Introducing the One-Shot Debuts of Three Artists Village MasterClass Members!
We’re proud to announce that three Artists Village creators have made their one-shot debuts in Monthly Comic ZENON! Sideburn004, Enewald, and monotone_ink each have published one-shots, which are all available in English on the SMAC website and on MangaHot! You can also read all three one-shots in Japanese on the ZENON Editorial Department’s website!
Sideburn004’s piece, “DOCTORCIST -SEIMEI-”, is about Abe no Seimei, a doctor who specializes in exorcizing the demons that live in people’s hearts and feed off their negative emotions. When Mai’s grandfather undergoes an unexpected transformation, she goes to Dr. Abe for help. Find out what happens next through the link below!
Enewald’s piece, “Records of April 3, 2037” details a post-apocalyptic world in which humans are hunted for food by aliens, but a misunderstanding causes an alien and a human to strike up an unlikely camaraderie. Read Enewald’s one-shot below!
Finally, monotone_ink’s new one-shot “WANMI 13” can be read through the link below. Ryuji, an extremely strong man with little luck in love, gets a sudden proposal from an otherworldly beauty! Read on to find out what happens next!
Learn more about how YOU can join the Artists Village and create manga with us!
HELLO SMA20 AWARD WINNER, Mika Nikolas!
PROFILE Pen Name:Mika Nikolas Country: The Philippines Favorite manga: Vinland Saga Favorite movie:Vampire Hunter D: Bloodlust Favorite quote: “Every warrior of light has, at least once, believed he was not a warrior of the light.” – Paulo Coelho
“Be comfortable with the discomfort that comes with countless hours of practice and learning.”
About SMA
How does it feel to receive a SILENT MANGA AUDITION® award? You have no idea how happy this made me! I tried and tried, and now I’ve finally won! I’m so honored to receive an award. Thank you so much for the opportunity, and for taking the time to read this little manga of mine! Also, I’m super grateful to those who supported me! I’ll do my best when making my next manga! May God bless your hearts and have a good rest of the year! What was the inspiration behind your awarded work? I was studying a dance that I liked. The volume was at its highest and I could feel the groove of the music flowing through my veins. I was really feeling it! Then, I felt a shiver down my spine. I tried to brush it off, but my brain would just focus on the uneasiness that I felt. Then in my peripheral vision, I noticed a figure, standing there, waiting… It was my mother! She smiled at me and told me that dinner was ready. I tried to play it super cool. I thought, “It’s all good. Everything is chill.”
But on the inside, I was dying of embarrassment ༼;´༎ຶ ༎ຶ༽ SOMEONE SAVE ME FROM ME!
Dinner was delicious, by the way.
What challenges did you face while making your manga? How did you overcome them? Honestly, I find everything difficult, since I was dealing with some huge changes in my life, and I felt my limitations as an artist. I got stuck on drawing the backgrounds. It was super hard for me, as I rarely draw them. To get through it, I studied references and perspectives, which helped. However, I had to revise them about a million times. This consumed a lot of my time, so I had to rush to add the screentones and try to fix everything else. Writing comedy is also intimidating for me because it needs to have an effective punchline to land. I’m glad it paid off though! Let’s go! There’s so much more that I need to learn and I’m so very, very excited to improve!
How and when did you start making manga? Any advice for beginners? I started to make manga when I was in the fifth grade. I was amazed by the manga and anime that my friend showed me. Also, our friend was creating their own manga series, so I got inspired and did one myself!
It was always a joy whenever my friends and classmates wanted to read what I’d done. They were so sweet. I really appreciate them for that because they motivated me to draw more. Along with my family of course! Without their support, I wouldn’t be here drawing. They’re all the best!
If you really want to do this, invest your time in practicing and studying both drawing and/or writing. You don’t have to be perfect at all. Actually, having the mindset of a perfectionist hinders your growth as an artist. You must let go of perfection and allow yourself to make mistakes to keep improving. You’ve got this!
Do you draw your manga digitally or by hand? What are your go-to digital or analogue tools? I draw my manga digitally! I use my old, busted Wacom tablet. As for programs, I use Krita to outline my drafts, then Medibang for the screen tones. Sometimes I’ll use Clip Studio Paint for everything: sketches, outlines, and screen tones.
What was the first manga you picked up? I don’t exactly remember, but I think it was Papillon by Ueda Miwa-sensei. My friend brought the volumes to school, and we would read it during our break time. The art was so pretty that I felt like I was hypnotized and I completely devoured it.
Which manga changed your life? Slam Dunk by Inoue Takehiko sensei. A few years ago, I was going through a difficult phase in my life. I figured that, if I continued to pour out my manly tears, I’d be dehydrated for months on end. So, I had to distract myself. Reading manga was one of those distractions.
This manga really helped me get through a tough time with its comedy. Sakuragi and other characters’ development shaped my mindset. Also, it reignited a lost flame within me. This is the reason why I’m pursuing this career. To Inoue-sensei, I’d like to say thank you so much for creating a beloved and inspiring manga. I wouldn’t be here if I hadn’t read your wonderful work!
Which manga character do you most identify with? Why? I identify with Charmy Pappitson from Black Clover by Tabata Yuuki-sensei, because I love to eat! If I had a superpower, I would want it to revolve around food, since I love food! Plus, I always share my portions with others, especially my loved ones, and especially if I know it’s their favorite food. Sharing is caring! What kind of manga do you want to make next? I would like to make another comedy or a romance. I’m not entirely sure, so let’s see!
About You
What do you do when you’re not making manga? How do you relax? There’s a lot of ways I can relax. I read a lot of books, mostly classical literature. It always amazes me how these stories stand the test of time, and I’m always curious to know why that is. Those deserve to be passed down, so I’m happy that I spare my time to read them. Also, I’m reading Urusei Yatsura by Takahashi Rumiko-sensei. It’s a really fun manga! Other than that, I just hang out with my family or chat with my friends. I really enjoy their presence and company. I also pray and count my blessings! It’s good to be reminded of the nice things that happened or the nice things I have. There’s a lot more! I try my best to be somewhat productive with my time.
Where do you see your manga career in 5 years time? If I’m being realistic, hopefully I will have my debut as a manga artist within that time!
What manga making advice would you give to your younger self if you could? Be comfortable with the discomfort that comes with countless hours of practice and learning. It will all be worth it in the end. Thank you for always choosing to persevere and draw!
What advice would you give to people entering the SILENT MANGA AUDITION®? Have courage, my friend! There’s nothing wrong with failing, so try and try again. You have the passion to create stories through visual elements. Hone that gift and release your unique visions through multiple blank canvases.Also, don’t forget to drink and eat well, okay? Get some fresh air because your health matters! God bless you and do your best. I’m rooting for you!
Thank you, Mika Nikolas! We’re eagerly expecting your next manga masterpiece!
How does it feel to receive a SILENT MANGA AUDITION® award? It feels amazing. It’s a unique opportunity to be read by manga legends and industry experts. But, to be honest, I’m still not satisfied. I have learned a lot from the experience, and I think I will be able to make a better manga next time. I also want to say a few words of encouragement to those who do not feel that they could succeed at the SMA. Even if you don’t feel ready, even if the competition scares you, do it! It’s worth it just to prove your worth and grow as an artist.
What was the inspiration behind your awarded work? I wasn’t inspired by anything in particular. I was just thinking about how to make a work that had the “memorable smile” theme within the story, and the idea of a character recognizing another just by his smile came to me. What challenges did you face while making your manga? How did you overcome them? I think the biggest challenge was time. I did the whole project in two weeks, and I was unlucky because the files for two finished pages got corrupted, so I had to redo them. The solution to this issue was just to work more hours. It was a simple solution, but complicated at the same time.
How and when did you start making manga? Any advice for beginners? I started in 2015. A manga was my final project in graduate school. Beginners tend to start their first stories using very solid concepts from famous manga. My advice to them is: it doesn’t matter if you use a cliché in your story, what matters is how you use it. If you find an original way to subvert the reader’s expectations with that cliché, it will be satisfying to read.
Do you draw your manga digitally or by hand? What are your go-to digital or analogue tools? I draw all my manga digitally except for the storyboard. I use a tablet without a built-in screen to maintain good posture while working.
What was the first manga you picked up? I’m pretty sure it was Dragon Ball.
Which manga changed your life? I have always enjoyed manga, but the piece that really made me fall in love with manga was Berserk by Miura-sensei (rest in peace). I was a teenager when I started reading it, and both the art and the story grabbed me like no other before. It was the first story I started buying and collecting, and it holds a special place in my heart.
Which manga character do you most identify with? Why? Recently I really identify with Wakana Gojo from My Dress-Up Darling. His insecurities, the way he puts pressure on himself to improve as an artist, his tenacity even when he feels frustrated, and his desire to make others happy with his work are all things I experience. What kind of manga do you want to make next? Lately, I’ve been thinking about an old idea for an action story. Currently, I am in the process of doing tests. I could just go for it, but since I want it to have a level of quality much higher than what I have done so far, I prefer to prepare well.
About You
What do you do when you’re not making manga? How do you relax? I take great pleasure in stories, be it in movies, TV series, books, manga, or video games.
What industry do you work in (if manga making isn’t your primary job)? The majority of my income comes from illustration, and I also work as a teacher from time to time. I would like to be a full-time manga artist. I have tried, but unfortunately, in Spain, you can’t make enough money publishing manga to pay rent.
Where do you see your manga career in 5 years time? I’m going to be optimistic and say that I’ll be publishing my own manga in Japan.
What manga making advice would you give to your younger self if you could? I would tell him, “it’s better to finish something than to aim for perfection. Don’t obsess over perfection. Try as hard as you can, learn from the process, and try to do better on the next project.”
What advice would you give to people entering the SILENT MANGA AUDITION®? I have two tips that I think will be useful. First, when you get really caught up in work and start worrying about things, try to remember that making manga is fun. Second, once you have submitted your manga, don’t wait for the results – start working on your next project.
Thank you, Adamantink! We’re eagerly expecting your next manga masterpiece!
PROFILE Pen Name: Dodo & Toshi Age: Dodo: 34 Toshi: 28 Social network profiles: Dodo: @matteo_dodo (Instagram), Toshi: @Antonio Vangone (Facebook) @ant_vangone(Instagram) Country: Italy Favorite manga: Dodo: Witch Hat Atelier, Eyeshield 21, Princess Jellyfish Saint Seiya Toshi: Honey & Clover, Lucifer and the Biscuit Hammer, Vinland Saga, Delicious in Dungeon, Mushishi Favorite movie:Dodo: Call Me By Your Name, Departures, The Lord of the Rings, Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind Toshi: Solaris, Castle in the Sky Favorite quote: Dodo: “Art conveys things that cannot be conveyed by words.” Toshi: “You have no enemies… No one has any enemies.”
How does it feel to receive a SILENT MANGA AUDITION® award?
We’re very happy, especially because it was the first time we worked together, and we want to use this experience and the feedback we received to reach even higher artistic peaks! What was the inspiration behind your awarded work? We tried to recall the carefree atmosphere of our childhood afternoons, playing with other kids and enjoying joyful moments together with our parents. By narrating a ‘dual story’ involving both father and son, we aimed to depict a common scenario experienced daily by many families. What challenges did you face while making your manga? How did you overcome them? It wasn’t easy to find the right pace for the story. That’s why we read a lot of slice-of-life manga for inspiration.We had to think a lot about page turns to give momentum to the story. Moreover, during the creative process, it’s easy to fill pages with tons of ideas, but that can make it a bit complex to choose the ones that are winning ideas.
How and when did you start making manga? Any advice for beginners? Dodo: I began drawing manga as a self-taught wannabe artist in high school. At that time, I embarked on lengthy, nearly endless projects on grid notebooks. At the age of 23, I decided to enroll in a course taught by a professional, and within two years, my techniques completely transformed! If I were to give advice, I would say to study extensively and seek feedback from professionals to improve your own art.
Toshi: This was my first manga script! Of course, I studied a lot, but I’m still amazed by the success of Homecomings. Maybe it’s too early for me to give advice, but I think it’s important to focus on the unique narrative possibilities offered by manga.
Do you draw your manga digitally or by hand? What are your go-to digital or analogue tools? Dodo: I mainly draw manga digitally. It’s much faster for a variety of reasons, especially when it comes to perspective. However, since I definitely love drawing by hand more, I’m seeking a balance between the two methods by creating digital sketches and then inking by hand with my trusted saji-pen.
What was the first manga you picked up? Dodo: I think it was Saint Seiya! I was completely obsessed with the saints and their shiny armor. I watched the anime first, so, when I saw the manga on the newsstand, I was amazed! Toshi: It was Dragon Ball! I was captivated by its carefree atmosphere.
Which manga changed your life? Dodo: Certainly, Saint Seiya had a great impact on my life, but I would say there have been several which were impactful for different reasons. One that has struck me very recently is Blue Period by Tsubasa Yamaguchi. It perfectly describes the sensations and difficulties one feels when drawing. The thoughts of those who enter the art world are the same in Italy as they are in Japan. I felt very seen and thought, “How wonderful to be able to communicate so directly with the reader!”
Toshi: Perhaps Mushishi. The depth and somber beauty of the stories told by Urushibara-sensei made me realize how a whole universe could be contained within a few pages. It encouraged me to read more and more!
Which manga character do you most identify with? Why? Dodo: I’d say Choji from Naruto because he’s a big eater! (Just joking.)I consider myself a calm person who engages in a lot of self-reflection. I generally tend to see the positive side of things. For all these reasons, I’d say Ami Mizuno from Sailor Moon, also known as Sailor Mercury!
Toshi: I identify with Takemoto from Honey & Clover. Despite the difficulties he encounters, he strives to keep moving forward, especially as an artist. Thinking about how much he grew throughout the story still brings tears to my eyes! Like him, I hope to discover how far I can go without looking back. What kind of manga do you want to make next? We are working together again on an entry for the upcoming SMA. We want to create something very different with a fantasy setting. We can’t say anything other than that right now!
About You
What do you do when you’re not making manga? How do you relax? Dodo: I primarily relax by coloring with Copics, playing video games (I’m a big RPG enthusiast), reading manga, and taking long walks in the countryside around my home. Toshi: Of course, I read a lot! I also love playing video games, and when I have the time, I enjoy making bread at home.
