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HELLO SMA22 AWARD WINNER, xalalix!

SMA Editorial Dept. SMA Editorial Dept. 16/06/2025 7 min read


PROFILE
Pen Name / Name: xalalix
Your social media profiles: Instagram: @xalalix
Country: UAE
Age: 31
Favorite manga: Vagabond, Berserk, Bleach
Favorite movie: Avatar, Shrek 2
Favorite quote: “Every lie we tell incurs a debt to the truth. Sooner or later, that debt is paid.” – Chernobyl

Entry title: “Warzone Trade”
Round: SMA22: “Seized With Rage”
Award: Excellence Award

“Slow down… Not everything needs to be perfect.”

About SMA

How does it feel to receive a SILENT MANGA AUDITION® award?
It feels surreal. It’s especially surreal to be recognized by absolute legends of the industry.

What was the inspiration behind your awarded work?
Real life events that are happening in some parts of the world at this very moment.

What challenges did you face while making your manga? How did you overcome them?
My biggest challenges were the page limit and the deadline, and the problem of how to portray a complex concept without words. Thankfully, I was able to push myself and overcome the first two challenges. However, as for the narrative, while I tried my best to convey the story visually, I believe it still needed a bit more clarity.

READ xalalix’s SMA22 ENTRY HERE!


About Your Manga

How and when did you start making manga? What do you wish you knew as a beginner? What advice would you give to someone who wants to start drawing manga?
I have always liked telling stories since I was in preschool, when I used to draw short comics for my friends and family. I started to take it more seriously and give this career path a real shot while studying at university. I wish I had known how important the “Show, don’t tell” rule is, especially in my earlier comics. My advice would be: don’t wait to develop your skills to start. Just start, although I know that sounds cliche.

Do you draw your manga digitally or by hand? What are your go-to digital or analogue tools?
I mainly draw digitally. Before, I used Clip Studio Paint, but then I changed to using an iPad/ Procreate for more freedom and flexibility.

What was the first manga you picked up? Is it easy to access manga where you live?
It was actually a locally made manga that did not last for long ( Khayal, which means “imagination” in Arabic). It was a huge surprise to know that we had local manga creators and it inspired me greatly.

It was difficult to get manga 10 -15 years ago, but now it’s very accessible. It’s mostly sold in Kinukoniya, here.

Which manga changed your life?
I don’t think there was any manga that had that big of an impact on me. However, the first story that absolutely hooked me was Dragon Quest: The Adventure of Dai, which I think spurred me to pursue storytelling in all formats. (I actually work in animation as well!)

Which manga character do you most identify with? Why?
This might sound a bit arrogant, but it’s Saiko from Bakuman. I really felt all the struggles and challenges that character went through, and I relate to most of them.

What kind of manga do you want to make next?
I’m not sure to be honest, but I would like to make a one shot that has the impact of Bibliomania. That work inspired the art style for my manga.

The main challenge is that mangakas is still not really considered to be a real job or profession, for the time being, at least.



About You

What do you do when you’re not making manga? How do you relax?
I like to watch TV shows, movies, cook, bake, go out with friends, and when possible, travel and explore.

What industry do you work in (if manga making isn’t your primary job)?
The oil and gas industry (.__.)

Where do you see your manga career in five years time?
Hopefully, I’ll be creating original stories that are worth telling.

What manga making advice would you give to your younger self if you could?
Slow down… Not everything needs to be perfect.

What advice would you give to people entering the SILENT MANGA AUDITION®?
If you have a story you think is worth sharing, make it!

Thank you, xalalix! We’re eagerly awaiting your next manga masterpiece!

The deadline to join SMA23 is October 1st. Enter for a chance to develop your potential as a manga creator with us in Japan! 


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