Bakuman。 #18

Bakuman。 Vol. 18 brings together the creative energy that made this Shonen Jump series such a compelling look at the manga industry, with cover art by Takeshi Obata showcasing a blonde girl in a cozy patterned coat alongside an energetic dark-haired boy in a yellow jumpsuit and aviator goggles, both surrounded by small bear-like character plushies mid-action. The vibrant yellow background and ruler-edged border give the whole composition a wonderfully self-aware, behind-the-scenes feel — fitting for a series so deeply in love with the craft of comics. With Tsugumi Ohba's storytelling driving things forward into chapter 152, this 2013 volume keeps the momentum of Ashirogi Muto's ambitions running strong.