SMAC! MANGA DOJO #3 – "Draw SILENT MANGA!"
<Characters>Penmaru
Is a ninja dog who dreams of becoming the greatest manga creator in the animal world. To help achieve his dream, Mocchi gives him a mission… “Learn how to create manga at the Manga Dojo.”
He’s not good at staying still.
“Shihan” Manga Master
The master of the dojo and Penmaru’s tutor in the ways of manga. An experienced editor who had worked in the manga industry for over 30 years.
He’s not good at cleaning up the room.
<Previously in MANGA DOJO…>
“The essence of manga is a doodle!”
The words from “the god of manga” Osamu Tezuka sensei strongly inspired Penmaru.
With his enthusiasm on fire, Penmaru starts drawing many many pieces, but…?
Ep. 3 “If you wanna improve, draw SILENT MANGA!”
(さらに…)
SMA8 Interview #17 – REDJET (Honourable Mention Award Winner)
The need for speed is strong for Honourable Mention Award winner RedJet. The Italian creator abandoned a career with a respected tire manufacturer to hurtle towards his dreams of becoming a professional Mangaka. A journey that brought him to the very home of manga itself, Japan! RedJet talks to us about the importance of healthy rivalries, challenging yourself and Italy’s greatest, chocolatey export!
ABOUT YOU
“I was instantly hooked and hungry for more!”
The city of Turin, a mere stone’s throw from where REDJET grew up. Flickr/Federico Feroldi
Hello RedJet! Is this your first international interview?
Yes, it is!
Why RedJet?
My pen-name doesn’t have any particular meaning, but it does give me a strong sensation. It’s the combination of the two words that I’m attached to; “Red” is my favorite color, and “Jet” gives me a sense of speed and velocity. Both are a constant element in my manga-life, especially when I’m battling deadlines and commissions.
When did you come up with your pen-name?
I chose the name when I decided to become a professional manga creator, back in 2015. At that time, I was working for a tire manufacturer so the promise of speed was all around me! The tire is round, as is the manga narrative in its construction. I like the continuity, from one career to the next.
Is manga popular in your home town?
I live in Busch, a little city close to Turin. With a population of only 800 people, you soon realize that manga isn’t a part of most peoples lives. In fact, even having a conversation about manga is very hard to do here.
So, when did you have your first encounter with manga?
I drew my first comic strip when I 6, though I didn’t know it was a yonkoma back then! To me, it was just a series of drawings that told a story. I saw my first manga at school, when some friends brought them into class. I was instantly hooked and hungry for more! Dragonball was very popular in Italy at that time, and thanks to both the anime and the manga, I started to understand how manga is made.
And what about the American comics?
Italy has a long comic book tradition, including Disney stories! I grew up with Topolino (Mickey Mouse) and Paperino (Donald Duck), which have been published in Italy since the 1930’s. My very first attempt at making manga were heavily influenced by these Disney comics.
If a friend from the SMAC!ommunity visited you, where would you take them?
As I live close to the Nutella factory, I’d invite everyone to see how Italy’s most famous food is made…well, after pizza and pasta of course.
ABOUT MANGA
“I was reborn as a manga artist!”
What’s a typical day for RedJet?
I wake at 9:30, and after a quick breakfast, I plunge straight into drawing, including commissions, manga for SMA and work for my French publisher. Around 12, I have lunch and jump back into drawing until evening. After dinner, it’s none-stop drawing till bedtime!
Wow! How do you relax between one drawing and the next?
I draw! This is my hobby and my job, so I can work while I relax!
About the French publisher, what kind of work do they publish and how did you begin collaborating with them?
They publish manga, comic books and BD, but they focus primarily on manga. They approached me after seeing my SMA entries and asked if I’d like to collaborate with them. I created a manga called Space Duck RG for them, my very first Shonen manga!
Do you listen to music when you create manga?
I always need background noise when I create manga, either movies or music. Creating manga can be lonely so having come company in the form of noise helps me relax into my work. Music is also a source of inspiration! I like rock, pop, drum and base, J-pop, K-pop and classical music. In fact, I’m working on my SMA9 entry while listening to Bolero at the moment.
What do you like to do when you’re not drawing manga?
I love gaming! Metal Gear Solid and Pokemon are my favorites. Playing video games allow me to improve my creativity and provide a good source of inspiration.
Computer games, including Metal Gear Solid has proven a huge source of inspiration for REDJET.
So manga is always on your mind, even during your free time. Is it safe to say manga is your best friend?
Yes, for sure. Manga is a huge part of my life. Even when I was working at the tire company, I always had a manga to hand.
Which manga were you most inspired by?
Gon, by Masashi Tanaka, is my current inspiration when creating Silent Manga entries as I love the simplicity of the concept. My style is heavily influenced by Oda sensei’s masterpiece One Piece. The manga that biggest impression on me, and the one that made me want to become a professional manga artist was Bakuman.
Why Bakuman?
It’s a manga that works on different levels. As a child, I loved the story itself, about how to become a manga creator, and as an adult, I liked how the everyday life of a mangaka can be portrayed in a manga.
What kind of environment do you work?
