Winner of the SMA19 Grand Prix, ryancomicpress, Releases a Brand New One-shot!
Masterclass member ryancomicpress, who won the SMA19 Grand Prix with his work, “The Unexpected Dinner Guest”, has received another award for his newest one-shot, “New Days”! The award was announced in the July Edition of Monthly Comic Zenon.
In “New Days”, Butcher, an assassin, is assigned to protect Margot Valington, the teenage daughter of a mafia boss. Even Butcher, a stoic and emotionless assassin, is moved by Margot’s bubbly personality, and the two strike up an unlikely friendship. However, how will the two react when their new bond is tested?
“New Days” received an Excellence Award in the 11th Kyushu International Manga Award, and is now available to read in English! To celebrate the English release of “New Days”, we are releasing a special Q&A with ryancomicpress! Read on to find out more about his process and the inspiration for this one-shot.
How do you feel about winning this award?
It feels good and I’m very grateful. However, I still want to try for a better award next time. It’s a hopeful indicator that I’m on the right path to becoming a professional mangaka, but I’m still not satisfied yet. After I get a better award, I want to aim for a piece that can be serialized and make my Japanese debut. I’d like to move to Japan and live in the Artists Village, too.
How did you think of the idea for this piece?
I wanted to draw a friendship between a prim and proper ojou-sama type character and a scary, “evil” character. Although this piece changed many, many times, the main idea always stayed the same.
What do you think is the best part of this piece?
Without trying to sound like I’m boasting, I think my art is the best thing about the piece. Even though the deadline was right around the corner, I’m happy to say that the art I drew was up to my standards, and I didn’t compromise on the quality.
What did you struggle with when creating this piece?
I feel like I struggled with almost everything – anything related to writing, really. I’m still new to writing stories in general. Keeping the dialogue to the absolute minimum was a huge challenge for me in the beginning. Trying to cram everything into a short and concise 39 pages was incredibly difficult. Even after writing draft after draft, it still did not go the way I originally envisioned. I often wondered if there was a “correct” way to make the story and which paths would lead me to that correct way. The deadline was rough, and as much as I tried to maintain a healthy relationship with making this manga, it still almost wrecked me in the end.
Was there anything you tried to keep in mind while creating these characters?
I tried to always remember that my protagonists are supposed to contrast. To me, the more they contrast, the more unique and alive they feel.
What are your favorite manga?
I love gyaru romance manga. My favorite right now would have to be Otaku ni Yasahii Gyaru wa Inai!?, or Gal Can’t be Kind to Otaku!?. It’s probably because pretty popular girls never took an interest in my anti-social nerdy self, while I always wanted to date a pretty popular girl.
What kind of manga do you want to draw next?
Something stupid and fun. Something with crime. Something with superheroes. Most important of all, I really want to draw a sexy curvy lady.
What is your latest obsession?
Fortnite. I love Fortnite. I just want to play Fortnite all day. If I wasn’t trying to be a mangaka, I would try to become a Fortnite pro and win the Fortnite world championship. I’m also forever obsessed with Yu-Gi-Oh!
Do you have any final comments for the readers?
These questions make it seem like I got here by myself. In reality, my editors played a huge role every step of the way in helping me make this piece a reality. If you are aspiring to win SMA, then be prepared to work with your editors. Also, as an aside, I used photographic references for nearly every character in every panel of the manga. Every morning for around a month I would wake up, spend around an hour taking pictures of myself posing in a high school girl outfit, and then draw it. The process was difficult, frustrating, and extremely stressful, but it was fun. You have to be willing to do anything to make your piece successful, which can be really difficult. That’s why I still sometimes wonder if I’m cut out to be a professional mangaka.
Do you want to be published in Japan as well? Take the first step and join SMA22!
Manga Prodigy Plushelisa Wins the Top Prize in the 11th Kyushu International Manga Award!
We are excited to announce that Plushelisa has won the top prize in the 11th Kyushu International Manga Award! Her award-winning manga, “MY FRIEND TOMA”, was published in the August edition of Monthly Comic ZENON, and is now available in English on the SMAC website. Don’t forget to check it out!
“MY FRIEND TOMA” is the story of Mari, a shut-in who decides to cut herself off from the rest of the world. However, after living in isolation for a year, Mari realizes that even she, a self-declared misanthrope, can get lonely. Thus, Mari embarks on a journey to create her ideal friend: an AI program called “Toma”. Will Toma lead Mari even further into isolation, or will he encourage her to rejoin society?