What industry do you work in (if manga making isn’t your primary job)? Dodo: I work as a data scientist for an international bank, but I also teach manga techniques at a school in Lucca called the “Lucca Manga School”.
Toshi: I’m a writer.
Where do you see your manga career in 5 years time? In five years, we see ourselves with a serialized manga, still created in tandem! The goal isn’t just to publish in Italy but to make ourselves known worldwide!
What manga making advice would you give to your younger self if you could? Dodo: Stop dwelling on those never-ending projects that will never see the light of day! Focus on short but well-crafted stories, give it your all, and believe in your skills.
Toshi: Keep reading a lot of different stuff! You can learn from everything you love.
What advice would you give to people entering the SILENT MANGA AUDITION®? Believe in your stories! Even if your project isn’t as perfect as you imagined, it’s better to participate with something finished that you’re proud of, rather than to aim for perfection and not take part. 😉
Thank you, Dodo & Toshi! We’re eagerly expecting your next manga masterpiece!
PROFILE Pen Name: Okagawa Kenji Age: 25 Social network profiles: Instagram: @kenjiart Country: Brazil Favorite manga: Slam Dunk, One Piece Favorite movie:Castle in the Sky Favorite quote: “Deus ao mar o perigo e o abismo deu, Mas nele é que espelhou o céu,” or “God gave the sea danger and abyss, but in it, he mirrored the sky/Heaven.”
“For your story, think about the things you love, what you value, what you believe is important to share, and how to translate that into a story that will be beneficial to everyone who is kind enough to read it.”
About SMA
How does it feel to receive a SILENT MANGA AUDITION® award? I am immensely grateful to win one of the Silent Manga Audition awards. It was my second time participating, and it was quite difficult to produce this work, as I developed it during a very turbulent time. I’m glad the judges appreciated it.
What was the inspiration behind your awarded work? I live in the southern region of Brazil, where there are many trees called ‘araucaria’. At first, it was this setting that I wanted to represent. Here, too, there is a very long history of European immigration, mainly from Italy and Germany, and it seemed natural to address the issue of cultural heritage and the dialogue between the generations.
What challenges did you face while making your manga? How did you overcome them? There were two main challenges. One was of a material nature, and the other was of a formal nature. I like to do most of the drawing traditionally, with pen, ink and paper, but it’s hard to find suitable materials at an affordable price here. Luckily, I already work as an illustrator, and I had almost everything I needed with me. The rest I was able to find on the internet. To scan the pages, I went to a print shop near my home. The second challenge was being able to conceptualize the story within the page limit, but my previous experience helped me to adapt, as this was my third manga story.
How and when did you start making manga? Any advice for beginners? Since I was a little boy, I drew comics. I continued to do so in notebooks and diaries throughout school. After I became an adult, I started studying architecture, so I stopped drawing anything that wasn’t related to that for a while. However, as soon as I graduated, I focused all my energy on developing artistically. In 2020, at the age of 21, I had my first experience of drawing a story from beginning to end. I intended to submit it to a competition, but I didn’t. Two years later, I decided to produce another manga. I submitted it for the 16th Japan International Manga Award, and my work was chosen in the bronze category. I’d like to tell beginners to choose their masters wisely, learn from those who are exceptional in the art of drawing and storytelling, read a lot, not just manga, but all the classic books they can, and, finally, to practice every single day.
Do you draw your manga digitally or by hand? What are your go-to digital or analogue tools? I draw everything by hand first. Later, I scan all the pages and digitally make corrections, add gray tones, and add some effects. I like to rely simply on pen, ink, and some sakura pens. On the computer I like to use Krita, Clip Studio, and Photoshop. What was the first manga you picked up? I believe the first manga I picked up was Monica and Friends, a very popular Brazilian title. As for Japanese manga, I first read Fairy Tail and Naruto, since the first volume of each manga was released here when I was ten years old (but I had already watched a lot of anime from a very young age).
Which manga changed your life? Definitely One Piece. I came into contact with this title in 2007, when I lived in Toyohashi in Japan, and I immediately became a fan. Years later, back in Brazil, the publisher Panini bought the manga, and I began to follow the editions monthly. I still follow the publication of One Piece to this day. Master Oda’s style influenced me a lot. When I was at school, I even copied entire pages, and every character I created looked like someone from the manga. That’s what developed my appreciation for this form of artistic expression and entertainment.
Which manga character do you most identify with? Why? I identify with Nara Shikamaru from Naruto. I relate to him in absolutely every way. I used to excel at school in terms of academic results, but I was also a bit difficult to deal with because I wasn’t very enthusiastic. Eventually, as an adult, I came to appreciate and value the simplicity of everyday life, doing everything I can in the best way possible, and honoring my parents and family. What kind of manga do you want to make next? I have two scripts in progress. One is an original fantasy, and the other is a slice-of-life and coming-of-age story. I look forward to making a historical manga as well.
About You
What do you do when you’re not making manga? How do you relax? When I am not making manga, I am either reading books or oil painting. I also like to exercise and spend time with my wonderful wife.
What industry do you work in (if manga making isn’t your primary job)? I work in illustration (children’s books, courseware).
Where do you see your manga career in 5 years time? Humbly, I see myself becoming the king of manga artists, at that point (or something like that). More seriously, this is my second international award, and these two experiences gave me the opportunity to meet some other artists from the area and even work with publishers in my country. I can only be glad and optimistic about continuing drawing and doing my part . I have a particular desire to work in Japan. Despite being Brazilian, I was born and lived there for a while, but I haven’t had the chance to visit this beautiful country for many years. It would be incredible to return to work with what I love.
What manga making advice would you give to your younger self if you could? Don’t be afraid to start. Every first attempt at anything seems ridiculous, and certainly your first manga won’t be an exception, but there’s no shame. We have to take the first step to move forward and go the distance.
What advice would you give to people entering the SILENT MANGA AUDITION®? I really encourage people to take the time to read the winners from previous editions to get a better sense of what is expected in terms of quality and emotion. Don’t try to replicate exactly what you see, but try to incorporate the principles into your own style. For your story, think about the things you love, what you value, what you believe is important to share, and how to translate that into a story that will be beneficial to everyone who is kind enough to read it.
Thank you, Kenji Okagawa! We’re eagerly expecting your next manga masterpiece!
PROFILE Pen Name: Yam Age: 23 Social network profiles: X: @Yam_too Country: United States Favorite manga: Mob Psycho 100, Mushishi Favorite movie:Princess Mononoke Favorite quote: “It’s not the net result of one’s life that’s important! It’s the day-to-day concerns, the personal victories, and the celebration of life… and love! It’s enough if people are able to experience the joy that each day can bring!”
“No matter what the outcome is, you can be proud of yourself for making something.”
About SMA
How does it feel to receive a SILENT MANGA AUDITION® award? I’m very honored! I was already happy that I was able to draw my entry, so I am even more happy to have my work read by others. Thank you so much for reading Duet!
What was the inspiration behind your awarded work? I had read an article about the struggles of music composers, and was inspired to center the story around two pianists. I wanted to incorporate characters with a passion and a desire for the stage. Sometimes there are difficult feelings behind creating an artwork, but in the end it can be something to smile about, so I wanted a story that expressed that feeling.
What challenges did you face while making your manga? How did you overcome them? I decided to enter the contest just one month before the deadline, and so I had a challenge getting everything done! I was working a lot at the time and only had a few days off, so I printed out a calendar and carefully planned my whole month with deadlines. I planned out time for brainstorming the concept, research, creating the script, designing the characters and setting, thumbnails, page layouts, and inking. During the last few days, my poor cat was so upset that I was at work all day, and then came home to work on the manga all night, that she sat on my sketchbook in protest! (Don’t worry, I gave her a lot of extra attention afterwards to make up for it.) There were still a lot of things I wanted to improve, but I’m happy I pushed myself to complete it.
How and when did you start making manga? Any advice for beginners? I used to make up stories and draw characters for them as a hobby around 2015. After deciding I wanted to publish my own works someday, I did fan art projects to study and practice manga. I am still a beginner, but I think it’s important to explore what you like, try new things, and listen to advice from artists you look up to or your teachers. Also, when doing a big project, I find it important to keep organized. Doing solid preparatory work first, like finalizing thumbnails, can save you a lot of time and effort later.
Do you draw your manga digitally or by hand? What are your go-to digital or analogue tools? I use Clip Studio Paint, and sometimes do preparation work on pencil and paper.
What was the first manga you picked up? Fruits Basket. I remember reading the first volume over and over.
Which manga changed your life? Fruits Basket, again. It was the first manga I read and I loved the main character’s optimism and kindness.
Which manga character do you most identify with? Why? Tomoyo Daidouji from Cardcaptor Sakura. She is very enthusiastic. What kind of manga do you want to make next? I want to make a cool story with lots of interesting monsters!
About You
What do you do when you’re not making manga? How do you relax? I hang out with my cat and take walks. Sometimes, I take walks with my cat outside.
What industry do you work in (if manga making isn’t your primary job)? Various part-time jobs in no specific industry. I’m still figuring that one out.
Where do you see your manga career in 5 years time? I hope that, in 5 years, I will have turned some of the stories I am writing into fully-drawn manga. I don’t know where my career will go, but I want to have more work under my belt.
What manga making advice would you give to your younger self if you could? It’s ok to take the things you like seriously. You should invest time and effort into making manga just because you want to do it. Also, please study more.
What advice would you give to people entering the SILENT MANGA AUDITION®? Draw a story you enjoy! No matter what the outcome is, you can be proud of yourself for making something.
Thank you, Yam! We’re eagerly awaiting your next manga masterpiece!