I’m both an analog and digital person, though I do love working with traditional tools. When I visited Japan with my girlfriend, I bought a lot of tools, from pens and brushes! Luckily, my girlfriend speaks Japanese so it was easy to navigate. She’s an amazing polymer clay modeler!
REDJET’s SMA5 character, brought to life by his girlfriend
So tell us more about this Japanese trip!
I was reborn as a manga artist! So when I left my previous job, I decided to visit the country where manga was born. We were there for a long time, spending time in the Kansai region, Kyoto, Osaka and Nara, where we visited many historical sites. We then focused our trip in Tokyo, where I managed to visit the Shueisha offices, the publisher of Shonen Jump!
How did you manage to visit the Shonen Jump office?!
My friend’s Japanese wife managed to arrange the visit. Thanks to her, I got the chance to speak to a Shonen Jump editor, with her as interpreter. Which was an incredibly rewarding experience! We spent around 2 hours discussing manga, how Shonen Jump operate and talked about my own work, identifying my weak and strong points.
Very useful information indeed! When challenges do you face when you create manga?
I have two, big challenges a year…SMA rounds!! The other major challenge to make Italian readers aware of my work. If you’re not a huge, international star, you won’t be noticed in Italy so my constant, daily challenge is to take on the Italian market, with SMA as my strongest ally!
How do you overcome these challenges?
By joining the SMAC!ommunity! Just being involved in this competition can help improve yourself. I know a lot of people who won’t take part in SMA because they are afraid of failing, but for me, even in failure we can learn and build up courage. It’s important to keep challenging yourself, pitting yourself against others. My favorite SMA creator is Ichirou, and though I admire his work, I see him as a rival. Salvatore is also a great creator, a friend and a rival!
Where the magic happens, within red walls of course.
ABOUT SMA8
“[working with editors is] an amazing example teamwork!”
What was the reaction of your friends and family when you won the award?
My family don’t know about my international manga work, as I we don’t really discuss it, other than telling them that I’ve entered a competition. For SMA8, my girlfriend was the most unsatisfied with the result. I was a little downcast too, but I also see it as a new challenge, even if I have so many commissions to get through! (laughs)
What was your reaction to the theme?
Like always, when a new SMA theme comes out, I try to figure out the best way to represent it in a unique way. I experiment and try to do things differently.
Did you utilize yonkoma in the development stages? What was your inspiration?
There wasn’t any particular inspiration. Actually, I’ve only now started to create yonkomas thanks to the “Fair Play” theme. Initially, the story was more dramatic and serious, but thanks to the support and advice from the SMAC! editorial team, I lowered the tone and took a more comedic direction, making my characters reactions more and more extreme!
How was it working with Japanese manga editors?
This was my very first collaboration with Japanese manga editors. I learned how to work on the character’s emotions and feelings (especially when I create a silent manga) by utilizing their advice and suggestions. It’s an amazing example teamwork!
How long did it take you to complete and you were satisfied with it?
It took me around 2 months to find the right yonkoma and 2 weeks to complete the manga once the concept was finalized. The story makes, and I feel it flows well so I was very satisfied.
THE FUTURE
“Remember that SMA is just the beginning!”
What are you working on at the moment?
I’m working on a new story for the French editor, commissions and my SMA9 entries. Also, as always, provide my social media followers daily illustrations!
Anything you’d like to shout to the SMAC!ommunity?
Join SMA! Even if I’ve already said that, I really want you understand! Remember that SMA is just the beginning! The professional life of a manga creators awaits you after gaining essential support from SMAC! And Coamix!
Thank you RedJet!
Like the best Shonen manga, rivalry and friendship can go a long way to improve yourself! We hope Redjet continues down his path of self improvement, in making manga that captures the hearts of everyone in the SMAC!ommunity.
SMAC!ommunity, do you have a creative itch you’re dying to scratch? Are you overflowing with story ideas? If yes, then start drawing for SMA9 round TODAY!!
Do you want to join the world’s biggest manga community? Start drawing for the SMA9 round TODAY!
SMA9 is the first time we’ve offered THREE themes to choose from! If you feel like a challenge, why not pick two, or all three themes!
Make manga your language too! You have until March 31st, 2018 to say “HELLO” to your new friends! Click the banner for more details on how to enter…
Banner photo by Fulvio Spada
SMAC! Announces FREE trip to JAPAN to attend exclusive MANGA CAMP!!
SILENT MANGA AUDITION® Committee is inviting YOU to Japan for a spectacular, FREE Manga extravaganza!! Not even young manga creators in Japan have it this good!!!
“Manga Master’s Camp KUMAMOTO 2018” will be the sixth event held by SILENT MANGA AUDITION® (SMA), where the SMA Committee invite manga creators from around the world to Japan, to not only cerebrate manga, but to learn the joys of professional manga creation from the professionals! This year, chosen winners from SMA7, SMA8, SMA9 and the SMA-EX3 “Kumamoto Round” will be invited to attend this incredible event.
For the last 3 years, the SMA committee has been inviting award winners from the world’s biggest manga competition to Japan, where they experienced a syllabus of hands-on, engaging lectures focusing on how professional manga is created, distributed and enjoyed by the readers.
In 2018, the Manga Creative Bootcamp sessions will include activities that cover the whole spectrum of “creating manga”. From the business of manga to the fundamental skills of making good manga, these engaging lectures are to be delivered by several highly successful, experienced and respected manga creators, including Tsukasa Hojo sensei of the City Hunter series. More big names to be confirmed!
These amazing activities won’t stop there, either! Ever wanted to relive those unforgettable moments found in your favorite manga?? From “Suika-wari (Watermelon splitting)” to “Nagashi Soumen (catching floating noodles with chopsticks!)”, attendees to this exclusive Manga Camp will experience a whole host of traditional Japanese autumn festivities as seen in countless manga and anime from Japan. Camp fires, BBQ’s, fish catching and Anime Karaoke, moment under the traditional summer fireworks will make YOU the star of your own manga adventure!
So, wanna have a ball in Kumamoto? All you need to do is get drawing and send your Silent Manga to us!
The camp will be held over 3 days, with additional days for travel and a sightseeing tour of Tokyo. Totalling to around 7-10 days full of manga action.
Multiple entries are welcome and actively encouraged.
See you in Japan!
Japan is so much fun!
Kamishikimi-Kumanoza Shrine in winter…
A summer to remember!!
Traditional events await you 😉
“Manga Master’s Camp KUMAMOTO 2018” will be held in September. Details TBA over all our media channels. So don’t miss it!! This is an invitation-only event, chosen winners will receive a FREE ticket, including their trip to Japan.
SMA8 Interview #16 – Imam Subekti (Excellence Award Runner Up Winner)
A relative newcomer to SMA, Indonesian manga creator Imam Subekti is making his mark in the world of manga. Heroically earning himself an Excellence Award Runner Up award for his SMA8 entry, Fair, this fledgling mangaka talks to SMAC! about the beauty of his native Indonesia, Medieval music and the growth of manga in his homeland.
Hello Imam!
Hello!!
ABOUT YOU
“… manga is a huge part of who I am.”
Where did you grow up? City or Rural? Anything the world should know about it?
I grew up a small village called Nglipar, in the district of Gunungkidul, Special Province of Yogyakarta in Indonesia. It’s just a plain old, typical Indonesian village, but I’m thankful to have grown up there. I still live in Nglipar today!
If a friend from the SMAC!ommunity visited you for a sightseeing trip, where would you take them?
Gunungkidul is famous for its beautiful beaches. We have over 25 beaches here, including Drini, Krakal, Baron, Sundak, Sepanjang, and many more! If you enjoy hiking, we have Gunung Api Purba Nglanggeran, a region of outstanding beauty, littered with mountains, forests and springs. If you’re feeling adventurous, Indonesia’s most active volcano, Merapi is only 2 hours drive away from my house! Cave exploring? We have Pindul Cave, Maria Cave, Lowo Cave, filled with underground lakes and primeval forests. So yes, we have a few sightseeing destinations!
What is a typical day in your life like?
I work full time, so making manga can be a juggling act! I usually spend the evenings and weekends drawing, but tend to work way into the night!!
What do you like to do in your ‘downtime”?
Movies are very important to me, with my favorites being The Lord of the Rings and The Man from Earth. In fact I like almost all movie genres…except horror. I just can’t stand it!! (laughs). I’m currently listening to medieval influenced music, such as Faun, as well as Celtic instrumental songs. I also find listening to RPG game and movie soundtracks very influential to making manga. Games? Got to be Dark Souls!! “Praise the sun \[T]/”
The “outstanding beauty” of Gunungkidul. Flickr/yopi priyatna
ABOUT MANGA
“… manga is a huge part of who I am.”
Why is manga important to you?
Manga, for me, is the only way I can show the world that I exist, and the only outlet for my emotions. Because of this, manga is a huge part of who I am.
Was there an artist or story that inspired you to become a manga creator?
I was motivated to create manga when I saw the work of fellow Indonesian comic artist, Sweta Kartika. By chance, I drifted onto his Facebook page back in 2010, when I was just starting college and was immediately impressed by his work. I found it exciting to see someone successfully make a career from their passions. I was moved so much, I decided to embark on my journey as an artist’s apprentice! LOL
Is manga popular in your country?
Manga is becoming more and more popular, thanks to the internet, especially amongst the youth. We have local comic-cons, several times a year, where creators can sell their original work and network with other comic creators.
What kind of environment do you work in while you’re drawing manga?
I’ve recently began working in digital, using a pen tablet and computer. It’s only been a year so still deciding what’s best!
What challenges do you face creating manga?
I work full time so finding the right moment to work on my manga is a challenge. I usually work through the night, and on my days off, so finding sleep is the other big challenge!
It’s only been a year using digital media!
ABOUT YOUR WIN
“[Winning an international award] feels like a dream come true!”
What was the reaction of your friends and family when you won the award?
Everyone was very happy for me, especially my mother and brothers. As this is an international event, it feels like a dream come true!
What was your reaction to the theme?
Difficult. When I heard “Fair Play”, my first thought was to create a sports manga, but I really struggled to find the inspiration. I left it for a few days, then the seeds of a story started to sprout…
So what was the inspiration for Fair??
I don’t know exactly. The idea just popped into my head and I started to play with storyboards for it. Maybe it was repressed memory!
How long did it take you to complete?
As I work full time, I could only work in my spare time. All together, maybe about 1 to 2 weeks.
Did the entry fulfill your expectations?
Yes! It actually exceeded my expectations! XD. I’m not sure if I really captured the theme successfully, but I was overall very happy.
An example of Imam’s many commission pieces.
THE FUTURE
“What doesn’t kill you, makes you stronger…”
What are you working on at the moment?
Really focussing on SMA9, as well as an illustration commission for a short novel.
Where do you see your future career in manga?
As I’m a newcomer to the world of manga, I can’t say where my career will go! I just want to learn how to make better manga, and one day, be able to call myself a genuine, 100% mangaka! XD
Anything you’d like to shout to the SMAC!ommunity?
What doesn’t kill you, makes you stronger so keep making manga!
Thank you Imam!
Imam’s love of the fantasy genre can be felt in much of his work.
Nothing encapsulates the calling of the mangaka more than the saying, “What doesn’t kill you, makes you stronger”!! With this at the forefront of his mind, Imam Subekti is sure to realize his dreams of becoming a genuine, 100% mangaka!!
SMAC!ommunity, do you have a creative itch you’re dying to scratch? Are you overflowing with story ideas? If yes, then start drawing for SMA9 round TODAY!!
Do you want to join the world’s biggest manga community? Start drawing for the SMA9 round TODAY!
SMA9 is the first time we’ve offered THREE themes to choose from! If you feel like a challenge, why not pick two, or all three themes!
Make manga your language too! You have until March 31st, 2018 to say “HELLO” to your new friends! Click the banner for more details on how to enter…
How many times has the concept of rivalry been utilised in your favourite movies and comics?
What is Batman without the Joker? What is Rocky Balboa without Apollo Creed? What is Kenshiro without Raoh?
Whether in sports, work or even when eyeing up the last remaining seat on a packed train, rivalry affects all of us on a daily basis.
In Italy, we have a specific word to describe the football matches between the most competitive football teams in the country: “Derby d’Italia”! (lit. trans: Derby of Italy). Think Inter vs Juventus, where family members, close friends and even star crossed lovers can come to blows in the name of fierce rivalry!
(Ed Note: Vivi didn’t waste a breath just then, in smugly reminding me that my beloved national team is now out of the World Cup 😣😣)
Vivi, why are you doing this to me.?! 🙁
So, how can such an abstract and subtle concept like “Rivalry” be EXPRESSED on the pages of manga? Well, I’m here with an answer, plus some exciting examples, that will ensure your SMA9 entry will shudder with the very essence of rivalry!
We last left these two guys from Souten no Ken REGENESIS enveloped in an aura of antagonism, staring menacingly at each other in the most manly way imaginable. Can you feel it? Can you sense the rivalry in this scene? With the help of those emotionally charged Kaki-Moji behind them, you KNOW this is a tense scene, even if you don’t know Japanese!
AREN’T KAKI-MOJI INCREDIBLE?!
The Kaki-Moji here spells the word “GUOOO” and represents the sound of wind passing through the scene. It is designed in such a way as to resemble an arch, much like the wind, whipping around the scene, that gives the reader a sensation of movement in a seemingly static scene. For a final flourish, the cherry on the cake so to speak, the manga creator added three dots, giving the scene a sense of undeniable suspense!
Penmaru will definitely say I talk about Hokuto too much, so let’s now take a look at something else… 😏
ARTE, one of the most voted and loved manga in COMIC ZENON and COMIC ZENON INTERNATIONAL, is jam packed with effective Kaki-Moji. In this page, two merchants are having a heated argument, while our protagonist is placed in the middle of the action.
This panel comes directly from COMIC ZENON INTERNATIONAL’s ARTE Manga! Take a look at the page clicking HERE!
WHAT DO YOU FEEL WHEN YOU LOOK AT THIS PANEL?
Do you feel a sense of anxiety in the protagonist? What is happening between the two men? Why have they ended up arguing in front of such a cute girl?!
All these sensations are expressed by the Kaki-Moji “GOGOGOGO”. In this case, too, the Kaki-Moji represents rivalry, followed by an escalation of emotion in this antagonistic situation!
Once again, Kakimoji is the silent,
yet resounding emotional power of manga! That is why they are the real Sounds Of Silence!
I hope you enjoyed this week’s KAKIMOJI SOS, and you are brimming with ideas of how to use Kaki-Moji in your stories of rivalry!
WHAAAT?!
You can’t just end it now!
I want to know more about “GOGOGOGO” Kaki-Moji!
It’s one of my favourite Kaki-Moji’s of all time!
Please Enrico, tell me more!
Ok guys, you heard him!
Next time we will focus solely on “GOGOGO”, PenMaru’s favourite Kaki-Moji! Why is it his favourite? Why is it so famous? WHAT DOES IT ACTUALLY MEAN? Tune in next week to find out!
See you next week!
Ciao!FOLLOW ME:
Twitter – @kenrico7
Facebook – Enrico Croce Smac
SMA9 – ONE MONTH TO GO!
With the deadline still a month away (March 31st), you still have a chance to win a top prize in theSILENT MANGA AUDITION® ROUND 9 and kick start your professional manga making career.
We at the SMAC! office know you are passionate about manga. You are brimming with a million ideas in your quest to bring YOUR manga into the world…and there’s no better place to start than SMA9! But if you’re finding the road a little bumpy at times, then we’re here to support you through it. With a host of helpful resources, we aim to help YOU create the award winning manga you’re capable of.
Still trying to find that elusive spark? Or maybe you have the idea, but you’re struggling to breath life into it? Why not jump over to our very own YouTube channel and check out our extensive “How To” series, Japanese Manga 101! With a bundle of hints, tips and techniques, you’ll find all you need to help craft a story for YOUR amazing SMA9 entry!!
Maybe you’ve finished your entry but don’t know how to send it? Or maybe you’re worrying about the canvas size? Data format or page order? Then worry not! You’ll find all the technical help you’ll ever need in our FAQ section.
Don’t forget, we’re also available to answer any of your questions, day or night (depending on your time zone!) so why not send us a message via our Facebook or Twitter pages? We’re here to help YOU make wonderful manga!
Join the world’s biggest Manga Community!
Not only could you win a generous cash prize of ¥500,000*, you could also be eligible to join our Master Class, where we will FLY you to JAPAN so you can learn how to make manga from real MANGA PROFESSIONALS!!
*Grand Prix cash prize
The Accidental Gaijin: #2 Back to the Future!
I travelled back in time today. I travelled back to a time of Saturday morning cartoons, a time of Christmas morning excitement and a time of pure, childhood escapism. With my recent reacquaintance with an old friend in the shape of Kinkeshi, I was keen to explore what other pop-culture delights Japan had to offer. There’s only one place in Tokyo to explore the recesses of my nerdy past, and that’s the impossible world of Mandarake and Nakano Broadway!
As a young comic book enthusiast, I relished my trips to the tiny comic book stand in my hometown. Hidden away in a fruit and veg market, this tiny store was the first place I discovered manga in the form of Otomo sensei’s Akira, Shirō sensei’s Appleseed and Hara sensei’s Fist of the North Star. For me, this modest little stand wasn’t just a place to drink in the stories I thirsted for, but a safe haven from the impossibly difficult challenges of my early teenage years. It was a world I could dive into, an escapist paradise where the troubles of real life could be happily ignored for the price of an hour or too and that week’s pocket money.
Every character under the sun, including my old friend Kinnikuman.
Sadly lacking a DeLorean or Big Blue Police Box to whisk me through time and space, I settled on Tokyo’s bustling artery for my time machine, the Chuo line. A mere five stops from SMAC! HQ in Kichijoji, Nakano Broadway once represented a glittering future for Tokyo. A testament to the post-war boom of the 60’s, this brutalist behemoth was constructed to house the very best in boutique shopping and luxury housing, including a rooftop swimming pool and Japan’s first in-house carpark. But progress can be a cruel mistress, with the rest of Tokyo soon overtaking this quaint glimpse of the future, leaving The Broadway bereft of Tokyo’s “it-crowd” and a bleak future ahead. But “life finds a way”, and with that, Mandarake came to town, bringing with it a host of independent peddlers of curiosity.
The gateway to wonder.
Founded in 1980, Mandarake saw an opportunity to set up shop in the almost deserted hulk of Nakano Broadway. Dealing in pre-owned manga and anime memorabilia, this specialist store not only offered a life line to Tokyo’s legions of manga and anime fans, but gave a beloved building a second chance. Nakano Broadway was once again a talking point. With a staggering 30 outlets in Nakano Broadway alone, Mandarake quickly rose from a small, obscure, second-hand manga specialist to a sprawling, world renowned Mecca of all things otaku.
Mandarake’s flagship store, Nakano Broadway.
My first taste of Mandarake was a welcomed assault to the senses. Frozen in my tracks, I hungrily take in the view as an incalculable range of action figures, in every shape and size imaginable stare back at me. Just the sheer diversity of figurines on display, reflect the vastness of manga and anime. Yes, my old friend Kinnikuman was dotted around, but also a huge range of characters completely new to me. Though largely unknown, these bright, diverse hunks of exquisitely molded plastic had an air of familiarity for me, I was an action figure obsessive as a child! Suddenly I was thrust back into those carefree days of escapism, clutching my carefully saved pocket money as I picked out a heavily armed, mean looking action figure to add to my ever growing collection. With a fond smile, I bid the assortment of heroes and heroines farewell and meandered up to the next level.
Just a small selection on the manga on offer at Mandarake
If the previous floor was a world of new wonders, then this floor was a world of old friends. Namely, comic books! Taking up almost half the floorspace is the biggest comic book store I’d ever seen. As I tentatively approach this gargantuan maze of manga, I couldn’t help but think of that tiny comic book stand of my youth, stocking it’s limited range of back issues. Mandarake, on the other hand, must stock every manga ever created! Row upon row of comic books stood before me, from carefully, chronologically ordered Tankōbon (単行本, “standalone book”) to gloriously glossy box sets, this store has them all. My Nihongo sadly lacking, I opted to gaze hungrily at the art contained within the pages. Both Akira and Fist of the North Star were there of course, but also thousands of titles I’d never heard of. Filled with equal measures of frustration (I can’t read them!) and excitement (I WILL learn how to read them!), I decided to venture forth to the fourth and final floor.