Plushelisa received the following comments from the ZENON Editorial Department about her new work:
Incredible… It really frightened me… Plushelisa shows the characters’ emotions so well, and can draw really beautifully. I have high expectations for her.
The story was really interesting! I can’t believe the author is only 18 years old! I wanted to know why the main character became a shut-in.
Plushelisa is a promising young creator who previously won the top prize in the 20th round of the SMA with her work, “You Have My Heart”. Now, at the age of 18, she has also received the top prize for the Kyushu International Manga Award! We interviewed the manga prodigy to learn more about her process when creating this piece. Read on to find out more!
How do you feel about winning this award?
I didn’t expect it at all. During the creation of my one-shot, I had a lot of self-doubt. There were a lot of voices in my head telling me it wasn’t good enough. I even had nightmares about it (haha!). Given the quality of my previous award-winning work, I didn’t think my one-shot could win an award, so when my editors told me the news, I was in shock. I’m very grateful and it motivates me to work even harder on my next project!
Even though I knew I wanted to enter the competition, I had no idea what kind of story I was going to create. So, I did a lot of research to find inspiration. I watched films and spent a lot of time racking my brain. Then, one day, I listened to a podcast about a girl who had pretended to be someone else on the internet. This was the starting point for the rest of the story.
What do you think is the best part of this piece?
I love the moment when Toma seems to materialize in the real world, even though it’s just Mari’s hallucination. I really enjoyed drawing that page.
What did you struggle with when creating this piece?
I took the time to make this one-shot very dynamic. Mari is in her room in front of her computer for the first 20 pages, and I was worried that would be boring and monotonous. So, I tried to vary the angles and stage the panels differently to make it more dynamic.
Was there anything you tried to keep in mind while creating these characters?
When I originally designed the characters, Mari had much shorter hair. However, with short hair, it was much more difficult to give her that disheveled, tired look. So, I decided to give her long hair, and I think that made it easier to communicate her mental state to the readers.
What are your favorite manga?
Recently, I read Fire Punch by Tatsuki Fujimoto. I loved the originality of the story and the characters. I’m also currently reading Bakuman. I’m learning a lot about the underbelly of the manga world, and it’s very interesting!
What kind of manga do you want to draw next?
I’d like to create a tragic story that readers will remember for a long time.
What is your latest obsession?
I’ve been learning Japanese for a few months now. It’s a very hard language, and my level is still really low!
Do you have any final comments for the readers?
I hope you find my story entertaining! Happy reading!
Do you want to be published in Japan as well? Take the first step and join SMA22!
Prize-winning One-shot by Finnish MasterClass Member Don Now Available in English!
MasterClass member Don from Finland was awarded the Excellence Runner-Up award in the 10th round of the “Kyushu International Manga Award” and was featured in the March 2024 issue of Monthly Comic ZENON! Don’s 39-page entry for COAMIX’s 10th Kyushu International Manga Award, “The Runaway Clown”, marks their first award in a Comic ZENON manga contest. Don received this award along with American MasterClass member PoodPoopsie who won the top prize in the same round!
The following is a comment from the special judge of COAMIX’s 10th Kyushu International Manga Award, Kei Koga-sensei (“Trace: Recollections of a Forensic Researcher”) about Don’s entry:
“I liked the setting in which the clown had special skills he could utilize both as a clown and as someone who wants to make people laugh. However, I was a little concerned that the theme of the work was a bit difficult to understand, perhaps because it did not mesh well with the mode of expression.”
“The Runaway Clown” tells the story of a talented circus clown named Miro. However, Miro disappeared just before his grand debut in the circus ring. As a runaway, he used his agility to balance on the thin line between right and wrong. One day, fate suddenly brings Miro back to his estranged brother, Mido. Finding his way back on wobbly feet, Miro begins to realize that the things we run away from typically stay with us the most, no matter how fast or how far we run…will Miro finally find his place, or will he go back to his old habit of running away?
Don joins an ever-growing group of SMA MasterClass members whose works have won awards in Monthly Comic ZENON’s manga contests! With the support of the SMA Editorial Department, the MasterClass members show their potential to Japanese readers each year!
The SMA Editorial Department Participates in Anime Expo 2024!
