the Japanese equivalent to Walt Disney, who served as a major inspiration during his formative years. His prolific output, pioneering techniques, and innovative redefinitions of genres earned him such titles as "the father of manga" and "the God of Manga."

Urasawa Naoki (浦沢直樹) is a Japanese mangaka. He is perhaps best known for Monster (which drew praise from Junot Díaz, the 2008 Pulitzer Prize winner) and 20th Century Boys. Urasawa's work often concentrates on intricate plotting, interweaving narratives, a deep focus on character development and psychological complexity. Urasawa has won the Shogakukan Manga Award, the Japan Media Arts Festival excellence award, the Kodansha Manga Award and the Tezuka Osamu Cultural Prize. In 2008 Urasawa accepted a guest teaching post at Nagoya Zokei University. Series list (not including short stories collections): - Pineapple ARMY (パイナップルARMY) 1985-1988, written by Kazuya Kudo; - YAWARA! 1986-1993; - Master Keaton (MASTERキートン) 1988-1994, written by Hokusei Katsushika; - Happy! 1993-1999 - MONSTER 1994-2001 - 20th Century Boys (20世紀少年) 1999-2006 - 21st Century Boys (21世紀少年) 2007 - PLUTO 2003-2009, based on Tezuka Osamu's Tetsuwan Atom - BILLY BAT 2008-2016 - Master Keaton Remaster (MASTERキートン Reマスター) 2012-2014 - Mujirushi (夢印-MUJIRUSHI-) 2017-2018, collaboration with Musée du Louvre - Asadora! (連続漫画小説 あさドラ!) 2018-ongoing