Manga artist Monkey Punch passed away last April 11 due to pneumonia, Yahoo Japan reported on Wednesday. He was 81.
Monkey Punch, whose real name is Kazuhiko Katou, created the popular action-comedy manga series ‘Lupin The Third’.
Katou was born in Hamanaka, Hokkaido in 1937. He started his career as a professional artist after being recruited by Futabasha in 1965. His first work, Playboy School was published in the company’s Manga Story magazine.
His famous work, Lupin III made its debut in the first issue of Futabasha’s Manga Action in 1967. The series has inspired numerous adaptations which includes 6 anime TV series, 8 films, two live-action films, six OVA works, 25 specials, and many more.
His other notable works includes Cinderella Boy, Mankatsu and Mushashi -Way of the Gun-.
Details about his service are yet to be announced.