This year, members of the SMA Editorial Department visited Los Angeles, California to participate in Anime Expo 2024! Anime Expo began in 1991 and is the largest anime and manga related event in North America, with approximately 392,000 participants in 2023! This year, as well, we were impressed by the sheer number of participants, as well as the number of events and panels offered.
People flooded the halls of the Los Angeles Convention Center this year, which was decorated with posters and banners advertising new and upcoming anime. Many visitors made the effort to come in cosplay, and the Editorial Department was impressed with the thought and effort everyone put in!
The Editorial Department was also amazed by the skill displayed in the Artist Alley, where artists from all over North America sold fan art, as well as original creations.
Japanese Manga Editors Industry Roundtable (July 6th)
On the third day of the Expo, the CEO of Kumamoto COAMIX Inc. and the Chief Editor of the SILENT MANGA AUDITION® Committee, Shuichi “Mocchi” Mochida, and Editorial Department member Eve participated in a Roundtable discussion about current trends in the manga industry.
The panelists discussed the growing markets in Korea, Taiwan, and North America, but emphasized that Japan is still by far the largest market for manga. However, the panel noted that there are growing opportunities for overseas creators, especially after the advent of digital manga. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, the vast majority of manga consumption in Japan now takes place digitally. With more spaces open on digital platforms, and a great variety of genres being published online, overseas creators have more opportunities than ever before to get their works published in Japan!
After the roundtable discussion, there was time for individual questions from audience members, which included past SMA participants! Aspiring manga artists from all four corners of the continent came to ask questions, and the SMA team gave impromptu critiques of their works! Here were some of the questions and takeaways:
Is it possible for my work to be published in a manga magazine in Japan one day?
Yes! Many manga magazines now employ overseas creators, so you could have your work serialized in Japan one day! However, if you want to live in Japan and work for a manga magazine, it’s important to be able to speak and understand Japanese at a high level.
Is it possible to get published in Japan while still living in my country?
Yes, this is also possible! Before, you had to live in Japan to be published there, but now that video conferencing technology is widely available, it’s becoming more common for people to be published while working remotely!
What is more important when coming up with ideas for manga, the world or the characters?
The characters are 100% more important. Interesting characters are the lifeblood of manga!
What is the most important thing when designing manga characters?
The eyes! The eyes are the windows to the soul. It’s important to be able to draw a variety of different eyes that can express many different emotions.
It was inspiring to meet so many talented and passionate creators. We’d like to give a big thank you to everyone who came to the roundtable discussion, as well as to everyone who came to Anime Expo 2024! We hope to see you (and your works) again soon!
Learn more about how YOU can join the Artists Village and create manga with us!
Announcing the Debut of Sideburn004’s Original One-Shot in the June Edition of Monthly Comic ZENON!
Hello, everyone! We are thrilled to announce that Sideburn004, a manga artist from Russia, has debuted her original one-shot in the June edition of Monthly Comic ZENON! In celebration of her new work, “DOCTORCIST -SEIMEI-”, please enjoy this special interview!
▼Sideburn004’s Profile Sideburn004 is one of the ten creators who is currently living and working at the Artists Village Aso 096k in Kumamoto, a place created exclusively for promising new talents in the manga world. After winning the Grand Prix in the 8th round of the SMA, she worked with professional editors to create her next work, which received an honorable mention in the 6th Itten Toppa Manga Award. Following these achievements, she was chosen to create the art for “Midnight Shadow”, a piece written by Matsuri Midou-sensei (Black Terror).
Hello everyone! I’m Sideburn and my passion is drawing manga!
2. What is your favorite part of “DOCTORCIST -SEIMEI-”?
When I was working on this story, the most interesting thing was drawing the hyoma (demons) and the action scenes. I wish there were more scenes like this in my manga.
3. What is the best thing about the main character, Abe-no-Seimei?
He is handsome! Also, I wanted to create a character that is more than meets the eye. People don’t take him seriously when they first meet him, but he’s actually a professional. His biggest problem is that he’s pretty helpless in everything besides his work. Maybe that’s why he’s always broke?
4. What was difficult about drawing this work?
Now, I can’t say anything about creating manga is easy. Each stage requires a lot of work and time. However, the most difficult things were perhaps creating the concept, writing the plot, and drawing the storyboard. We discussed every detail and made many corrections to create the best possible one-shot, which took months. On the other hand, creating the manuscript itself was fascinating and went by very quickly.
