Read more after the break!
Hitoshi Ariga is often regarded as one of, if not the most iconic Rockman manga artists among fans. Ariga's most recent manga, Rockman Gigamix, was published between 2009 and 2010. Since then, he has contributed to UDON's Mega Man Tribute artbook, created additional content for the 2015 re-release of Rockman Maniax, designed cover art for UDON's Mega Man Mastermix, and most recently, provided new artwork for a limited edition card set released by UDON too.
Back in 2020, Ariga himself told Rockman Corner that he "will be more than happy to work on a Mega Man manga again", but he would require Capcom to approach him witth an offer.
We can only hope that Ariga will have the chance to draw a new Rockman manga down the line... and Mega Man X: Mega Mission sees the light of the day! For now, enjoy the new art!
I like Arigas art and manga. I think it's safe to say after 7 years of waiting that the Mega Missions book is not going to be released by Udon.
ReplyDeleteNot surprised at all. X never gets good luck and it's a crying shame
DeleteYeah I agree, I've been waiting for the book since 2018. It would be nice if another publisher would pick up some of the Mega Man manga besides Udon because they have zero interest in bringing over any of the 90s X mangas by Iwamoto or any of the older original series manga from the early to mid 90s.
DeleteI got a idea, make a MegaMan fighter game. That artwork says it all.
ReplyDelete...you do know they did that already... right?
DeleteTwice even
Power Battle and Power Fighters aren't really fighting games, he means something like Street Fighter or Marvel vs Capcom.
DeleteOr a MegaMan fighterz style
DeleteA Mega Man fighting game in the same style as Dragon Ball Fighter Z would be insane.
DeleteSharp, you do know Power Battle and Power Fighters aren't fighting games.....right?
DeleteHoly shit!
ReplyDeleteMy least favorite character designer semi-associated with Mega Man (he's more associated with Pokemon nowadays) and 2nd least favorite artist makes a return.
ReplyDeleteYet we can't get a return of a new game.
I'm joking about the new game part, I just had to perpetuate the stereotype...But I do want a new game tho, preferable one done with art inspired by the MM11 guy to the fullest (not uh... chibi-ish like in 11).
Meanwhile Akira Toriyama out here dying.
DeleteI thought you were joking, as in, he came back and is overworking, but he's really gone. Rest Toriyama.
DeleteI honestly couldn't believe it myself when I read about it.
DeleteThat’s really sad for us to hear. Even I know the next reply is gonna be pressing F or X to pay respects which references to a Call of Duty game.
DeleteWould love a follow up on why that udon book never got published. There was supposed to be an ARMS graphic novel too that was completed but never released...
ReplyDeleteUdon doesn't exactly have a good track record as a publisher.
DeleteThat Mega Man Tribute illust is wrong. :0
ReplyDeleteLittle known fact: Ariga also authored and drew the Big O manga.
ReplyDeleteI never read the Big O manga but I remember liking the anime bitd, didn't know he drew the manga.
DeleteYup, and he did a fantastic job on it. It's pretty hard to find physical copies now, so I'm glad I got the entire set before it became so elusive.
DeleteI know that this is supposed to be Rockman doing a Rock Upper and Forte doing a Crescent Kick… but at a glance, it just kinda looks like Rockman clobbering Forte while Roll cheers on.
ReplyDeleteRegardless, this is a good piece of art for a very poor product.
(Not sure what the history lesson and advertisement is about… I guess 'cause Mr. Ariga is a friend of the blog? Still…)
So wait, does this have anything to do with the event going on in Street Fighter 6 officially?
ReplyDeleteOr is this just a piece of art Ariga made because the event is taking place?
Either way, I'm a big fan of his style.
The art appears *in* SF6/Mega Man Gala. It's in-game. Hopefully he'll share a hi-res some day.
DeleteI was hoping it would also be available to view in the gallery in game, I did see it appear in the battle hub during a Mega Man vote screen.
DeleteAh, that's really cool, thanks.
DeleteI'm not great at keeping straight what he's done that's "official." Not that it really matters for the art itself. Just cool to know.
Always disliked his style. It just comes across as Chinese bootleg drawings. At least, it's not as bad as whoever drew Challenger from the future.
ReplyDeleteWhat exactly have you published?
Delete^Wow, rude. I doubt you could draw any better.
DeleteOut of curiosity, what official art do you compare his work to that makes it look bootleg to you?
DeleteLooks nothing like Keiji's nor Hideki's nor Yuji's works. Character proportions and especially faces are off. Hitoshi doesn't understand the characters at all. Roll is completely out of character. She would never be excited observing Rock fighting. No need to draw nor publish something to know it is terrible. You don't need to be a chef to know the food tastes bad.
DeleteAriga has been drawing Mega Man since he was young. He's gone from fan to actually producing acclaimed licensed works. If anyone outside understands the character, it's him. I would suggest you really check out Megamix. You'll be pleasantly surprised.
DeleteI read a couple chapters before and wasn't impressed, but I'll give it another shot someday, Protodude.
DeleteI wish someone would say you can't do better to me. I will make art virtually indistinguishable from most of the greatest Rockman official artists, I can probably do Ariga designs and style better than him. I am THAT confident in myself. If there's one thing in the world I know how to do it's draw.
DeleteMarch 11 4:46 Pm, a bit full of yourself aren’t you? That isn’t a good trait to have.
DeleteI am not normally like this. I am just confident in my ability and sick and tired of people using the logic of "if you are not good at something you can't judge it" appeal to authority nonsense. Well if you want, I will upload new work tomorrow or sometime near and put my money where my mouth is. No AI trickery nonsense either, I will draw in Sketchbook pro and record it to show my work. I am not good at much in this world, but illustration? That's my natural habitat.
DeleteSorry same "art" anon... After reflecting, I was being a jerk. I am ashamed of myself. I will still draw but not out of spite and disparaging intent. I was possessed by demons or something the past couple of days...
DeleteThat's weird, the site wouldn't let me comment the Japanese name. Wonder if it was because of the macron on the "O".
ReplyDeleteThe artist and his artstyle is perfect for a Studio Trigger anime adaptation for our Blue Bomber. 😚
ReplyDeleteA anime based off the Ariga mangas would be amazing.
DeleteYeah. Would be Kill la Kill-vibes. X3
DeleteI would be excited to buy that Mega Man X: Megamission comic.
ReplyDeleteI haven't bought anything Mega Man in a thousand years.