Shin-chan Creator Found Dead
Japan's most famous five year-old may never ass dance again.
Today Japanese authorities have confirmed that a body found in the Gunma Prefecture's mountains is, in fact, Yoshito Usui, the creator of the popular manga series "Crayon Shin-chan"; which also spawned an anime series that has a huge following all over the world. The body was discovered 120 meters below the mountain's Tomoiwa cliff by a climber at around 10:30 a.m. Japan time. Usui's family had said he went hiking in the mountains on September 11, but had lost all contact with him on the following Monday, where his cell phone was last detected.
"Crayon Shin-chan" first appeared in Futabasha's Weekly Manga Action in 1990, with its cartoon spin-off following two years later. The series was broadcast all over the world (from India to Spain), but it wasn't until 2005 when the popular cartoon finally hit the US on [adult swim] to great fanfare in both the anime and college world.
According to the editorial staff of Manga Town (which currently runs the comic series), the future of "Crayon Shin-chan" is uncertain. Right now they said they're "going through great shock, now that the worst outcome has come to past. There are no words to express the anguish of the surviving family, but we just pray for his happiness in the next world."
Here's an example of the genius known as "Crayon Shin-chan." Rest in peace, Usui-sama. We've lost a great comedic master.
UPDATE: According to Anime News Network, "Crayon Shin-chan" will continue serialization in Manga Town until its December issue. Usui had written enough material to cover the next few issues. TV Asahi (which airs "Crayon Shin-chan" in Japan) has also expressed condolences to the family of Usui. The new season of "Shin-chan" was to premiere on October 16, but may be pushed back until further notice.