5. What kind of works do you plan to draw in the future?
I would like to continue drawing action stories in the fantasy or sci-fi genre. I enjoy creating new worlds.
6.Lastly, please give a message to our readers!
Manga is part of the entertainment industry, so I hope you will find my work entertaining!
▼Published in Monthly Comic ZENON
Sideburn004 is getting ready to draw her first-ever series, so stay tuned for more! You can read Sideburn004’s one-shot from the link below.
Learn more about how YOU can join the Artists Village and create manga with us!
Introducing the One-Shot Debuts of Three Artists Village MasterClass Members!
We’re proud to announce that three Artists Village creators have made their one-shot debuts in Monthly Comic ZENON! Sideburn004, Enewald, and monotone_ink each have published one-shots, which are all available in English on the SMAC website and on MangaHot! You can also read all three one-shots in Japanese on the ZENON Editorial Department’s website!
Sideburn004’s piece, “DOCTORCIST -SEIMEI-”, is about Abe no Seimei, a doctor who specializes in exorcizing the demons that live in people’s hearts and feed off their negative emotions. When Mai’s grandfather undergoes an unexpected transformation, she goes to Dr. Abe for help. Find out what happens next through the link below!
Enewald’s piece, “Records of April 3, 2037” details a post-apocalyptic world in which humans are hunted for food by aliens, but a misunderstanding causes an alien and a human to strike up an unlikely camaraderie. Read Enewald’s one-shot below!
Finally, monotone_ink’s new one-shot “WANMI 13” can be read through the link below. Ryuji, an extremely strong man with little luck in love, gets a sudden proposal from an otherworldly beauty! Read on to find out what happens next!
Learn more about how YOU can join the Artists Village and create manga with us!
HELLO SMA20 AWARD WINNER, Mika Nikolas!
PROFILE Pen Name:Mika Nikolas Country: The Philippines Favorite manga: Vinland Saga Favorite movie:Vampire Hunter D: Bloodlust Favorite quote: “Every warrior of light has, at least once, believed he was not a warrior of the light.” – Paulo Coelho
“Be comfortable with the discomfort that comes with countless hours of practice and learning.”
About SMA
How does it feel to receive a SILENT MANGA AUDITION® award? You have no idea how happy this made me! I tried and tried, and now I’ve finally won! I’m so honored to receive an award. Thank you so much for the opportunity, and for taking the time to read this little manga of mine! Also, I’m super grateful to those who supported me! I’ll do my best when making my next manga! May God bless your hearts and have a good rest of the year! What was the inspiration behind your awarded work? I was studying a dance that I liked. The volume was at its highest and I could feel the groove of the music flowing through my veins. I was really feeling it! Then, I felt a shiver down my spine. I tried to brush it off, but my brain would just focus on the uneasiness that I felt. Then in my peripheral vision, I noticed a figure, standing there, waiting… It was my mother! She smiled at me and told me that dinner was ready. I tried to play it super cool. I thought, “It’s all good. Everything is chill.”
But on the inside, I was dying of embarrassment ༼;´༎ຶ ༎ຶ༽ SOMEONE SAVE ME FROM ME!
Dinner was delicious, by the way.
What challenges did you face while making your manga? How did you overcome them? Honestly, I find everything difficult, since I was dealing with some huge changes in my life, and I felt my limitations as an artist. I got stuck on drawing the backgrounds. It was super hard for me, as I rarely draw them. To get through it, I studied references and perspectives, which helped. However, I had to revise them about a million times. This consumed a lot of my time, so I had to rush to add the screentones and try to fix everything else. Writing comedy is also intimidating for me because it needs to have an effective punchline to land. I’m glad it paid off though! Let’s go! There’s so much more that I need to learn and I’m so very, very excited to improve!
How and when did you start making manga? Any advice for beginners? I started to make manga when I was in the fifth grade. I was amazed by the manga and anime that my friend showed me. Also, our friend was creating their own manga series, so I got inspired and did one myself!
It was always a joy whenever my friends and classmates wanted to read what I’d done. They were so sweet. I really appreciate them for that because they motivated me to draw more. Along with my family of course! Without their support, I wouldn’t be here drawing. They’re all the best!
If you really want to do this, invest your time in practicing and studying both drawing and/or writing. You don’t have to be perfect at all. Actually, having the mindset of a perfectionist hinders your growth as an artist. You must let go of perfection and allow yourself to make mistakes to keep improving. You’ve got this!
