The 20th-anniversary celebration for the historical epic Kingdom has taken the internet by storm, thanks to breathtaking tribute illustrations from two legendary manga creators. The official X (formerly Twitter) account for the Social Kingdom Saien campaign recently shared exclusive artwork drawn by Hirohiko Araki, the visionary behind JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure, and Takehiko Inoue, the acclaimed creator of Slam Dunk. These stunning tributes have ignited massive excitement among fans worldwide, dominating the latest anime news cycles and showcasing the undeniable talent of these iconic artists.
Hirohiko Araki’s Bizarre Take on General Ouki
Hirohiko Araki’s contribution features his signature, highly stylized take on the legendary General Ouki. The illustration includes the character’s iconic laugh, accompanied by the quote, “Surprisingly, I don’t dislike it either—long-distance battles. Kokokoko.” In his congratulatory message, Araki expressed his admiration, stating, “Congratulations on the 20th anniversary of Kingdom. It has grown into a masterpiece with a scale perfectly suited for a two-decade legacy. I am truly honored to have the opportunity to draw Ouki.” For fans of must-read fighting manga, seeing Ouki rendered in this flamboyant, powerful style is an absolute treat.
Takehiko Inoue’s Gritty and Emotional Tribute
Meanwhile, Takehiko Inoue delivered a gritty, battle-scarred depiction of Shin alongside General Ouki, radiating intense, raw energy. Inoue shared a deeply personal message with his artwork: “Congratulations on the 20th anniversary of the Kingdom serialization. Thinking back, it has been over 20 years since you first showed me the prototype storyboards before the series even began, which makes this milestone deeply emotional for me as well. Please take good care of your health and continue to enjoy the journey ahead.” His masterful linework reminds audiences why series with intense, grounded combat often rank among the best battle anime and manga of all time.
Fans React to the “Overwhelming” Drawing Skills
The collaboration between these renowned Weekly Shounen Jump alumni has sparked a massive wave of enthusiastic reactions across social media. Fans immediately pointed out the JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure references in Araki’s piece, joking that Ouki’s “Kokokoko” laugh felt just like the iconic “Gogogogo” sound effect, or that his version of Ouki looked like a Stand user ready to summon King Crimson. Others praised Inoue’s incredibly detailed, realistic style, instantly comparing it to his historical samurai epic Vagabond. Comments praising the masterpiece anime and manga creators flooded the internet, with netizens expressing goosebumps over the overwhelming artistic skill on display.
Source: Oricon
