In the ever-evolving world of manga, the values of originality and polished artwork hold a high regarded, and Gachiakuta is a prime example of these values. Created by Kei Urana, this series has made its name for its fast-paced action manga that not only boasts a unique dystopian setting and bold artwork, but also brings in something rarely seen in mainstream manga arts: graffiti.
Graffiti is often associated with expression and survival in urban subcultures, which is often misunderstood as a sign of rebellion, similar to the protagonist of Gachiakuta, Rudo, who was cast away into the Abyss for a crime he didn’t commit. In a recent interview, showcasing the behind-the-scenes in the creation of Gachiakuta, creator and manga writer Kei Urana revealed why she chose to include graffiti art in her manga.
So Why Graffiti?
During the creators’ interview for Gachiakuta, when Kei Urana was asked about joining forces with a graffiti artist and blending both the traditional manga format and graffiti artwork, the creator said,
Since the world of manga is pretty underground, I figured graffiti would fit right in. So we tried it and then we were like, this is sick!
To watch the entire interview, click the link below:
In the same interview, Urana also explained how working with Hideyoshi Andou, the graffiti artist on the team, made it a fun experience for her. The writer also mentioned that she does not make any compromises while creating her manga, but she always leans towards Andou to add more layers to make them more expressive.
Hideyoshi Andou talked about his side of the experience working for Gachiakuta. Talking about working alongside Urana, the graffiti artist claimed that he has a special relationship with her. He said,
Sometimes we see each other as rivals, sometimes as fellow creators. And other times I want to support her as a friend. Urana’s the only one I can have this dynamic with. That’s everything to me.
So far, the art style of this anime is undoubtedly unique. It also showcases the changing landscape of manga art, highlighting the impact of modern-day social media and pop culture.
Gachiakuta: The Story So Far
Gachiakuta follows the tale of Rudo, a young boy living in the “surface” society, where cleanliness is valued above everything, and anyone tagged dirty is labeled as trash by society. Rudo is introduced as the adopted son of a trash collector, is treated like an outcast despite having a kind heart. Things turn for the worse for the protagonist when he is accused of murder and is banished to the Abyss, which is shown as a massive dump where all of society’s waste, including people, are discarded.
In the Abyss, Rudo wakes up to an unfamiliar world crawling with monsters known as “Gadou.” As the story goes on, he encounters a group of powerful warriors called the Janitors, who use special weapons made from trash to fight these creatures. As Rudo adapts to this harsh new reality where he lives, he learns that he possesses a rare power that may be tied to his mysterious past.
Watch the official trailer for Gachiakuta below:
To find out the reality of the surface people, prove his innocence, and uncover the secrets of the Abyss, Rudo joins the Janitors and starts his venture of growth, revenge, and identity.
Through graffiti, Kei Urana has not only given Gachiakuta a distinct identity but also introduced a fresh form of expression that is rarely seen in any manga. This move of adding graffiti in the series ensures the fact that the tags and scribbles aren’t just background but are storytelling tools in their own right. This, in the end, will impact and connect with viewers on a deeper and emotional level
Gachiakuta is set to release on Crunchyroll on the 6th of July 2025.
This post belongs to FandomWire and first appeared on FandomWire
