Akio Chiba

Akio Chiba (ちばあきお or 千葉 亜喜生) was a Japanese manga artist born in Shenyang, Liaoning, China (part of Manchuria). Chiba was known for publishing his works in both shōnen and shōjo magazines. Chiba made his professional debut in 1967 with his manga Sabu to Chibi while working as an assistant to his older brother, Tetsuya. In 1977, he won the 22nd Shogakukan Manga Award for shōnen for his work on Captain and Play Ball.

Chiba committed suicide in late 1984 (at age 41) due to issues related to a bipolar disorder.

Works
Listed chronologically.
 * Kōsha Ura no Eleven (February 1971, Bessatsu Shōnen Jump, Shueisha)
 * Han-chan (September 1971, Bessatsu Shonen Jump)
 * Michikusa (January 1972, Bessatsu Shōnen Sunday)
 * Captain (26 volumes, 1972-1979, Bessatsu Shonen Jump, made into an anime series in 1980)
 * Play Ball (22 volumes, 1973-1978, Weekly Shonen Jump)
 * Fushigi Tōbo-kun (1982-1983, Weekly Shonen Jump, written by Tarō Nami)
 * Champ (April-November 1984, Weekly Shonen Jump, written by Tarō Nami)
 * This was his last work.

Sources: