Lupin III Manga Author Monkey Punch Passes Away at Age of 81

(Above: Artist Kazuhiko Katou, aka “Monkey Punch”, from a March 2017 interview, courtesy of the Mainichi Shimbun.)

It is with a heavy heart that we report that manga author and Lupin III creator Kazuhiko Katou, better known internationally under his pen name “Monkey Punch”, has passed away at the age of 81. According to reports, Katou succumbed to pneumonia on April 11, 2019.

Born in Hamanakka, Hokkaido, Japan on May 26, 1937, Katou began his long career as a manga author in 1965, when his series Playboy School was published in Futabasha’s Manga Story magazine. His most famous creation, Lupin III, began serialization in Futabasha’s Manga Action in July of 1968, and was later adapted into a TV anime beginning in 1971 which produced numerous sequel series, theatrical films, and TV specials.

During is long career, Katou earned such merits as the San Diego Comic Convention’s INKPOT Award, the Rome Comic Festival ROMICS d’Oro Award, the AMD Lifetime Achievement Award, and the Tokyo Anime Award Lifetime Achievement Award. He also gave lectures at major universities on the art of manga.

Rest in peace, Mr. Katou. Your life and deeds will not be soon forgotten.

Source: Mantan Web