, better known by the penname , is a Japanese
manga artist and a prolific author of science fiction, fantasy, horror and erotica. He made his professional debut in 1967 with Meakashi Polikichi, but is best known for creating
Cutie Honey,
Devilman, and
Mazinger Z. He also pioneered the ecchi genre with
Harenchi Gakuen. He is credited with creating the
Super Robot genre and for designing the first
mecha robots piloted by a user from within a cockpit with
Mazinger Z. In 2005, he became a Character Design professor at the
Osaka University of Arts. Since 2009, he is a member of
Tezuka Osamu Cultural Prize's nominating committee.