A Drifting Life by Yoshihiro Tatsumi is an autobiographical manga that explores both the personal and professional life of Tatsumi himself, a major figure in Japanese manga who is regarded as the pioneer of the "Gekiga" style. Set in post-war Japan, it talks about Tatsumi’s journey from his teenage years to adulthood, a time when manga was evolving from lighthearted stories to more complex, mature themes.

The manga shows Tatsumi's creative struggles, the competition within the industry, and his dedication to making manga a respected art form. The story doesn't shy away from depicting the highs and lows of his journey, including his internal conflicts, family dynamics, and the pressures of staying relevant in an evolving art form. Through this, "A Drifting Life" becomes a combination of memoir and a history lesson of contemporary Japan.

For the fans of historical & autobiographical works, it’s a fascinating and thorough look at an artist's journey of redefining a medium by evolving a new genre.

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