One Punch Man Artist Yusuke Murata Used His Bodybuilder Son as Reference for New Chapter Cover

One Punch Man manga illustrator Yusuke Murata used his son, competitive bodybuilder Keisuke Murata, as a real-life reference for the cover artwork of the manga’s latest chapter.

Chapter 283 was released on Tonari no Young Jump, with Murata sharing the new chapter on his official X account. Shortly afterward, Keisuke posted a photo of himself posing in the same position used for the illustration, revealing that he served as both its model and reference.

“Actually, I was the model and reference material for the new arc’s cover illustration.”

Keisuke previously drew attention in 2024 after placing second in the 170 cm and under category at Japan’s National High School Boys Bodybuilding Championship. Yusuke Murata publicly celebrated the result at the time, while Keisuke said he was disappointed not to win but intended to continue improving.

Yusuke Murata revealed that he had a son in 2014, sharing an illustration by the then 7-year old. He also shared an illustration of his younger daughter in March 2020, who was 10 years old at the time. He shared some additional illustrations she drew for Toilet-bound Hanako-kun as well.

Yusuke Murata is best known for his work on One Punch Man and Eyeshield 21 (for which he recently animated a trailer), among his many other contributions to the industry.

One Punch Man is based on ONE’s original web manga, with the remake written by ONE and illustrated by Yusuke Murata. The series is serialized through Shueisha’s Tonari no Young Jump, while VIZ Media publishes the manga in English. The anime currently has the second part its 3rd season in production.

Source: Keisuke Murata Official X
© ONE, Yusuke Murata / SHUEISHA, Hero Association HQ