Hirohiko Araki Draws Tribute Art for Kazuo Umezu

In the May 2025 issue of Monthly Big Comic Spirits, which released today on March 27, 2025, a special tribute feature honors the late Kazuo Umezu. Umezu was a legendary figure in horror and gag manga, who passed away at age 88 on October 28, 2024. Renowned manga artists from across generations contributed illustrations, with some writing heartfelt messages to commemorate his influence on the manga world.

Among the tributes is Hirohiko ArakiHirohiko ArakiHirohiko Araki, born Toshiyuki Araki, is a Japanese manga artist and the author of JoJo's Bizarre Adventure. He made his debut in 1980 with his one-shot Poker Under Arms, and began his professional career with the short series Cool Shock B.T., Baoh the Visitor, and Gorgeous Irene. Araki's biggest series,..., creator of JoJo’s Bizarre AdventureJoJo's Bizarre AdventureJoJo's Bizarre Adventure, commonly shortened to JoJo, is an ongoing shonen and seinen manga written and illustrated by Hirohiko Araki since December 1986. The story spans nine parts, each following a different protagonist from the Joestar bloodline, with new settings and eras introduced in every installment. JoJo's Bizarre Adventure was originally serialized.... Araki drew Makoto Sawada, the snot-nosed kindergartner protagonist from Makoto-chan, one of Umezu’s popular gag manga. Araki, who grew up reading Umezu’s works, was especially inspired by his horror stories.

Hirohiko Araki’s Tribute Art – Makoto Sawada

The top of the illustration says “To Kazuo Umezu-sensei“.

Other Artists

Other featured artists include:

• Moto Hagio (The Poe Clan, The Heart of Thomas) drew a curly-haired girl startled by a dark presence, with “I love you, Umezu-sensei!” written on top.
• Rumiko Takahashi (Inuyasha, Maison Ikkoku) drew art of a girl from Orochi pointing and thanked Umezu for all his entertaining works.
• Masami Yuki (Patlabor) commented how even Ultraman could be scary when drawn by Umezu.
• Naoki Urasawa (20th Century Boys, Monster) drew Umezu in his iconic red-and-white striped shirt, praising his legacy.
• Junji Ito (Uzumaki, Tomie) channels Umezu’s eerie style with a composition full of characters and monsters from various works, such as Fourteen and Orochi.
• Noboru Takahashi (Mole’s Song) drew Numera Umera breathing fire from God’s Left Hand, Devil’s Right Hand.
• Usamaru Furuya (Lychee Light Club, Teiichi’s Country) contributed a colored drawing of Makoto with a message of thanks for unforgettable stories of fear, laughter, and love.
• Inio Asano (Goodnight Punpun, Dead Dead Demon’s Dededede Destruction) contributed art of a girl pointing from Orochi.
• Shuzo Oshimi (The Flowers of Evil, Blood on the Tracks) drew Satoru and Marin from My Name is Shingo.
• George Morikawa (Hajime no Ippo) drew a scared Ippo screaming in fear with Makoto Bugs on his body, as well as a message thanking Umezu.
• Yusuke Murata (One Punch Man, Eyeshield 21) drew characters from Cat Eyed Boy with a thank you message to Umezu.
• Shoko NakagawaShoko NakagawaShoko Nakagawa, also known by her nickname Shokotan, is a Japanese TV personality, singer, actress, voice actress, cosplayer, writer, illustrator, and animator. Despite having no direct affiliation with the series, Shoko is a huge fan of JoJo's Bizarre Adventure and is famous for her extensive use of speaking with custom... drew Umezu and several characters from his works.