Nakazawa Forced to Stop Work on Barefoot Gen Sequel

Keiji Nakazawa, the acclaimed creator of the semi-autobiographical manga story Barefoot Gen about the atomic bombing of Hiroshima and its aftermath, has announced that his worsening eyesight will prevent him from continuing work on his Barefoot Gen sequel. Nakazawa, who has a cataract in his right eye and a damaged retina in his left eye, underwent surgery in January. But the operation has reportedly not improved his eyesight. Nakazawa states, “Now I can’t draw fine lines.” Two chapters of the Barefoot Gen sequel have already been completed. Despite being unable to continue drawing, Nakazawa will continue his public efforts to oppose nuclear proliferation.

Nakazawa began drawing his Barefoot Gen manga story in 1973, completing the ten volume series in 1985. The manga has been translated into numerous languages and been adapted into two anime films and a live-action TV drama. The manga is currently distributed in English by Last Gasp.

Source: Anime News Network