An “Angel Philia”, didn’t catch her name…
Japanese pop culture is beloved around the world, not only for the endless tales told in the form of manga and anime, but for the unique and wonderful oddities that consistently intrigue us. Thus, I entered the final floor of Mandarake’s sprawling empire. Only in Japan could a fascination with dolls turn into an obsession requiring a fierce dedication and bank balance to match. The world of “Angel Philia”, a love of BJD’s (Ball Jointed Doll) deserves an article all of it’s own, but in a nutshell, it’s doll collecting, turned up to 11! Exquisitely crafted and articulated dolls, lovingly woven miniature clothing and wigs that rival Queen B’s, these eerily beautiful effigies are definitely not to be played with. As intimidating and undeniably intriguing they may be, I rush past these pale skinned ‘cadavers’ to the Mandarake department of my dreams…
Ever felt like you’re being watched?
Saving the best till last, my final experience of Mandarake allowed me to come face to face with my heroes of old. Sitting unobtrusively in the window were the original artwork, anime cells and priceless sketches of the great manga creators of my youth. To not only see, but buy a piece of comic book history is what Mandarake is all about. Not only does this impossibly wondrous store allow you to step back in time, it also allows you to touch history. “The past is a foreign country; they do things differently there”, once wrote the great British novelist, L.P. Hartley, and with Mandarake and Nakano Broadway, we can visit that unknown country, and come home with a souvenir to boot!
A mouthwatering selection of cells and sketches for sale…
Twitter – @chris_smac
Facebook – Chris Smac
Manga Nutcracker #2 – City Hunter
Welcome to the second article Manga nutcracker with Vivi the manga cracker!
Can’t express your protagonist in one line? Want to learnt how to tell your story ?
Don’t worry ! This series will give you example of some amazing manga, how to crack them and get their essence!
So let’s start cracking some manga together !
Crack 2 !
City Hunter Creator: Hojo Tsukasa1985
A sweeper with a weakness to women, punishes bad people without ever missing a shot!
Many crimes go unpunished in the sprawling metropolis of Tokyo. Ryo Saeba, a jack-of-all-trades and our protagonist, also know and the “City Hunter”, is called upon in the most desperate of situations.
By leaving the letters “XYZ” on a message board in Shinjuku train station, potential clients request the services of this highly skilled gunman and his partner, Hideyuki Makimura. Whether it’s a hardened criminal, or a devastatingly beautiful woman, Ryo never misses his target.
The story takes a turn when Ryo’s long time partner is murdered by a criminal organization called ” Union”. With his dying breath, Makimura asks Ryo to care for his sister Kaori. Having a hunt after their heads, Ryo tells Kaori to run away but is taken by surprise when the tomboyish girl decides to become his new partner and remain in Tokyo.
Their relationship is strained however by Ryo philandering ways, constantly earning him a whack from a 100-ton mallet, wielded by a furiously jealous Kaori. The two gradually begin to form a strong, emotional bond, however difficult at times.
On the job, Ryo’s goofy personality changes to that of a professional and serious “sweeper”. Our lovable rogue is consistently calm and focused on the case, always two steps ahead of his intended target, gaining the respect from the clients and readers.
Considering the nature of this dirty work, you would understandably think this hardboiled sweeper is in it purely for the excitement and money. However, we quickly learn that his mission is one of righting wrongs by the way he treats his clients, even refusing payment in place of a lady’s company.
I love this scene so much, the action, sound effect, I could actually hear Ryo’s panic voice in my head when I read it!
With an abundance of mean spirited criminals and stock standard cases for our detectives to tackle, City Hunter could have easily been just another detective series. However, with Ryo’s charismatic, if not downright perverted personality and Kaori’s exasperated resilience, this classic detective series embodies the very essence of originality and entertainment!
Despite the grim nature of many of the cases, City Hunter always manages to keep an element of comedy embedded in the narrative. With Ryo’s outrageous behavior with members of the opposite sex, the worst of situations we find our protagonists in will guarantee to move from shock to laughter in an instant!
In fact, it’s Ryo’s charismatic personality, from lecherous creep to serious “sweeper” that constantly keeps the reader enticed. Much like Kasumi Kenshiro from “Fist of the Blue Sky”, Ryo’s reasoning behind undertaking the dirty work of sweeper is what keeps you turning the page!
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So, what do you think of today’s “Nutcracking” manga City Hunter? Is there a favorite moment in this hardboiled series that sticks in your mind? Let me know, and I will pass on your thoughts directly to Hojo sensei!
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SMA8 Interview #15 – Heitor Amatsu (The Excellence Award)
Heitor Amatsu – SMA8 update! The Excellence award “Dance RevoPants” Following on from Heitor Amatsu’s spectacular interview last year, we decided to pin him down again to talk about his SMA8 Excellence Award win for “Game On”, chasing his dreams and the importance of comedy! Hi Heitor Amatsu!Hi!ABOUT SMA8
“Winning the SMA8 was a confirmation (…) my dream can become true!”