“Escape From My Broken Engagement to The Prince”, a Webtoon Drawn by the Artists Village MasterClass Series, Has Been Serialized on Major Japanese Manga Platforms Starting on April 27, 2024!
COAMIX Inc. is pleased to announce that, starting from April 27 (Sat.), the webtoon series, 『王子様の婚約破棄から逃亡します 「ここは乙女ゲームの世界！」と言い張る聖女様とハッピーエンドのために手を組みました』(lit. “Escape From My Broken Engagement to the Prince: I Teamed Up with a Saintly Lady Who Insists, ‘This is a World of Otome Games!’ to get my Happy Ending!”) has been serialized on LINE Manga and eBookJapan! In this story, a “saintly woman” from another world lends a helping hand to Kate, who is engaged to the handsome prince Gilbert, so that they can fall in love.
Title:
『王子様の婚約破棄から逃亡します 「ここは乙女ゲームの世界！」と言い張る聖女様とハッピーエンドのために手を組みました』 ‘Oujisama no konyakuhaki kara toubou shimasu Koko wa otome geemu no sekai! to iiharu seijo sama to happii endo no tame ni te wo kumimashita’ (lit. “Escape From My Broken Engagement to The Prince: I Teamed Up with a Saintly Lady Who Insists, ‘This is the World of Otome Games!’ to get my Happy Ending!”)
Story: Ichibu Saki (Everystar) Storyboard: Yumisaki Art: MAGE・Damdam・yoonmi・Enewald・Vanilla →This webtoon was drawn by SMA MasterClass members working in the Artists Village Aso 096k. The main line art is by MAGE, the backgrounds are by Enewald and Vanilla, Damdam did the coloring, and everything was finalized by yoonmi!
Summary
In the Kingdom of Ernesia, it is customary for royalty to marry “saints” who possess mysterious powers. Kate was born a saint in this kingdom, and is engaged to the second prince, Gilbert, but for some reason, he treats her coldly. Then, a new “saint” is summoned from another world. Fearing that Gilbert will break off the engagement, Kate tries to escape from the castle, but the person who offers her help is the alleged “saint” from another world…!
PROFILE Pen Name: Heol Age: 21 Social network profiles: Instagram: @heol_m Country: France Favorite manga: One Piece Favorite movie:Azur and Asmar: The Prince’s Quest Favorite quote: “Let us dare before we die.” ~Rilès
“I create stories rich in emotion, be they negative or positive.”
About SMA
How does it feel to receive a SILENT MANGA AUDITION® award? I didn’t expect it at all. I’m grateful and touched that my story could please the judges to this extent! It encourages me to continue creating manga!
What was the inspiration behind your awarded work? I lost my great-aunt last year, so this story is inspired by my real life, and the plot twist is almost true, except that I left her a recent drawing of mine. I wanted to pay this tribute to her and to all the loved ones who have passed away. What challenges did you face while making your manga? How did you overcome them? This story falls within my comfort zone (nostalgia, the concept of passing time), so it wasn’t the manga that gave me the most difficulties. However, I could say that juggling completing my pages with student life wasn’t always simple. However, with a shonen spirit, I managed to get through it!
How and when did you start making manga? Any advice for beginners?
Since I could talk, I’ve been inventing stories. Once I started drawing, I never stopped. I would copy cartoons, redraw Mickey and Donald, or create my own characters… Then I discovered manga! At around ten or eleven years old, I created my first manga with a childhood friend. We dreamed big and wanted to show it to publishers. It was called ‘Elements Fury’, and it was about two boys embarking on an adventure, who had powers granted to them by magical stones.
The most important thing was that we had fun, it was something we were genuinely passionate about, and it brought us together to create our pages. So, my advice would be to not get disillusioned with drawing and manga (it happened to me) and to enjoy telling our authentic stories. We tell our stories best when we draw from what we know.
Do you draw your manga digitally or by hand? What are your go-to digital or analogue tools? Before, I used to draw my manga by hand, but now I’ve switched to drawing digitally for time-saving purposes. I’ve had my computer and graphics tablet for six or seven years. However, I hope to get an iPad. I would like to be able to draw everywhere without being limited to my desk!
What was the first manga you picked up? My father bought me Dragon Ball from a second-hand store, but it wasn’t even the first volume. It was during the Namek saga, if I remember correctly!
Which manga changed your life? Without hesitation, I would say One Piece. There are many reasons, but mainly because it’s a true refuge from the real world, and I only find that feeling with a few manga. It’s the only work where I absolutely do not want to die before reading the end! Otherwise, I really love Tokyo Ghoul, which had a big impact on me during my adolescence and in shaping my identity.
