G Senjō Heaven’s Door (manga)

G Senjō Heaven’s Door (JapaneseG戦場ヘヴンズドアHepburnJī Senjō Hevunzu Doalit.G-battlefield Heaven’s Door) is a Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Yoko Nihonbashi. It was serialized in Shogakukan‘s seinen manga magazine Monthly Ikki from November 2000 to June 2003, with its chapters published in three tankōbon volumes. It is about two boys, Machizo and Tetsuo, who work together to create manga.

Plot

Machizo Sakaida is the son of Daizō Sakai, a renowned manga artist. Resenting his father’s success, Machizo struggles to escape his shadow. After transferring to Tetsuo’s school, Machizo clashes with him when Tetsuo attempts to enter a manga competition—hoping to win prize money for his mother’s medical bills—by redrawing Oretachi no Banka, a series by Daizō. Machizo sabotages Tetsuo’s early efforts, prompting Kumiko, a fierce admirer of Tetsuo, to retaliate. Eventually, Tetsuo recognizes Machizo’s talent for writing, leading them to collaborate on a manga.

Meanwhile, it is revealed that Tetsuo’s father—who had abandoned the family—seeks to cancel Oretachi no Banka. Additionally, Daizō had taken credit for a manga Tetsuo created, which inadvertently caused his mother’s illness. Daizō claims his actions were meant to inspire Tetsuo to return to manga.

Machizo (writing) and Tetsuo (illustrating), aided by Kumiko’s input, complete their manga just in time, earning the Special Merit Award. Daizō, serving as a judge, presents the prize and emotionally embraces Tetsuo, initially overlooking Machizo. However, Tetsuo’s father imposes a new restriction: both must submit solo works for the next competition.

Following his mother’s death, Tetsuo devotes himself obsessively to manga, while Machizo apprentices under another artist to hone his craft.

Publication

Written and illustrated by Yoko NihonbashiG Senjō Heaven’s Door started in the first issue of Shogakukan‘s Spirits Zōkan Ikki (re-branded as Monthly Ikki in 2003), released on November 30, 2000. The series finished on June 25, 2003. Shogakukan published its chapters in three tankōbon volumes, released from March 29 to September 30, 2003. A three-volume “Complete Edition” was published by Shogakukan between August 12 and October 12, 2016.

Volumes

No. Release date ISBN
1 March 29, 2003 4-09-188301-X
2 March 29, 2003 4-09-188302-8
3 September 30, 2003 4-09-188303-6

Reception

G Senjō Heaven’s Door was one of the Jury Recommended Works at the 7th Japan Media Arts Festival in 2003.[12]

See also

  • Shojo Fight, another manga series by the same author.

 

G Senjō Heaven’s Door

First volume cover
G戦場ヘヴンズドア
(Jī Senjō Hevunzu Doa)
Genre Coming-of-age
Manga
Written by Yoko Nihonbashi
Published by Shogakukan
Imprint Ikki Comix
Magazine Monthly Ikki
Original run November 30, 2000 – June 25, 2003
Volumes 3
icon Anime and manga portal