Mangacracker #5 ***HUGE SPOILER WARNING!!***If you haven’t read our first batch of spectacular oneshots, then we strongly recommend you do before you read this week’s Nutcracker. Now lets crack this amazing FIRST EVER! Masterclass oneshots! Scaffold by Ichirou.Ichirou has been a beloved member of the masterclass for quite some time. In his previous works, Ichirou has shown his skill as a creator with beautifully designed stories, complex characters and emotional moments that everyone can relate to. I’m a big fan of his “Homesick Alien” piece. The innocence of a child’s dream, the growth of the characters and the amazing setting for this piece just took by breath away.Vivi’s view!In Scaffold, Ichirou makes us wonder how the line between humans and robots becomes blurred, asking the question “what is humanity?” Ichirou’s amazing skills shine through with his incredible art. A master of wonder, Ichirou’s natural but realistic style, enables him to highlight these themes in an engaging way, leaving you questioning what the truth really is.Houseikisama by Roberto F.2nd generation masterclass member and friend of the SMAC! team, Roberto’s Housekisama promises an exciting shounen adventure to come! We are introduced to Hiru, a young boy who starts his journey in search of revenge for the destruction of his home. Despite his hatred for a conquering army, his fight with the Blue Ribbons leader shows he still has an honest and good heart. Valuing his friends, this boy will not let happen to anyone else what befell him! While all the time, enjoying a delicious chocolate bear.Vivi’s view!Housekisama is a good example of a oneshot that leaves you restlessly wanting to know more!Roberto’s charming design effortlessly brings the personalities of the characters out in full force.Hiru’s unique fighting style, using bombs is something fresh for a shounen manga. His love for a chocolate bear that brings back painful memories, coupled with the scar on his face make for an engaging protagonist, making me yearn to see what happens in the next chapter!Hujuan by Alex IrzaqiStrongly influenced by Hokuto no Ken, Alex brings us a battle about love and honor! In danger of losing the love of his life (Rindu) to another man, Hujuan has to participate in a fight for the prize of marrying Rindu! Just like Kenshiro, Hujuan will fight until the end to get his love back! With a plot twist at the end, can Hujuan and Rindu find their happiness together?Vivi’s view!With a signature phrase and milky power up, Hujuan is brimming with special moves, making him a classically cool flighting hero. Alex is really captures the important twists and turns that makes this story enjoyable. By smoothly bringing his character and the reader to a satisfying end, Alex has constructed a surprising tale of heroics, plus an amazing plot twist!Tiny Bond by VanillaVanilla has been part of the SMA since the beginning! In a bond of cuteness, Vanilla shows us an encounter with Ken, an exhausted florist and an incredibly small and adorable child called Shion. Starting from a unexpected encounter, Ken starts life with this tiny being, helping Shion fill a traumatic void that has been left in his heart. How will these two relationships evolve and what kind of troubles will they have along the way?Vivi’s view!Manga making duo Vanilla, as their name suggests, really brings sweetness and cuteness to the story! Tiny bond is a story of belonging, wrapped up in magic! Yes magic! The power of manga is bringing something special to an ordinary, everyday story. Vanilla has demonstrated again and again through their work that they can sprinkle a little magic on any ordinary story, bringing out the wonder and emotions to the readers! What magical stories will they write next? I really look forward to finding out!Sentinel by DS studioIn a world plagued by zombies, Maudy is shocked to discover her parents have turn into the undead. Panicked and with no idea of what to do, she is saved by a mysterious girl. We soon discover that her savior is a zombie hunter, also now a Sentinel! Impressed by her strength, Maudy decided to fight back and become a Sentinel too!Vivi’s view!Maudy is the perfect example of an accidental heroine that rises up to the occasion! Maudy’s innocence, naivety and insecure personality shown in her expressions, really displays her emotions to the readers, in a way that places you in her shoes. The danger of her situation and the emotions she experiences, brings the reader into the actual of this amazing horror story.Watching a character start from nothing to growing through her trials is one of the most satisfying things to follow.Atena by Salvatore GivesAtena is the story of a strong minded girl, that dreams of being a knight! Despite everyone raining doubt on her dream, because of the simple fact that she’s female, this brave girl is determined to prove them wrong! In this oneshot, Salvatore delight us with different characters that surround Atena, that in a short span of time, each one of them get the chance to show their true colors through their actions. Vivi’s view! Salvatore’s style, brings out the magic and misery of Atena’s setting and world. What caught my attention right away was Atena. She has so many different expressions, giving life to this frustrated character! Just like a child, she is naive, innocent, brave and insecure. A very relatable character, proving that she has enough strength to push this story to higher grounds! Did you enjoy this week Manga nutcracker? What did you think about the Masterclass stories ? Would love to hear your opinions! Follow me by Twitter – @SmacViVi Facebook – Vivi Fabbri Smac SMAC! MANGA DOJO #5 – "5 STEPS TO CREATING 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.” His favorite words are “Friendship”, “Effort” and “Victory” “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. His favorite words are “Manga is Esperanto” <Previously in Manga Dojo>By Mocchi’s recommendation, Penmaru, a Ninja Dog who wants to become the best manga creator in the animal world, applies to be an apprentice at the Manga Dojo where Manga Master “Shihan” teaches the ways manga…“Manga is Entertainment”, “Manga is, essentially a doodle”, “Draw Silent Manga to become a better creator”, “Get it done”…Shihan taught Penmaru many words of wisdom, spoken by well-known manga creators, such as Osamu Tezuka and Tetsuo Hara, making Penmaru more determined to become a skilled manga creator. Now Penmaru starts his second day…the actual training is about to begin!!
Ep.5 ”5 STEPS TO CREATING MANGA – The golden equation of pre-production!”
Penmaru: Good morning, Shihan! Shihan: Good morning, Penmaru. Hm? I see you were cleaning the Dojo? Penmaru: Yes, sir! I’ve been cleaning since 5 AM as thought it’d be a good idea to clean the place before moving on to creating…as you say, “A well prepared manga is easier to draw”! Shihan: (Penmaru…! You’re learning…!!) Penmaru: First, I mopped up the floor, then I used the vacuum cleaner then dusted the windows and sweeping the floor again… then you arrived! Shihan: ……? Penmaru, did you really proceed in that order? Penmaru: Huh? Yes, I just mentioned the exact order I did the cleaning! Shihan: (Uh oh…) Shihan: Penmaru… I’m sorry to tell you this, but I believe most people do the dusting and sweeping first, then vacuuming, and finally the mopping, don’t they? I mean, if you do the mopping first, it’d be difficult to vacuum the dust from the floor making your task all the more harder, don’t you think? Penmaru: Oh……Um… I wasn’t thinking that far ahead! Shihan: Everything is ordered in a special way, the same as Manga. If you just work on what you have in front of without a complete picture in your mind, your manga may become less efficient. Penmaru: Boo hoo hoo… Shihan: Nonetheless, you have done a great job getting things done. You’re a hard worker indeed! Therefore I will teach you “The 5 Steps to Creating Manga”, making your manga journey that much easier! As long as you follow these steps, your work is sure to shine…just like this dojo floor! Penmaru: Y-Yes, Shihan!! *** Shihan: Now, Penmaru. In what order do you usually create manga? Penmaru: I work like this…
1. IDEA2. DRAFT3. INKING4. FINISHING
Shihan: I see… it looks very much like, what an intuitive creator would do! Penmaru: Hehehe… (Sweat) Shihan: However, as I said last before, it is very risky to follow this scheme. It’s much more difficult to make changes during the work and in worst cases, you may end up shelving this idea or abandoning completely. I strongly recommend you take more time in preparation. Penmaru: Y, yes… Penmaru: Hmmm, but how exactly should I work on the pre-production and preparation? What do you mean by that? Shihan: It varies for each creator, but in most cases the flowchart would look something like this:
1. NETA-DASHI (Search for ideas)2. PLOT (Arrange the idea to form a story)3. SCENARIO / SERIFU-DASHI (How will you show the scene?)4. NAME / MANGA BLUE-PRINT (How will you draw the scene?)5. MANUSCRIPT (DRAFT -> INKING -> FINISHING, Complete the page)
Broadly speaking, this is how to approach of each step. Penmaru: Hyeeee, there’s so many things to work on before starting the actual pages! Shihan: First, you “FIND” the idea, then you “ORGANIZE” your idea. After that, you “IMAGINE THE FLOW”and “IMAGINE THE SCENE”, until finally, you “DRAW THE SCENE”. That’s the order we want to work in. Penmaru: I see~… Oh! This flowchart reminded me of something, and now I remember it! It’s the flowchart I saw in the video series by Mocchi and Taiyo, “Japanese Manga 101” Shihan: Yes! That series is a mine of useful tips! I would definitely recommend watching it for those who haven’t seen it yet. Penmaru: I think I’d better take a look later, too! Penmaru: ……Gee, there’s so many steps, although I really want to start drawing… Can’t I just skip a step so that I can go on faster? Shihan: Take it easy, Penmaru. It’s not an exaggeration to say that a manga without a stable framework is not worthy as a manga. Penmaru: Isn’t it? Shihan: Kazuo Koike sensei, a manga story writer who co-created works such as “Lone wolf and Cub” amongst many others, says this:
Shihan: Take the airplane as example. If the plane doesn’t have a proper blueprint, you can’t be sure that the plane is safe to fly, right? Penmaru: T-that’s true… I wouldn’t want to fly in a plane that doesn’t have a blueprint. Shihan: Absolutely! It’s the same with manga. You need to plan of how the character moves, how events are placed and create a “NAME = blueprint”. Work on the pre-production, get opinions from the people around you, your manga must be polished to allow it to improve.. Penmaru: Aha~! Shihan: Manga is entertainment, not something you need to live. However, manga has a very important roll: “Make people’s hearts affluent”. Shihan: On the other hand, that means “A manga can only become a manga when it is enjoyed by the reader”. Otherwise, there is no value. In order to entertain the reader, you must shape the manga before you start drawing the pages. Penmaru: I- I never looked at it that way before… Shihan: We are dead serious about manga. That’s why we need to remember this perspective. Did my story make sense to you? Penmaru: Yes, a lot… (Tears) Penmaru: Prepare thoroughly… it in the right order… Haaa, the deadline is right there, and yet I still don’t know when my manga will be finished! Shihan: Well, the preparation should go smoothly by keeping some tips in mind! I will tell you what of tips soon! Shihan: This is what Tsukasa Hojo sensei – one of the judges of SMA- said in the “SMA CHINA ROUND” announcement we had a few days ago:
“WORK before you worry! It is important for a manga creator to organise the idea and the message on paper, whether it’s writing or drawing!”
“Preparing” doesn’t mean “worrying about things”, it means sorting out / arranging what you have in mind. That is, if you want to finish things quick, all you have to do is figure out what you should do, and finish it one after the other! Just like cleaning up this Dojo! Penmaru: Y- Yes! Shihan!! I’m gonna do iiiiiiiiitttttttttt!!! “Preparation is gold” – the obvious, yet often overlooked fact Penmaru has in the heart. Inspired by Shihan’s words, Penmaru decides to get the task done – “CLEAN THE DOJO”! Can he finish cleaning the Dojo in time to start working on his manga!? What”TIPS” is Shihan going to teach!? Wait until April 2nd, to find out!< NEXT EPISODE… April 2 MON > Postponed to April 9 MON… Did you enjoy reading this story? Did you find a hint to improve your manga creation? If YES, please share the article with your fellow creators! And if NO, please let me know how I can improve! We welcome any kind of opinions and questions, requests and comments, anytime! Don’t forget to follow me on Twitter for updates 😉 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! 😉 WHAT IS MASTERCLASS? WHAT IS MASTERCLASS?The MasterClass is an incredible opportunity, awarded to manga creators who produce work, above and beyond the expectations of the SILENT MANGA AUDITION® judging panel. Hosted by COAMIX, this exclusive class is open to artists who display the most manga making potential, no matter their level of technical ability, via a ‘point system’ in the form of awards. So, what should you expect from this exciting MasterClass…?
Once you qualify for the MasterClass, you will be a part of an exclusive group of manga creators. A network of artists, editors and manga professionals, the COMMUNITY is a fertile ground for exchanging ideas, techniques and exciting work amongst your peers and senpais!
A once in a lifetime opportunity awaits you as a MasterClass member, the chance to meet real manga legends, including Tsukasa Hojo sensei and Tetsuo Hara sensei! Passionate about supporting the next generation of creators, these giants of manga will be ready to offer advice, wisdom and technical know-how in the form of exclusive lectures and workshops. A truly unmissable experience!
Integral to the professional manga making process is editorial support, and as a member of the Masterclass, you’ll get just that! By working closely with the SMAC! and Comic Zenon editorial teams, you will receive world class support from professionals at the very forefront of the Japanese manga industry. Additionally, you will also receive advice, feedback and unbridled enthusiasm from our teams, making your global debut resound with a BANG throughout the world of international manga!
Now you’re ready to unleash your published manga to the world! Your hard work has paid off, your dreams have been realized, isn’t this why you wanted to become a manga creator?! With all completed work remunerated by COAMIX, plus the the full support of the SMA editorial team, your work will have the potential to feature in the pages of Monthly Comic Zenon, and the digital magazines Manga HOT and Web Comic Zenyon. Your professional career as a mangaka has begun!
But how will people know your work exists?! Well, as a member of the Masterclass, both COAMIX and the SMA editorial team, will fully promote your lovingly crafted manga on a variety of media platforms, with a focus on your home market, including both digital and print. By showcasing your work, a whole host of opportunities may unfold, from character design and animation invitations to your very own manga series, we will ensure your work, and career are given maximum worldwide exposure, cementing your place as a professional manga creator.
As a qualified MasterClass member, COAMIX will also fly you to the home of manga with an all expenses paid trip to JAPAN! This carefully organized trip is catered to show you the very best from this beautiful country, from attending ceremonies and an exclusive Manga Camp within the natural beauty of Kumamoto to exploring the sprawling metropolis you know so well from your favorite manga and anime…TOKYO!
Last, but certainly not least, being a member of the MasterClass is FUN! Together with your community, you’ll enjoy group experiences, with a focus on what you love…manga! By connecting with like-minded manga creators, you will create your own, fun-filled opportunities of inspiring activities, allowing you to collectively strive to make your manga dreams come true.
The MasterClass is an excellent opportunity to help launch your professional, manga making career. It offers you the chance to meet, face to face, your peers and experienced professionals, allows you to get involved in world class workshops and lectures and lets you experience Japan through the eyes of manga, all in preparation for that ultimate goal, to become a manga! So earn those points, win those awards and catch the attention of the SILENT MANGA AUDITION® judging panel for a chance to join us, here in Japan.
We are very pleased to announce the 2018 Masterclass membership list!
COAMIX and the SMAC! team would like to offer a huge thanks to all who entered the SILENT MANGA AUDITION® last year. We were overwhelmed, both by the response and the passion for manga exhibited. We look forward to making 2018 even more successful.
The newest member of the masterclass is already working at full speed. Check out Massimo’s recent, exciting work! Kakimoji SOS – 04 KAKIMOJI RANGER
3 is the magic number, sang the famous song. But if 3 is magic, then 5 is most definitely spectacular!! Think about it: we have old fashioned anime 5 members group like the Gatchman squad, then Saint Seiya’s Bronze Saints and of course the Power Rangers team! What those 5 members teams has in common? The colours! Red, Blue, Yellow, Green and Pink… and now that I think about it, we at SMAC! are 5 as well! Me, Mayu, Chris, Vivi and Taiyo! Kakimoji are like super Sentai squads, formed of 5 elements to form the strongest Megazord ever: a perfect balanced kakimoji manga! Hello my noisy friends! Enrico here! Today we will classify our beloved Kakimoji in order to better understand their usage. As said by the Japanese linguistic Haruhiko Kindaichi, 5 types of Kakimoji can be find in the Japanese language and literature/manga: 1) Giongo 擬音語, Kakimoji for sounds made by objects and nature. The most used Kakimoji. He’s the leader of the Kakimoji group, the Red Ranger. 2) Giseigo 擬声語, this Kakimoji represents animal and human sounds. He’s the best friend of the Red Ranger. Their powers combined can represent countless sounds! He’s the Blue Ranger. 3) Gitaigo 擬態語, describes conditions and states of inanimate objects. This kakimoji can help the reader to understand perfectly the character’s emotions thanks to the intelligence of its representative Sentai hero: He’s the Green Ranger. 4) Giyougo 擬容語, describes aspect and movements of living things. The Ranger with the deeper link with Nature: The Yellow Ranger. 5) Gijougo 擬情語, used for express feelings and emotions. Fragile and delicate, it’s the Pink Ranger! So, after the introduction of our super heroes, let’s see their true powers with some practical examples: IT’S KAKIMOJI TIME! We’ll take the newest Hara sensei manga, found in COMIC ZENON international, IKUSA NO KO! Let’s focus on 2 different panels. We have 2 different Kakimoji in the same panel: In the largest one, we have the GISEIGOUHIHIII, representing the noises of the horses (we can SEE the call comes from any horse in the group, because the Kakimoji covers the whole scene). Then, in the little panel on the right we have the GIYOUGOMUN MUN, expressing the sensuality of the female horses. Just look at their hearts and cute eyes 😀 But, the same horse group makes did an actual sound when they was presented in the previous page running across the mountain. How is that sound is VISUALLY EXPRESSED? With the thickly designed DODODO Kakimoji! Ever thought what DODODO and GOGOGO (see KAKIMOJI SOS #3) are? They are GIONGO, representing objects and nature! Did you see how the variation of Kakimoji can change even the smallest detail in your story?! We should really thanks Hara sensei for these excellent examples! What do you think? Would you like an interview with the master of manga art and Kakimoji? Let me know! 😜 Pen Maru says:Please friends, do not answer this last question with a YES on Enrico’s social networks or he will fill up this article series JUST with Hara sensei’s beautiful artwork! What did you say?! You are Hara sensei’s fan, too? Oh, well, then…! Hey, Penmaru, what are you saying to our readers?! You little brat!! Oh well, my friends, see you next week with an article about the DESIGNED difference between SHOJO and SHONEN manga Kakimoji!Do not miss it! Follow me: TwitterFacebook The Accidental Gaijin #4: Eclectic Electric Town, Part 1
I love punk rock, particularly 1970’s, British punk rock. I love the music, the fashion and the attitude. Especially the attitude. So living in a country where “the nail that sticks out gets hammered down” (“出る釘は打たれる”), my anarchic leanings, not to mention my preferred volume when listening to my beloved punk may not sit well with my neighbours. But music must be played, always, which happily places me in the market for a record player. But where in all of Tokyo can I find one? That would be Akihabara!
Punk in Japan!
If Nakano is the past, then Akihabara is most definitely the future. Sitting prominently on the circular Yamanote Line, this bustling area of Tokyo got its name from a local shrine honoring a fire extinguisher – seriously, Edo had a lot fires back then! Post war, the area soon became THE place to pick up electrical goods, initially household time savers, and more recently, computers, video games and audio gear, earning itself the moniker “Electric Town” in the process.
The game is afoot! Flickr/Hikosaemon
Rising from the stygian depths of Akihabara station, my first taste of “Electric Town” is noise. Deafening, high-pitched wailing noise. I’m plunged into a state of confusion as advertisements, music, car horns and the chatter of a thousand tourists, office workers and denizens of Tokyo thoroughly assault my senses. Eager to seek shelter from this indescribable din, I run towards the nearest door and enter a world I had no idea existed. The AKB48 Theatre.
The Theatre of Pop dreams. Flickr/Dick Thomas Johnson
Formed in Akihabara (ahhh, so that’s what “AKB” means!) in 2005, AKB48 are the zenith of manufactured pop, a fact this group wears proudly in its sleeve. The brainchild of Yasushi Akimoto, AKB48 was founded with the maxim “idols you can meet”, and in a genre where “Idols”, or pop singers are viewed as untouchable and otherworldly, this vision is paradise on earth for many (See Satoshi Kon’s Perfect Blue, an excellent study of fame driven obsession in the idol world).
Perusing the gift shop, I’m immediately struck by how big this group is, both in popularity and actual members! With over 130 idols, with an age range starting from early teens to early 20’s, AKB48 are huge! More than a pop group, they’re a business…and business is booming! Every piece of merchandise imaginable sit on racks before me, from keyrings and posters to CD’s and arcade games (my personal favourite being Sailor Zombie: AKB48 Arcade Edition, in which the player uses a light a gun to vaccinate zombified AKB members).
Making a circuit of the shop, I spot a tantalizing curtain, drawn back to reveal a modest stage and an ever growing audience. A member of staff sees my inquisitive face peering into the theatre, and quickly closes the curtain just as the music begins – no free ride for me!
I exit the AKB48 Theatre and, once again enter the maelstrom of neon and noise of Akihabara, while musing on the popularity of this enigmatic super group. Britain’s most famous punk band, The Sex Pistols share a lot of similarities with AKB48. Both were manufactured to sell an identity, with merchandise to match (the Pistol’s played a huge part in launching the career of Vivian Westwood, a designer much loved here in Japan). Punk was all about anti-establishment and giving a voice to the disenfranchised youth in the last vestiges of post-war Britain, whereas AKB embody the very essence of “kawaii” in a culture that covets youth and beauty. Though opposite sides of the spectrum, they both, in their own way represent a voice for a very dedicated demographic.
The neon future beckons.
Shaking myself out of my musings, I focus on the task in hand…my quest to find a record deck worthy enough to play my treasured collection of vinyl! Heading towards the main thoroughfare of Electric Town, I freeze as I’m presented with an impossible vision of the future. To quote Dave Bowman from Stanley Kubrick’s seminal masterpiece, 2001 Space Odyssey… “My God, it’s full of stars!”…
Tune in next Wednesday to read the next exciting installment of Eclectic Electric Town!!
Chris
Is there any other areas of Tokyo you’d like me to visit? Though me your suggestion, making sure to add #accidentgaijin!
Manga Nutcracker #4 – Ranma 1/2 Ranma 1/2Rumiko Takahashi1987
“A young boy, martial art prodigy,
transforms into a woman when touching water!”
A giant panda who kidnaps a girl …too far-fetched?In Ranma ½, reality and fantasy merge, in this gender bending martial art love comedy! It all begins with a letter being delivered to the Tendou dojo, announcing the arrival of Ranma. But who is Ranma?Patiently awaiting the arrival of Ranma, and his decision, the sisters are surprised as a giant panda bursts into their house carrying a mystery girl! Amid all this turmoil, the letter appears to miss one important detail… Ranma and his father are cursed!The goal to improve their martial art skills, Ranma and his father travel to distant China, to the legendary training ground of Jusenkyo. Dismissing the warnings, they begin their training amongst the cursed springs! Each spring contains a different curse, with both Ranma and his father falling foul of two springs. Upon making contact with water, Ranma is cursed with transforming into a girl, while his father turns into a panda. Only hot water can turn them back into their natural states. Unwillingly being turned into a girl is a huge source of shame for this independent martial artist, driving him to find a cure at all costs. But even amongst this huge disaster, Ranma’s father still insists on his son fulfilling his duty and marrying one of the daughters of the Tendou dojo! There, Ranma meets Tendou Akane, the youngest and most skilled martial artist in her family. Strong minded, and a hatred for men, the two of them don’t exactly begin their relationship on the right foot!
This is my favorite scene in Ranma 1/2, can you guess what happened? Drawing by Vivi.
Nut Cracking TIME! The driving force of this manga should be their quest in finding a cure for their respective curses, but it’s Ranma’s interaction with Akane that pushes the story forward, giving us a rollercoaster of comedy, martial arts and charming characters. Saotome Ranma’s self contained personality stands out from the others, especially compared to Akane’s straight forward personality, endearing the reader with a laid-back attitude that is only opposed when challenged. He is most definitely not an open book, most of the time his actions speaking for themselves! His frankness often gets him into trouble on an interpersonal level, but despite his lack of social skills, he is generally shows concern for those around him. His pride often get in the way, his mistakes and stubbornness in admitting his wrongdoing, followed by his attempts to fix those problem makes him a flawed and relatable character. Rumiko Takahashi’s brilliant use of comedy cannot be underestimated, her one liners are perfectly delivered, giving you an attack of the giggles at the best time. Vivi’s point!
As a huge fan of Rumiko Takahashi, I deeply enjoyed cracking this manga! Reading back Ranma½ I found myself reading the pages at a conformable speed. Takahashi’s sensei style really flows smoothly, breaking when it needs to and taking you by surprise even in the smallest way. I love the simplicity of her style but how well she makes the readers enter the story through effective frames. I love Ranma’s personality, he starts as nothing the typical loud protagonist, a little shy and contained, but when his pride is hurt he will behave as the shounen hero that he is.
Who is you favorite Ranma 1/2 character? What’s your favourite moment? Let me know, using the #mangacracker! Twitter – @SmacViVi Facebook – Vivi Fabbri Smac SMAC! MANGA DOJO #4 – "GET IT DONE!" <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 food is Ramen. “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. His favorite food is Niku-jaga (Japanese Meat & Potato Stew) <Previously in MANGA DOJO…>“If you want to develop your skills in creating manga, draw SILENT MANGA!!”Motivated by Shihan’s lesson, Penmaru decided to join the SILENT MANGA AUDITION®, his first step to become a professional manga creator.He immediately attempted to create his first manga, fueled by passion and determination… but…?
Ep.2 ”GET IT DONE!”
Penmaru: Aha, that’s true! Alright, I’m definitely going to try! Penmaru: Now it’s time to order manuscript papers, inks and pens!!! Here I goooooooooooo!! Shihan: Wait wait waaaaaaaaiiiiit!! Hold it!!! Penmaru: Eeeeeeh!?!? What is it , Shihan!? I want to draw manga, and entertain everyone right now!! Shihan: And that is exactly why you must “WAIT”! Shihan: Manuscript paper? Inks and pens? Penmaru, are you planning to start drawing without any preparation? Penmaru: No way! I have the idea in mind already. All I have to do is draw a draft on paper and ink it! That’s how I make manga! Shihan: …… Penmaru: (Oh, he’s finally silent! I bet I’ve shocked him with how right I am, he has no reason to scold me this time!) Shihan: Penmaru… how much have you thought about your idea? Penmaru: ?? Well, I am planning to draw a manga where the protagonist cooperates with his all his teammates, plays well, and wins the match! Shihan: I see… and can you tell me how they play so well? Penmaru: Ah that! Well, I’ll come up with a reason as I draw. I wanna start drawing the cool action scenes and a charming protagonist first! 😉 Shihan: Penmaru… how many pages do you intend to draw, in how much time? Penmaru: Hmmmm, I’m not sure yet but I think I’ll have it finished in 2 weeks. Shihan: (I see, this boy…) Shihan: (He’s absolutely haphazard!!!) Penmaru: Hm? What’s the matter, sir? Shihan: Penmaru…In order to become successful, there is but one goal you must aim for. Do you know what that goal is? Penmaru: Win an award?? Become the top voted manga? After all, it’s better to aim for the best, if you gotta aim for anything! Shihan: I see how you think. But I think of it this way… Shihan: TO GET THE MANGA DONE!! Penmaru: !!! Penmaru: Huh!? Isn’t that too humble of you? Isn’t that aiming too low? Of course I need to get the manga done! Shihan: When you want to become the best, it may pretty obvious. However, this is at the very core of manga. No manga creator has been successful without working on the basics. Shihan: Just think about it, Penmaru. How much time does it take for you to draw one page? Penmaru: ??? About 4 hours I think, if you mean drawing the draft and inking it…… Shihan: I see. Now imagine… “What would you do if you change the story as during drawing?” Penmaru: Huh? Well……I would probably re-draw from the beginning. I don’t want something half baked, you know. Shihan: I see… so do you still think you could complete your manga in 2 weeks? Penmaru: !!!! I didn’t think about that!!!!! Shihan: Kazuo Koike sensei, a manga writer who co-created works include ‘Lone Wolf and Cub’ amongst many others, told this to the students in his manga classes:
“An ironclad rule to becoming a manga creator is to “complete a manga, no matter what”. This is very important. Whatever the content, once the END mark is added, a manga is considered completed and is now “a piece” or “a production”, which can be read by anybody, or sent to a manga competition. Also, completing a piece gives you confidence to move onto the next work… If you’re starting your manga career, first aim for completing your work and adding the END mark. Then, when you move to your next work, keep in mind your action to finalize/polish your manga while trying to complete it.”
Shihan: Creating a single manga episode… is already a very hard and time consuming task to accomplish. Just like you tried to do right now, if you start aimlessly drawing, you will most likely bump into an unexpected obstacle. Shihan: Needless to say, it’s absolutely absurd to just give up drawing the work you promised to complete, just because you faced an obstacle. You can never the win trust from either the editor or the reader this way! Penmaru: Nooooo!! Shihan: Right? However, things can be simple. All you have to do is prepare throughly, complete the manga, show it to people and get opinions. Shihan: You cannot make an aircraft if you don’t have the parts or the blueprint. You cannot cook without the recipe or the ingredients. Likewise, you cannot create a manga episode without a prepared idea. As they say, “more haste, less speed, better safe than sorry”! Shihan: A well prepared manga is easier to draw,, and less likely to fail. If you want to complete a manga sooner, it is important to plan one step at a time and go through it steadily. Penmaru: OK…! (Sweat) Penmaru: Ah… there’s so much to learn from Shihan… I still have lots to work to do. Can I really become the manga creator I dream of? Shihan: ……Penmaru. You do tend to go wild, and move mindlessly… Penmaru: (Ugh, he’s quite harsh!!) Shihan: But you have a strong weapon inside you… “Passion”. Just like Tezuka sensei insists, being able to continue drawing is a talent in itself. You are gifted, in the way you continue to work to make your dream come true. Shihan: As long as you are facing the right direction, your passion will lead you to become a beloved manga creator! Penmaru: !! Shihan…! Shihan: Good! Let’s rest for the day! Let me see your passionate, eager face tomorrow! Penmaru: Yes!! Thus, Penmaru’s noisy first day at the Dojo ends. How will he grow, under the strict yet loving tutelage of Shihan!?
The manga journey of this Ninja Dog to has only just begun…
What kind of lessons will await this young manga creator?
