Experience “The Poe Clan,” “BASARA,” and “BANANA FISH” on the Big Screen: 130 Original Drawings from 40 Beloved Betsucomi Works on Display

The special exhibition “Betsucomi 55th ANNIV. BEYOND THE PAGE – Suki, no Tsuzuki.” opened today, October 3, at LUMINE 0 on the 5th floor of NEWoMan Shinjuku in Tokyo. Ahead of the opening, a preview event showcased 130 pieces of original artwork (including reproductions), production materials, and immersive visual experiences created with the latest technology. These works span 55 years of masterpieces born from the girls’ manga magazine Betsucomi, including The Poe Clan, BASARA, and BANANA FISH.

First launched in 1970 as Bessatsu Shōjo Comic, a special edition of Shōjo Comic, the magazine was renamed Betsucomi in 2002 and continues under its current title from 2006. Over its history, it has published countless works that transcend the boundaries of girls’ manga with epic scale and profound storytelling.

Visitors begin their journey with an exhibition room retracing the magazine’s 55-year history by era. Beyond that lies a massive wide-screen theater measuring over 4 meters in height and 20 meters in width. Here, an original 35-minute film compiles iconic scenes from 16 carefully selected works, including The Poe Clan by Moto Hagio, BASARA by Yumi Tamura, and BANANA FISH by Akimi Yoshida.

Enhanced with powerful visuals and sound effects, the film breathes new life into unforgettable moments. Scenes that once captivated readers on the page now gain depth through color highlights, added sound effects, and immersive animations (tears shimmering in eyes, petals drifting in the wind) drawing audiences deeper into the worlds of these stories. Personally, I was struck by moments like, “The breathtaking beauty of Edgar and Allan on the big screen” and “Wait, Ash from the original manga is moving!?”

The immersive video also features memorable scenes from other works such as Kaze Hikaru by Taeko Watanabe, We Were There by Yuki Obata, Sand Chronicles by Hinako Ashihara, Black Bird by Kanoko Sakurakouji, Dengeki Daisy by Kyosuke Motomi, Joou no Hana by Kaneyoshi Izumi, Kokoro Button by Maki Usami, Mune ga Naru no wa Kimi no Sei by Risa Konno, Seirou Opera by Kanoko Sakurakouji, Fujiwara-kun wa Daitei Tadashii by Nao Hinachi, 1/3, Sanbun no Ichi by Kozue Chiba, The Yuzuki Family’s Four Sons by Shizuki Fujisawa, and Shujinkou Nikki by Yuu Yoshinaga.

In another section, the creative processes of long-standing and current Betsucomi authors—including Izumi, Sakurakouji, and Motomi—are introduced. From plot outlines and name drafts to behind-the-scenes anecdotes, the display offers insights normally hidden from readers. Drawing footage, showing pen work in action, further enriches the experience.

The final area presents a thematic exhibition space divided into “Bonds,” “Nobility,” and “Romance.” Here, visitors can view rare original and carefully selected reproduction drawings up close, observing every brushstroke and pen line. Some pieces include handwritten notes from serialization days, reflecting the creators’ thoughts and struggles. Comments such as “This was what I really wanted to create” add new layers of meaning to the works.

Exclusive exhibition goods and select official merchandise from Shogakukan are available for purchase at the venue. For every 3,000 yen spent, attendees receive a limited “ticket-style clear card” (14 types, distributed randomly).

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Source : ORICON NEWS