Which manga character do you most identify with? Why? That’s a tough question! I’ve thought about it, and I’d say I identify with Armin Arlert from Attack on Titan. At first, he’s physically weak, not very skilled, and he relyies on his stronger friends for help. However, his greatest strength lies in his mind; he thinks and understands things quickly. As he evolves, he becomes stronger physically and mentally, eventually earning the blind trust of others and taking on great responsibilities. I feel like he represents me quite well. What kind of manga do you want to make next? All my manga are designed to embody what I call the ‘Heol spirit’. I create stories rich in emotion, be they negative or positive. However, I always end on a hopeful note. ‘Heol’ means ‘sun’ in Breton, and I want to leave a warm and positive impact, even if my stories start off dark.
About You
What do you do when you’re not making manga? How do you relax? When I’m not creating manga, I spend time with my partner, friends, family, and my dog. I watch a lot of videos on YouTube, TV series, and anime. Of course, I also read and write.
What industry do you work in (if manga making isn’t your primary job)? I’m a student in comic art until May. When I finish my final year, I’ll present my publishing portfolio to publishers, then I’ll try my best to make a living from manga while finding additional income at the beginning!
Where do you see your manga career in 5 years time? In five years, I want to have a community of readers who appreciate my stories and are touched by them! Regardless of my path to getting published, I hope to create manga every day, whether it’s one-shots or a series. I don’t really have an ultimate dream, as long as I can succeed in working from home and doing what I love!
What manga making advice would you give to your younger self if you could? You should read more manga and work on anatomy more! (Oops… that’s advice for now too!)
What advice would you give to people entering the SILENT MANGA AUDITION®? Don’t hesitate to read old stories that have been published and won awards. Try to understand why they succeeded and how their creators conveyed emotions. I especially think of monotone_ink, who is a huge inspiration for me, whether it’s his delicate line work, art style, layout, or composition…he is a major inspiration that has motivated me a lot!
Be courageous!
Thank you, Heol! We’re eagerly expecting your next manga masterpiece!
PROFILE Pen Name:Maxime Barlé Age: 21 Social network profiles: Instagram: @bram.art_ Country: France Favorite manga: My Hero Academia Favorite movie: Everything Everywhere All at Once Favorite game: Undertale Favorite quote: “It’s not about being the best, it’s about being better than you were yesterday.”
“Even if you don’t like the result, or you think there’s room for improvement, take pride in your work!”
About SMA
How does it feel to receive a SILENT MANGA AUDITION® award? It’s the first time I’ve won a prize in a contest, so I’m very excited about it. It’s an honor and it motivates me to keep drawing manga! What was the inspiration behind your awarded work? I wanted to represent my character’s boredom and malaise externally. That’s when I came up with the idea of a rain cloud that would constantly disturb him. I then thought about how he could get out of this situation, and the idea of an encounter with a sunny, cheerful character came to mind!
What challenges did you face while making your manga? How did you overcome them? My biggest challenge was probably the layout of the story. I was worried that the story would take up too much space, and that I wouldn’t have enough room to show the characters’ emotions properly. I also didn’t have a lot of time to draw this manga, so I had to be very organized in order to make it on time!
How and when did you start making manga? Any advice for beginners? I started learning to draw in 2019, which was when I discovered manga. Seeing so many different stories, with such varied themes, and which provoked so many emotions in people, inspired me to start drawing. One piece of advice I could give would be to always take a step back from your work. Always ask yourself what could be improved, but also to be proud of what you achieve. Do you draw your manga digitally or by hand? What are your go-to digital or analogue tools? I draw the whole manga digitally on my ipad with Clip Studio Paint.
What was the first manga you picked up? I discovered manga at the beginning of high school. Since I really liked superhero films, a friend recommended My Hero Academia to me. At first it was hard to adapt to reading in the opposite direction, but I quickly got the hang of it and couldn’t stop!
Which manga changed your life? My Hero Academia. It’s still my favorite manga today, and if I hadn’t discovered it back then, I certainly wouldn’t have learned to draw and decided to pursue this path.
Which manga character do you most identify with? Why? I identify most with characters who want to become the best and constantly surpass themselves, like Izuku Midoriya from My Hero Academia, or Shoyo Hinata from Haikyuu. As an artist, I’d also say Yatora from Blue Period. What kind of manga do you want to make next? A manga with captivating characters and strong emotions! The genre doesn’t matter, as long as I’m having fun and can create beautiful shots.
About You
What do you do when you’re not making manga? How do you relax? I like watching films and TV series, or reading manga.
What industry do you work in (if manga making isn’t your primary job)? I’m a student at a manga school.
Where do you see your manga career in 5 years time? I’d like to be serialized in France!
What manga making advice would you give to your younger self if you could? Try to understand the manga artist’s intentions behind their work and analyze it instead of just reading it.
What advice would you give to people entering the SILENT MANGA AUDITION®? Even if you don’t like the result, or you think there’s room for improvement, take pride in your work!
Thank you, Maxime Barlé! We’re eagerly expecting your next manga masterpiece!
