The official X (formerly Twitter) account for TV Tokyo’s Drama Choose! Wingman (premiering on the 22nd, airing every Tuesday at 12:30 AM) was updated on the 6th, revealing a new illustration by the original author, Katsura Masakazu. The illustration depicts the main characters, Kenta, played by actor Maiito Fujioka, and Aoi, played by Konatsu Kato, along with Katsura's comments.

Katsura personally illustrated Kenta, portrayed by Fujioka, and Aoi, portrayed by Kato, and shared his thoughts on each of the actors.

Regarding Fujioka, Katsura commented, “When I’m drawing manga, I don’t usually imagine real people. So, casting always excites me because it’s a new discovery. When I met Fujioka in person, I found him to be a sincere, enthusiastic young man, and I thought he already had a lot of Kenta's traits. During the shoot, his call of 'Change!' and heroic postures were unmistakably those of a hero. Kenta was truly there, and he was Kenta! I was deeply moved and can only express my gratitude for this encounter.”

As for Kato, he said, “Thank you for appearing in a live-action adaptation of my work again since I"s! Aiko Aso from I"s and Aoi from Wingman are completely different characters, so I couldn’t imagine how it would turn out. But seeing how well you fit both roles surprised me. Aoi in this adaptation has slightly more realistic emotions compared to the manga, making the role a bit more challenging, which is why I believe you were the perfect choice for this Aoi.”

Wingman, a live-action adaptation of Katsura’s debut series serialized in Weekly Shonen Jump (Shueisha) from 1983 to 1985, is a signature work from the manga artist known for Video Girl Ai and I"s. The story follows Kenta, a high school sophomore and special effects hero enthusiast, who comes up with his own superhero, Wingman. With help from his friends, he crafts a suit and weapons. One day, Kenta comes into possession of the "Dream Note," an invention of his father, which allows him to transform into Wingman for five minutes. A mysterious girl named Aoi (Kato), who has come from an alternate dimension called Podrimus to Earth, appears before him… The series will also be available for simultaneous streaming on DMM TV.

Source : ORICON NEWS