Do you draw your manga digitally or by hand? What are your go-to digital or analogue tools? I draw my manga digitally! I use my old, busted Wacom tablet. As for programs, I use Krita to outline my drafts, then Medibang for the screen tones. Sometimes I’ll use Clip Studio Paint for everything: sketches, outlines, and screen tones.
What was the first manga you picked up? I don’t exactly remember, but I think it was Papillon by Ueda Miwa-sensei. My friend brought the volumes to school, and we would read it during our break time. The art was so pretty that I felt like I was hypnotized and I completely devoured it.
Which manga changed your life? Slam Dunk by Inoue Takehiko sensei. A few years ago, I was going through a difficult phase in my life. I figured that, if I continued to pour out my manly tears, I’d be dehydrated for months on end. So, I had to distract myself. Reading manga was one of those distractions.
This manga really helped me get through a tough time with its comedy. Sakuragi and other characters’ development shaped my mindset. Also, it reignited a lost flame within me. This is the reason why I’m pursuing this career. To Inoue-sensei, I’d like to say thank you so much for creating a beloved and inspiring manga. I wouldn’t be here if I hadn’t read your wonderful work!
Which manga character do you most identify with? Why? I identify with Charmy Pappitson from Black Clover by Tabata Yuuki-sensei, because I love to eat! If I had a superpower, I would want it to revolve around food, since I love food! Plus, I always share my portions with others, especially my loved ones, and especially if I know it’s their favorite food. Sharing is caring! What kind of manga do you want to make next? I would like to make another comedy or a romance. I’m not entirely sure, so let’s see!
About You
What do you do when you’re not making manga? How do you relax? There’s a lot of ways I can relax. I read a lot of books, mostly classical literature. It always amazes me how these stories stand the test of time, and I’m always curious to know why that is. Those deserve to be passed down, so I’m happy that I spare my time to read them. Also, I’m reading Urusei Yatsura by Takahashi Rumiko-sensei. It’s a really fun manga! Other than that, I just hang out with my family or chat with my friends. I really enjoy their presence and company. I also pray and count my blessings! It’s good to be reminded of the nice things that happened or the nice things I have. There’s a lot more! I try my best to be somewhat productive with my time.
Where do you see your manga career in 5 years time? If I’m being realistic, hopefully I will have my debut as a manga artist within that time!
What manga making advice would you give to your younger self if you could? Be comfortable with the discomfort that comes with countless hours of practice and learning. It will all be worth it in the end. Thank you for always choosing to persevere and draw!
What advice would you give to people entering the SILENT MANGA AUDITION®? Have courage, my friend! There’s nothing wrong with failing, so try and try again. You have the passion to create stories through visual elements. Hone that gift and release your unique visions through multiple blank canvases.Also, don’t forget to drink and eat well, okay? Get some fresh air because your health matters! God bless you and do your best. I’m rooting for you!
Thank you, Mika Nikolas! We’re eagerly expecting your next manga masterpiece!
How does it feel to receive a SILENT MANGA AUDITION® award? It feels amazing. It’s a unique opportunity to be read by manga legends and industry experts. But, to be honest, I’m still not satisfied. I have learned a lot from the experience, and I think I will be able to make a better manga next time. I also want to say a few words of encouragement to those who do not feel that they could succeed at the SMA. Even if you don’t feel ready, even if the competition scares you, do it! It’s worth it just to prove your worth and grow as an artist.
What was the inspiration behind your awarded work? I wasn’t inspired by anything in particular. I was just thinking about how to make a work that had the “memorable smile” theme within the story, and the idea of a character recognizing another just by his smile came to me. What challenges did you face while making your manga? How did you overcome them? I think the biggest challenge was time. I did the whole project in two weeks, and I was unlucky because the files for two finished pages got corrupted, so I had to redo them. The solution to this issue was just to work more hours. It was a simple solution, but complicated at the same time.
How and when did you start making manga? Any advice for beginners? I started in 2015. A manga was my final project in graduate school. Beginners tend to start their first stories using very solid concepts from famous manga. My advice to them is: it doesn’t matter if you use a cliché in your story, what matters is how you use it. If you find an original way to subvert the reader’s expectations with that cliché, it will be satisfying to read.
