Masaomi Kanzaki

Masaomi Kanzaki is a Japanese manga artist best known globally for his early-1990s manga adaptation of *Street Fighter II*. Born in Japan, he entered the comics field in the late 1980s and built a reputation for dynamic, action-oriented artwork. His most sustained work was the *Xenon* series (also published as *Xenon: Heavy Metal Warrior*), a sci-fi martial-arts saga he wrote and drew. Kanzaki also contributed to *Flag Fighters*, *Ironcat*, *Hagane*, and the crime-action series *Gun Crisis*. His style—marked by kinetic fight choreography, detailed mechanical designs, and a gritty, cinematic energy—made him a natural fit for video-game adaptations. He collaborated with writers and editors on several of these projects, though he often handled both story and art. Kanzaki’s *Street Fighter II* manga remains his most recognized work internationally, introducing many readers to his take on the Capcom characters. He was active in the industry from 1987 through 1998, with his credits spanning 34 cataloged issues. Later in life, he stepped away from regular serialization, and his legacy endures among fans of 1990s manga and fighting-game tie-ins. He has not been widely honored with major awards, but his contributions to the action-manga genre are noted by collectors and historians.