The following is an interview with Eisner-nominated writer Samuel Sattin (The Essential Anime Guide) regarding the upcoming release of Unico: Awakening through Scholastic. In this interview, Fanbase Press Editor-in-Chief Barbra Dillon chats with Sattin about his shared creative process in working with artistic team Gurihiru to bring the reimagined story to life, why Scholastic provides the perfect home for this book, and more!
Barbra Dillon, Fanbase Press Editor-in-Chief: Congratulations on the upcoming release of Unico: Awakening! As this marks the highly anticipated return of Osamu Tezuka’s beloved character and Scholastic’s first manga, what can you share with us about experience in revitalizing the character?
Samuel Sattin: Thank you so much! We’re really excited, and in equal disbelief. It’s been a long road and we can’t wait for Unico: Awakening to finally make its way into readers’ hands.
Revitalizing Unico feels like a big responsibility. But it’s also been a lot of fun. We’re reimagining a work by the God of Manga, and that’s not a task we take lightly. Thankfully, Tezuka Productions is such a great partner. In the spirit of Osamu Tezuka himself, we are encouraged to take risks, to be creative, and to create a new story, original characters, and actually end Unico’s saga–which Tezuka never officially did. What’s important then is that we enshrine Tezuka’s themes and maintain the spirit of his story.
Then, of course, there’s Scholastic. They’ve been incredible, and see the same vision that we do.
This is to say that with all of the confidence on our side, we feel strong. Unico is ready to take flight.
BD: What can you tell us about your shared creative process in working with artistic team Gurihiru and Tezuka Productions to bring the story to life?
SS: Gurihiru is a genius. They draw like a combination of Osamu Tezuka and classic Disney, creating lush atmospheres, expressive characters, and dynamic movement. Their take on Unico and the other characters in the story is perfect for today’s world. They’re fantastic to work with, and they grew up with Tezuka’s stories.
Tezuka Productions is incredibly encouraging, and allows us to take the character in new directions.
BD: What makes Scholastic the perfect home for this character and his fantastical world?
SS: Scholastic really cares about what kids are reading, and they understand what that means. They see, for instance, that kids are desperate to get their hands on manga like the rest of us, but there’s just not a lot available for the under 12 crowd. Once you get into your teenage years, that’s a different story, but it’s hard to justify handing an 8-year-old a copy of Demon Slayer. But then again, some of the stuff that is available for that age group is a bit unexciting compared to what manga really has to offer.
This is why Scholastic is the perfect home for Unico and his fantastical world. It’s a big story that checks off all the big manga boxes, while being an approachable gateway to the medium as a whole for kids and parents alike. The story is complex and exciting with a host of characters to meet and worlds to explore. I can’t think of anyone other than Scholastic that could bring a project like this to life in the way that it truly deserves.
BD: This will be the first volume in a multi-volume publishing event, across 12 languages. Would you be open to continuing more of Unico’s adventures in the future?
SS: Most definitely. We have multiple volumes planned because there’s a lot to be explored. I will always keep this door open, and let it lead to other doors should they appear.
BD: Are there any other projects on which you are working that you’re able to share with readers?
SS: My YA graphic novel, Buzzing (co-created with Rye Hickman) is nominated for an Eisner this year, which is amazing and humbling. Looking ahead, I am currently working on a noir story that should surface sooner than not.
BD: Lastly, what would you like to tell fans who want to learn more about Unico: Awakening?
SS: The Scholastic/Graphix website has an amazing amount of info about the series, including the incredible animated trailer. You can also find me online at @samuelsattin, both on Instagram and Twitter/X.
And lastly, we were only able to do any of this because of people who care about Unico and Tezuka, and supported us on this journey. Thank you for all of your continued support. We can’t wait for the book to arrive in your hands.
