How Two Brothers Broke Into the World of Manga
For aspiring manga artists outside Japan, getting published by a major Japanese publisher has long seemed out of reach. But two brothers from Maharashtra have turned that dream into reality.
Jivan (22) and Yash (18), who create under the name masterlynx, have become among the first Indian creators to make their professional manga debut with Japanese publishing giant Kadokawa. Their achievement is not only a personal milestone but also a proud moment for India’s growing manga and anime community.
A Self-Taught Journey to Japan
The brothers grew up in Amravati, Maharashtra, where they developed a love for Japanese manga and anime, particularly Dragon Ball. Without formal art training, they taught themselves by studying manga panels, watching online tutorials, and practicing consistently. What began as a childhood passion soon became an ambitious goal—to publish a manga in Japan.
Their breakthrough came through Kadokawa’s Wordless Manga Contest, an international competition that challenged artists to tell compelling stories without dialogue. By relying entirely on visual storytelling, Jivan and Yash impressed the judges and earned the opportunity to work with one of Japan’s biggest publishers.
The Manga That Made History
Their winning concept has now been developed into Kung Fu Kung Fool, an action-comedy manga serialized on Kadokawa’s digital platform. The story follows Goemon, a skilled thief, and Bao, a young boy, on an adventure packed with action, comedy, and martial arts-inspired storytelling. Kadokawa’s editorial team worked closely with the brothers to adapt their English-language work for Japanese readers.
Why This Matters for Indian Creators
Their success comes at a time when anime and manga are becoming increasingly popular in India. As Japanese publishers expand their global reach, creators from countries like India are finding new opportunities to showcase their talent on an international stage.
For Jivan and Yash, this is the realization of a lifelong dream. For aspiring Indian artists, it serves as proof that dedication, self-learning, and global platforms can open doors once thought impossible.