Read the next episode, to know the steps of manga creation!! < NEXT EPISODE… March 19 MON > Did you enjoy reading this story? Did you find a hint to improve your manga creation? If YES, please share the article with your fellow creators! And if NO, please let me know how I can improve! We welcome any kind of opinions and questions, requests and comments, anytime! Don’t forget to follow me on Twitter for updates 😉 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! 😉 THE LEGEND OF "WASAMON" #1 : Pedestrian Scramble In the center of Kyushu, in the far west of Japan, lies a land called Kumamoto. Surrounded by a bottle green sea and towering mountains, this place of outstanding beauty is known as the “Land of Fire” by the local people…and where there is beautiful nature, unique and intriguing cultures flourish. Naturally, the people of Kumamoto have imbued their own culture and language with these same, mystifying characteristics. We have already discussed the word “WASAMON” – the theme of SMA-EX3, being a concept found solely in the Kumamoto dialect. Roughly translating as “a person who loves new things”, WASAMON perfectly sums up the people of Kumamoto, an inquisitive population, fascinated by innovation. That being said, it is quiet difficult to convey an accurate understanding of the concept “a person who loves new things”. What exactly do we mean by “new”? Or “love” for that matter. Ok, we can hear all you Manga fans out there, shouting “you’re a Manga webmagazine! Show it! Don’t explain it!!” Hear you we have, so here’s a brand, spanking new article, aimed at helping you understand the concept of “WASAMON” through emotion! In this series, we’ll be introducing you to some intriguing examples and legends of “WASAMON”, directly from the people of Kumamoto themselves, to improve your manga creating skills!
A Chronicle of Pioneers: “Pedestrian Scramble”
To kick off the series, we’ll be looking at the “Pedestrian Scramble (A crossroad that temporarily stops all vehicular traffic, allowing pedestrians to move in all directions for a short amount of time)”. If “Mt. Fuji” and the Temples and Shrines of Kyoto & Nara represent traditional Japan, then the bustling, fast paced thoroughfare of Shibuya’s Pedestrian Scramble, or Shibuya Crossing, most definitely embodies modern Japan. Yes, I’m, talking about Tokyo’s enormous pedestrian crossing, enclosed by towering, modern buildings, huge screens blasting out advertisements, that green, vintage rail carriage and the iconic statue of Hachiko (Japan’s loyalist dog). Most visitors admit to being overwhelmed by this monstrous human fortress, made famous by the movie “Lost in Translation” and a whole host of manga and anime, but it’s a must on any tourist’s schedule, including our Master Class trips, where at least one person requests a visit! But did you know, the idea of this Urban Monster was first thought up in Kumamoto? Back in 1968 (or was it 1969?), the very first “pedestal scramble” in Japan was first built in Kokai, Chuo-ku in Kumamoto City. Located within close proximity to Kumamoto University and a popular shopping hub, Kokai was a notorious hotspot for traffic jams. Exasperated, the Kumamoto Police searched for a solution when genius struck! Inspired by “Fifth Avenue” in New York city, they decided to introduce a new concept, an innovative pedestrian crossing, thereby alleviating the ever mounting congestion.
“Shibuya scramble” came to life in 1973, less than five years later. Though younger than it’s Kumamoto counterpart, “Shibuya Crossing” certainly makes up in numbers, with an estimated 3000 people crossing it every 5 minutes! That’s 3000 people, rushing along under the glare of neon every time a green signal flashes. Intrigued by this crossing rivalry, our team counted the people crossing in Kumamoto, which was…19! Not even 1% of Shibuya Scramble!! The Kokai Scramble may not be as famous as Shibuya’s, or as busy, but it was Japan’s first. A fact the innovation seekers of Kumamoto are, quite rightly, immensely proud of. More than just a crossing, this pioneering, little space in Kumamoto has a big place in the hearts of the locals. After all, this is the home of “WASAMON”. Penmaru:That’s sooooo cool!! I had no idea that Japan’s most famous tourist spot had it’s roots in Kumamoto! It seems there are more surprises to come… don’t you think so, Shihan!?Shihan:Yes. I can feel the “WASAMON” spirit of the Kumamoto people, especially in the way the police looked to New York for a solution. I imagine the guy thought, “We should look to the wider world, to learn more”… “Cool” indeed! And thus, the first legend “WASAMON” has been told on the SMAC!’s page. What kind of “WASAMON” will come next!? Read the next episode to find out! Did you feel the spirit of WASAMON from the people in Kumamoto? If you did, share this article with your friends, and spread the coolness! If you didn’t, tweet/message Mayu so that she can work harder next time! Don’t forget to follow her on Twitter/Facebook, too!Featured Image: “Shibuya” by Candida.Performa / licensed under CC BY 2.0 Kakimoji SOS – 03 LET’S “GOGOGO” INTO ACTION
The night is in the grip of a violent thunderstorm. Clutching your teddy bear in terror, you almost jump out of your skin as a bolt of lightening rips open the ground, just feet from your house. With your big fight with the World’s Greatest Fighter just hours away, sleep would be elusive on the quietest of nights. But this night is charged with an electric atmosphere, making sleep impossible, enveloping the room with… “GOGOGOGOGO!” The day of the Big Fight finally dawns. You and your fellow opponent approach the fighting ground as the frenzied crowd scream out your names. The deafening roar swirls around the stadium like a bird-of-prey in flight, searching you out, stalking your every step, as you draw ever closer to your destiny… “GO GO GO GO!”
GO! THE MATCH BEGINS!
