Finnish MasterClass member Don has been published in the Japanese manga magazine Monthly Comic ZENON! Their story was published after receiving the top prize in Monthly Comic ZENON’s 31st Manga Taisho manga contest! 

After winning an Honorable Mention in the 28th Comic ZENON Manga Taisho (October 2024) and being named an Excellence Award Runner-Up in the 10th round of the Kyushu International Manga Award (March 2024), Don has finally received the top award for their work Dove With No Wings, Unruly Lamb, which was published in the April issue of Monthly Comic ZENON!

In this one shot, Don portrays an idyllic Finnish countryside at the beginning of the 20th century. Within this bucolic landscape, the young, local priest, Kai, is desperately hiding a secret. When the outcast Aada learns of this secret, the two become tragically entangled.   

Don’s work was praised by guest judge Katsuhito Fujiya-sensei (The 19th Medical Chart) for its artwork, which truly brings the characters to life. Don also received high praise from bookstore owners, who participated as special judges.

READ DOVE WITH NO WINGS, UNRULY LAMB IN ENGLISH HERE!

To commemorate the award, a Q&A article with Don was published in the April issue alongside Dove With No Wings, Unruly Lamb. Read on to learn more about what inspired Don to create this award-winning manga!

 

How do you feel about winning this award? 

I’m from Finland, and I’ve always looked up to Japanese manga magazines. I’m absolutely thrilled that the day has come when I can actually hold a magazine featuring my own work. I am filled with gratitude for everyone who has supported me.

How did you think of the idea for Dove With No Wings, Unruly Lamb? 

It all started when I was playing a game called Miitopia. I decided to dive deeper into a “gentle vampire” character I created in the game. The story developed from my imagination, as I wondered what kind of trouble a vampire who doesn’t want to bite people could get into, and how that would make things interesting. 

What do you think is the best part of this piece? 

The best parts are the interactions between the scary-yet-cute Ada and the priest, Kai, who is being tempted. I also hope readers will take a look at Kai’s vestments. 

What did you struggle with when creating this piece? 

It was really challenging to break down the elements that weren’t directly related to the core plot, like the religious vestments, the architecture, and the rituals, and then figure out how to express them in an easy to understand way.

Was there anything you tried to keep in mind while creating these characters? 

I really enjoyed thinking about the power balance. Ada, the “human”, is the scary one, while the priest Kai, the “non-human”, is the more timid one.

What are your favorite manga? 

Lately, I’ve been enjoying Behind the Supermarket, Smoking with You (Super no Ura de Yani Suu Futari) and The Darkest Room of the Heart (Kokoro no Ichiban Kurai Heya).

What is your latest obsession?

Medieval European manuscripts. When I think about how they are completely hand-drawn and each one is truly one-of-a-kind, I just can’t get enough!

What kind of manga do you want to draw next? 

I want to create a work that many people can enjoy, and that focuses on themes I personally find funny, sexy, and cool!

Do you have any final comments for the readers? 

Thank you so much from the bottom of my heart for reading!

Want to hear more from Don? Check out their portfolio for more stunning artwork!
portfoliobox: @donarvidsson

The deadline to join SMA25 is Jan 15th, 2027. Enter for a chance to develop your potential as a manga creator with us in Japan!