A mangaka is a Japanese artist and writer who creates manga, which are comic books or graphic novels. They are responsible for both the story and the illustrations, often working alone or with a small team. Mangaka typically follow a specific style and format, producing serialized chapters that are published in magazines or collected into volumes. To become a successful mangaka, one usually needs to develop strong drawing skills and storytelling abilities. Many aspiring mangaka attend art schools or participate in competitions to gain recognition. Notable mangaka include Osamu Tezuka, known as the "God of Manga," and Eiichiro Oda, the creator of the popular series One Piece.