…But, there’s something wrong…your opponent is a GIANT, his presence twisting the very air around you! The terror of the previous night begins to swallow you up. This giant’s towering presence alone reduces you to a quivering mess, making you stagger back in… “GOGOGOGO!!! Hello, my NOISY friends! This week’s article will bring you directly to the action (actually, I hope I already did that, with my nail biting intro!), allowing us to analyze a very special Kakimoji. One that was specifically requested by our beloved SMAC! mascot, Penmaru…
“Enrico, when are you going to talk about the sound of action…GOGOGOGOGO?!”
In Japanese, it’s possible to know EVERYTHING about a particular character from their name alone. For example, names beginning with the letter ‘G’ will involve a guttural sound emanating from the throat when pronounced, making a very strong, tough and solid sound. Take the iconic characters, Goku, Gundam and Godzilla. They not only share names beginning with the letter ‘G’, they also happen to be the strongest in their own, respective world. Whether it’s a man, gigantic power suit or Kaiju! Do you think this is pure coincidence? How do you think this power is expressed by Kakimoji? With the sound of action or course: “GOGOGO!!!” (Editor’s note: if you can read Japanese, I strongly suggest the book Kaiju no na ha naze Ga-Gi-Gu-Ge-Go na no ka ISBN: 978-4106100789 – Litt. Why Kaiju’s names start with Ga Gi Gu Ge Go?) So, how did you FEEL when you soaked up that pre-fighting scene? How do you FEEL by look at their stance and posture with their auras surrounding all the scene? Do you the air that brings war and destruction also bring on the Kakimoji “GOGOGO”?! Now try to “read” the Kakimoji flowing through the panel, giving the scene an incredible sense of action: prepare your throat for a second and chant “GO GO GO GO”. Can you sense it?! Can you feel an atmosphere of expectant dread?! This is the power of manga! You’ve just proved that words on a printed page, here, Kichijoji, Japan can be understood and felt around the world, as it was originally intended! …sorry, but I have to say it again…AREN’T KAKIMOJI AMAZING?!?! But what does this word mean? Let’s keep in mind the importance of the letter G at the beginning of certain words, while we focus on how this sound has been categorized, making this, perhaps one of the most famous onomatopoeia (Kakimoji) in manga. When we editors at SMAC! have any doubts, we always ask to our Editor-in-Chief, Mocchi san…and this is what he has top say about this particular Kakimoji: There’s no definite origin of the “GOGOGO” Kakimoji. It could have its roots in the Kakimoji “GOROGORO”, the sound of clouds before releasing thunder, or maybe the sound of a traditional Chinese gong when rung, “GON GON”. In both cases, they produce an atmosphere of expectation, building up excitement and promising an incredibly entertaining scene!
↓↓ Clouds “GOROGOROGORO” Kakimoji’s example! ↓↓
Thank you, Mocchi san!
I can finally see the roots of “GOGOGO”! Now let’s take a look at the following scene, with a great gong being beaten just before battle…
“GOOOON!”
This panel TALKS for itself, effectively showing the resounding power of the Kakimoji used. Take a look! The first and last “letters” are written bigger than the rest, letting the reader focus mostly on those two letters. The “OOOO” part is then perceived as an echo! In this panel, time stops as the Kakimoji expands in “time” to generate a sound effect! The direct ACTION of the original Kakimoji, “GON” and the echoed REACTION to signify the passing of time. ACTION AND REACTION IN THE SAME KAKIMOJI! OH HOW MUCH I LOVE THEM!
Penmaru says: I LOVE KAKIMOJI TOO! Thank you Enrico, for explaining all the wonders of the Kakimoji “GOGOGO”! But now that you’ve talked about the sound of nature, like storms and clouds in building up tension, I see there are subtle differences in the Kakimoji itself… Are you telling me that there are varying degrees in each Kakimoji?! 💕
Ahahah, Penmaru, you are a wise scholar! Yes, there are different Kakimoji classifications, depending on what they express. Do you want to know more about these, too? Well, see you next week then! CIAO!FOLLOW ME: Twitter – @kenrico7 Facebook – Enrico Croce SmacBanner picture background photo by Courtney Collison
Scaffold by Ichirou. Ichirou has been a beloved member of the masterclass for quite some time. In his previous works, Ichirou has shown his skill as a creator with beautifully designed stories, complex characters and emotional moments that everyone can relate to. I’m a big fan of his “Homesick Alien” piece. The innocence of a child’s dream, the growth of the characters and the amazing setting for this piece just took by breath away. Vivi’s view! In Scaffold, Ichirou makes us wonder how the line between humans and robots becomes blurred, asking the question “what is humanity?” Ichirou’s amazing skills shine through with his incredible art. A master of wonder, Ichirou’s natural but realistic style, enables him to highlight these themes in an engaging way, leaving you questioning what the truth really is. 
But, the same horse group makes did an actual sound when they was presented in the previous page running across the mountain. How is that sound is VISUALLY EXPRESSED? With the thickly designed DODODO Kakimoji! 
There’s no definite origin of the “GOGOGO” Kakimoji. It could have its roots in the Kakimoji “GOROGORO”, the sound of clouds before releasing thunder, or maybe the sound of a traditional Chinese gong when rung, “GON GON”. In both cases, they produce an atmosphere of expectation, building up excitement and promising an incredibly entertaining scene! 