How are you feeling for winning an award?I am super happy! Winning an award in the last round was a big surprise for me! It was the start of making my dreams come true. So by winning this second time in the SMA8, it felt almost like a confirmation, that I should keep going, believe I can do it and that my dream will come true!How did your family and friends react?When I saw the result, I felt numb, in shock! Everyone was with me, congratulating me all the way, but it took me a few hours before it sunk in that I’d won an award. What did you think about the theme?I thought the theme was easier than last time. The previous round took me a long time to come up with an idea, but this time, I knew straight away what I wanted to develop. I actually had two ideas, but decided to on submitting the stronger one.Was there any part that you found challenging ?This time, I knew exactly what I wanted to do. The most challenging part was planning the panels. As my story featured a lot of dancing, I wanted to effectively show the energy of the characters as they danced to the beat, while successfully showing that they are following the game directions. It took me a while to work it out, using the arrows to express movement. I’m very pleased with the end result!What was the inspiration for this entry ?My first entry into SMA didn’t secure me an award, and looking back, I realized I was venturing into areas that didn’t match my personality or style. The second time I participated, I went with what I enjoy the most, humor, and it won an award! This is my third experience with SMA and I wanted to stay true to my identity. I’m a gamer, I enjoy video games, card games, table top games and arcade games so when I saw the the theme, I naturally started to think about games. I have a lot of fond memories playing Dance Dance Revolution with my friends so it was the perfect idea!
Always with a GAME ON attitude !…literally ! xD
ABOUT YOUSounds like you had a fun childhood! Anything else we should know about?!Ahaha, yes! My Mother constantly reminds me of this story. When I was very young, I was obsessed with dinosaurs. I couldn’t get enough of them! I would spend hours and hours just dressing dinosaurs all over the walls of the house, driving my mother crazy! I got to the point I’d drawn an entire forest, full of dinosaurs on the wall! (laughs)What is your creative environment like? Do you have a specific process when you work?I work predominantly in digital. In the beginning, I tried mixing both methods, traditional and digital, adding in the ink and tones on the computer, but the end result never satisfied me. So I then decided to everything using one method and master it. While working, I always listening to instrumental music. Classical music and soundtracks keep me calm and allow me to imagine fantastical worlds. It’s very rare for me to listen to music with vocals, though it’s not unheard of. MintJam, a Japanese metal band are my favorite. What do you do to overcome creative block?That’s a very good question! I’ve experienced a lot these ‘blocks’ as a manga creator (laughs). I’m a little reluctant to say this but I’m a very sentimental person, with strong emotions. I often get blocks, brought on by an emotional state and have to then stop working. To overcome this, I stop working for a few hours and play video-games, which almost always get my creative energy flowing again. When did you start to become interested in comics?In elementary school the teachers often used comics books when teaching a class. One thay used often was a Brazilian comic called A Turma da Mônica (Monica’s class) by Mauricio de Sousa, along with some Disney comics. I was instantly attracted to the drawings, spending hours recreating them!
“My first contact with manga came from my family”
When was your first contact with manga?Actually it all started through my own family! (laughs) My Uncle draws very well, and I’ve wanted to be like him since childhood. He was the one that gave me my first taste of manga. I don’t remember exactly which one, but it was either “Saint Seiya” or “Dragon Ball”. From the first moment I saw manga, I was like, “wow!”, the characters are so cool!! My father also had a big role in introducing me to anime! He was working as a fire-fighter, and he and his colleagues used to watch “Saint Seiya” during night shifts! I was so surprised when he showed it to me… Since then, I have never stopped watching it!
Naoki Urasawa seem to be leading the race in this bookshelf!
ABOUT MANGA
“My teacher changed the way I thought about art and comics”
When did you start thinking about becoming a professional manga creator?Many things changed in my life when I turned 13, all thanks to a teacher at school. He was an artist that drew manga himself, while talking to him he taught me a lot about drawing and life in general. He changed my way of thinking about art and comics, thanks to him I started thinking seriously about a career as an illustrator. I will never forget him!How has the path been to becoming a manga creator?Ever since I was young, I’ve wanted to be a professional manga creator. Once I started to learn more about technique, I started to think this impossible dream might come true. The state of country didn’t offer many career possibilities, which further pushed me towards drawing. Once I heard about SMA, I saw my chance! Here in Brazil, we have a vibrant freelance community who self publish their work, so I saw SMA as a great promotional tool if anything else. I love these bets because it offers a chance to show my work to larger audience, while also gaging their reactions. I recently participated in my first Comic Con and received good reactions from the visitors, plus one of my self published comics sold very well. It motivated me to keep pushing my boundaries, keep self publishing and keep on promoting my work here in Brazil. What so you most enjoy when drawing manga?I love drawing emotion with character expressions! Especially as I really enjoy writing comedy.
Always participating in conventions and increasing his fan-base!