PROFILE Pen Name:Gentle Coda Age: 23 Social network profiles: Youtube: @gentle codaInstagram: @gentlecoda X: @gentlecoda Country: Australia Favorite manga: Classmates, Memoirs of Amorous Gentlemen, NANA, Goodnight Punpun Favorite movie:Sympathy for Mr.Vengeance Favorite quote: “Are you the strongest because you’re Gojo Satoru, or are you Gojo Satoru because you’re the strongest?”
“Trust that you’ll improve the more you learn and practice.”
About SMA
How does it feel to receive a SILENT MANGA AUDITION® award? It feels very surreal. I am so thrilled and honored that the judges read and liked my work. I am incredibly grateful for everyone who has helped me along the way!
What was the inspiration behind your awarded work? It came about when I was sitting at a cafe in Taiwan, journaling stream-of-consciousness about friendship. I was trying to understand what friendship is, how people become friends, what sorts of boundaries it has, etc. It led me to think about friends who came from different backgrounds. I was intrigued because people’s attitudes towards life are so different, yet something brought them to the same place at the same time. Then, I decided to make a manga about this aspect of fate. What challenges did you face while making your manga? How did you overcome them? Storyboarding was the most difficult for me. I thought a lot about the composition of the panels and the composition of the whole spread, as well as how to make the character carry out actions smoothly. I started off as a perfectionist, wanting each page to flow nicely right away. This led me to not draw anything, so instead I ended up drawing many versions of the storyboard and things began progressing!
How and when did you start making manga? Any advice for beginners? I started making manga when I was 12. I wrote short comics about my friends and anime crushes. It became a silly short series and it was just a lot of fun. I copied a lot of art from One Piece, Bleach, and Nisekoi: False Love when I was 13. I also wrote a silly 55-page shonen one-shot for a competition. I wrote it on manuscript paper, using ink nib pens and sticker screen tones. It was such an exciting, fun memory! After that, I took a long break, and only started drawing manga again in the last couple of years. So, my advice for people thinking of starting out, or revisiting manga after a long time, would be not to get too discouraged about the quality of your work. Please draw your ideas, even if you think they are bad or cringy. Trust that you’ll improve the more you learn and practice. Right now, the most important thing as a beginner is not to give up! I’m rooting for you.
Do you draw your manga digitally or by hand? What are your go-to digital or analogue tools? I draw my manga digitally on Procreate, using an iPad and an Apple Pencil. I make a reference mood board on Procreate, then export it to Photos. My go-to tool is the split screen function, where I put my reference collage on the left quarter side of the screen, and my canvas on the right side.
What was the first manga you picked up? My uncle collected manga, and I’d read them whenever I went to his house. The first one I read was Detective Conan, and it was seriously traumatizing. That being said, I love the secret identity trope to this day! My uncle also had the complete collections of Doraemon, Dragon Ball, and Dr. Slump, which I read around the same time.
Which manga changed your life? I felt very emotionally invested in Hunter X Hunter, and it was the manga that made me start drawing digitally. I am now an illustrator who primarily draws digitally, and it all started when I became a fan of the art in HxH! I find Togashi-sensei’s characters all very charming, and some characters’ relationships were especially interesting to me, especially Killua and Gon’s friendship, as well as Hisoka’s morals. The first time I read it, I was literally crying throughout the whole arc. Before that arc, the story was very light and curious, with two kids traveling around. I was so shocked at how quickly they were thrown into a cruel world, and was very upset that they had to experience so much pain when they were still so young. The two boys had trained a lot and had become confident in their own strength, only to face a harsh reality that really pushed their characters to the edge. I loved that arc so much! I loved the way that HxH immersed me in its world and characters. Reading it for the first time was an unforgettable experience.
Which manga character do you most identify with? Why? I identify with Nana Komatsu from NANA. Before, I’d never seen a character quite so realistically anxious about relationships as her. When reading her narration at the time, I felt so validated. What kind of manga do you want to make next? I want to make a coming-of-age drama that will gently break the readers’ hearts, tell them that it’s all going to be okay, and then heal them again.
About You
What do you do when you’re not making manga? How do you relax? I am usually illustrating or making videos! To relax, I make Satosugu reels, read books, play video games, play badminton, and hang out with my family and friends. If I’m overseas, I find it relaxing to draw or read in cafes, try out local cuisine, and go sightseeing.
What industry do you work in (if manga making isn’t your primary job)? I am an illustrator!
Where do you see your manga career in 5 years time? I see myself publishing manga either online, in graphic novels, or making a webtoon! I also see myself drawing some Satosugu doujin. I also would like to build a community with my audience which feels like a cozy cafe.
What manga making advice would you give to your younger self if you could? I would tell her to not stop drawing, and that it’s possible to make a living from art.
What advice would you give to people entering the SILENT MANGA AUDITION®? Think about how you want your story to flow and how the composition of your page affects the clarity of the story for the readers. Draw your page in a way that is easy for the reader to follow the story. Do the best you can now because the world is excited to see more of your ideas!
Thank you, Gentle Coda! We’re eagerly awaiting your next manga masterpiece!
