Takehiko Inoue
A review at The Comics Reporter noted that "all of the skills that Inoue displayed in "Slam Dunk" have evolved for the better in "Real"", going on to conclude that "the emotional content is presented with a poise and certainty that's really nothing short of breathtaking." The series has been praised for its "realism", and how it "breaks away from conventional portrayals of the disabled as innocent people who are weak in every way." Kazuyuki Kyoya, a wheelchair basketball player, has also expressed his approval of the series: "The manga calls for understanding of people not only in wheelchair basketball but also with various other disabilities. I’m impressed that the scenes in which Takahashi undergoes rehab are elaborately expressed." The series received an Excellence Prize for manga at the 2001 Japan Media Arts Festival. Citing the reason for the award: "Takehiko Inoue is well-known for "Slam Dunk," a serial comic on the subject of basketball. "Real" is another sports comic, but one whose story revolves around the novel theme of tough guys and wheelchair basketball. All of the Adjudication Committee members could hardly wait to read the next installments and had to content themselves with awarding Real the Excellence Prize. It would have been no surprise if Inoue had followed his success with "Vagabond" by winning the Grand Prize for the second year in a row with this terrific manga." About.com's Deb Aoki lists "Real" as the best new manga of 2008.