ABOUT THE FUTUREIs there anything you’d like to try for your next project?I have always been fascinated by fantasy, especially in a medieval setting. I would love to tackle these themes in my next work. I also love drawing children’s characters, so a story for young children is a project I’d like to explore. What advice so you have for budding manga creators?I’ll quote a line from a game called “Ragnarok”, that has really stuck with me; “Every time you are in a difficult situation, think of you dream and it will come true.” Every time I have doubts, or I feel I’m falling down, I think of this quote. You just have to believe and keep going!Thank you Heitor Amatsu!Pushing boundaries can be a gamble! Though it is always tempting to stay in our comfort zone and produce outstanding work much like Heitor Amatsu side splitting comedy, it’s never a bad idea to try venturing into the unknown. We for one Heitor, are glad you’re taking this plunge into unfamiliar territory! SMAC!ommunity, do you have a creative itch you’re dying to scratch? Are you overflowing with story ideas? If yes, then start drawing for SMA9 round TODAY!! Do you want to join the world’s biggest manga community? Start drawing for the SMA9 round TODAY!SMA9 is the first time we’ve offered THREE themes to choose from! If you feel like a challenge, why not pick two, or all three themes! Make manga your language too! You have until March 31st, 2018 to say “HELLO” to your new friends! Click the banner for more details on how to enter…
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Banner photo by Vi Neves
SMAC! MANGA DOJO #2 – "Manga starts from a doodle!"
<Characters>Penmaru
Is a ninja dog who dreams of becoming the greatest manga creator in the animal world. To help achieve his dream, Mocchi gives him a mission… “Learn how to create manga at the Manga Dojo.” His favorite genre of manga is “Adventure”.
“Shihan” Manga Master
The master of the dojo and Penmaru’s tutor in the ways of manga. An experienced editor who’s worked in the manga industry for over 30 years. His favorite genre of manga is “Spo-Kon (Sports Tenacity)”.
<Previously in MANGA DOJO…>Ninja dog, Penmaru entered the Manga Dojo on the recommendation of Mocchi. There, he encountered “Shihan”, a passionate manga tutor who has devoted his life to manga.Overawed by the passion of Master Shihan, Penmaru couldn’t help blurting out “No!” when asked if he was prepared to die for the glory of manga. However, Master Shihan’s response was an unexpected one…
Ep.2 ”Manga starts from a doodle!”
Penmaru: Hyeeeee!! I… I… I caaaaaaan’t!
Shihan: Yeah, really!!!
Penmaru: EEEEEEEEEEE!?!?!?!?!?!?
Shihan: After all, you’re just a little cub starting out on your Manga journey (*Pat on the shoulder*)
Penmaru: (What’s with his smile…??)
Shihan: You cannot become truly determined in an instant. Determination is something you gain from disciplined drawing in the process of creating manga. Unfocused “determination” can, in fact become a fetter as you grow as a manga creator.
Shihan: Focused determination and technique comes later. If you have time to worry about the future, you should look back to the starting point.
Penmaru: S… starting point?
Shihan: Penmaru, do you remember the first time you drew?
Penmaru: The first time…?
Penmaru: (I hardly remember… Was it my mom? A cat? Might have been poop…?)
Penmaru: … I’m sorry Master Shihan, don’t remember.
Shihan: The first time you drew anything… It might have been a doodle or a drawing just for fun…nothing special.
Penmaru: Y, yes…!
Shihan: Good!! I’ll let you into a ‘secret’, the true nature of manga is…”doodling”!!
Penmaru: Eeeh!? Doodling is the “nature” of manga!?
Shihan: The “God of Manga” Osamu Tezuka sensei tells us in his book, “Manga No Kakikata (How to draw manga)”:
“… Manga starts from a doodle. Manga is not about comic magazines you see in the bookstands at stations – they are manga, made by professionals…Even the scribbles you see inside the toilet are good manga. It’s easy to doodle. It’s not like you have to show it to anyone, and you can draw anything you like. Even if you’re bad at drawing, you can doodle away in peace. THAT is the true nature of manga. And this is exactly what makes manga different from other styles of drawings…”
According to Tezuka sensei, manga is merely “a visual expression of your desire”. There’s no difference between doodling and manga, because you are simply drawing your desires in a way that is fun – just for you.
Penmaru: I see! That’s right!
Shihan: The important thing is to never forget that “FUN” feeling you felt when doodling your first drawing, and keep drawing! Tezuka sensei also says…
“If you happen to dream of becoming a professional manga creator…just keep drawing as much as you can. If you continue drawing, year after year without loosing your passion, your fortune should come come to you by some turn of fate…”
If you want to become a professional, then there’s only one thing you must focus on. If you have any time planning for the future or worrying about how to contact an editor, or even what to do after you turn professional… you NEED to draw any and everything that you find fun and entertaining!
Penmaru: I see! So I should draw as much as I can, even if it’s just a doodle!!
Penmaru: Alright then! I’m burning inside! I’m gonna draw lots and lots!
Shihan: H..hold it Penmaru…the story isn’t…
Penmaru: Shihan!! I’ve just filled 10 notebooks up with my drawings, so I’ll buy 10,000 more notebooks on Amazon! Here I goooooooooooooo!!
Shihan: Whaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa?!?!?!
Shihan’s words has lit a passionate fire in the belly of Penmaru! Pens are scribbling, ink is flowing, pages are piling and bills are ever increasing…
Will there really be any money to continue this series!?
Script: Mayuna Mizutani – Follow me on Twitter and Facebook
Illustration: Roberto F. – Support him on Instagram,Facebook & APOIA.se
Tweet your questions / opinions / reviews at #SMACMangaDojo, and I will answer! 😉
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