Do you draw your manga digitally or by hand? What are your go-to digital or analogue tools? I draw all my manga digitally except for the storyboard. I use a tablet without a built-in screen to maintain good posture while working.
What was the first manga you picked up? I’m pretty sure it was Dragon Ball.
Which manga changed your life? I have always enjoyed manga, but the piece that really made me fall in love with manga was Berserk by Miura-sensei (rest in peace). I was a teenager when I started reading it, and both the art and the story grabbed me like no other before. It was the first story I started buying and collecting, and it holds a special place in my heart.
Which manga character do you most identify with? Why? Recently I really identify with Wakana Gojo from My Dress-Up Darling. His insecurities, the way he puts pressure on himself to improve as an artist, his tenacity even when he feels frustrated, and his desire to make others happy with his work are all things I experience. What kind of manga do you want to make next? Lately, I’ve been thinking about an old idea for an action story. Currently, I am in the process of doing tests. I could just go for it, but since I want it to have a level of quality much higher than what I have done so far, I prefer to prepare well.
About You
What do you do when you’re not making manga? How do you relax? I take great pleasure in stories, be it in movies, TV series, books, manga, or video games.
What industry do you work in (if manga making isn’t your primary job)? The majority of my income comes from illustration, and I also work as a teacher from time to time. I would like to be a full-time manga artist. I have tried, but unfortunately, in Spain, you can’t make enough money publishing manga to pay rent.
Where do you see your manga career in 5 years time? I’m going to be optimistic and say that I’ll be publishing my own manga in Japan.
What manga making advice would you give to your younger self if you could? I would tell him, “it’s better to finish something than to aim for perfection. Don’t obsess over perfection. Try as hard as you can, learn from the process, and try to do better on the next project.”
What advice would you give to people entering the SILENT MANGA AUDITION®? I have two tips that I think will be useful. First, when you get really caught up in work and start worrying about things, try to remember that making manga is fun. Second, once you have submitted your manga, don’t wait for the results – start working on your next project.
Thank you, Adamantink! We’re eagerly expecting your next manga masterpiece!
PROFILE Pen Name: Dodo & Toshi Age: Dodo: 34 Toshi: 28 Social network profiles: Dodo: @matteo_dodo (Instagram), Toshi: @Antonio Vangone (Facebook) @ant_vangone(Instagram) Country: Italy Favorite manga: Dodo: Witch Hat Atelier, Eyeshield 21, Princess Jellyfish Saint Seiya Toshi: Honey & Clover, Lucifer and the Biscuit Hammer, Vinland Saga, Delicious in Dungeon, Mushishi Favorite movie:Dodo: Call Me By Your Name, Departures, The Lord of the Rings, Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind Toshi: Solaris, Castle in the Sky Favorite quote: Dodo: “Art conveys things that cannot be conveyed by words.” Toshi: “You have no enemies… No one has any enemies.”
How does it feel to receive a SILENT MANGA AUDITION® award?
We’re very happy, especially because it was the first time we worked together, and we want to use this experience and the feedback we received to reach even higher artistic peaks! What was the inspiration behind your awarded work? We tried to recall the carefree atmosphere of our childhood afternoons, playing with other kids and enjoying joyful moments together with our parents. By narrating a ‘dual story’ involving both father and son, we aimed to depict a common scenario experienced daily by many families. What challenges did you face while making your manga? How did you overcome them? It wasn’t easy to find the right pace for the story. That’s why we read a lot of slice-of-life manga for inspiration.We had to think a lot about page turns to give momentum to the story. Moreover, during the creative process, it’s easy to fill pages with tons of ideas, but that can make it a bit complex to choose the ones that are winning ideas.
How and when did you start making manga? Any advice for beginners? Dodo: I began drawing manga as a self-taught wannabe artist in high school. At that time, I embarked on lengthy, nearly endless projects on grid notebooks. At the age of 23, I decided to enroll in a course taught by a professional, and within two years, my techniques completely transformed! If I were to give advice, I would say to study extensively and seek feedback from professionals to improve your own art.
Toshi: This was my first manga script! Of course, I studied a lot, but I’m still amazed by the success of Homecomings. Maybe it’s too early for me to give advice, but I think it’s important to focus on the unique narrative possibilities offered by manga.
Do you draw your manga digitally or by hand? What are your go-to digital or analogue tools? Dodo: I mainly draw manga digitally. It’s much faster for a variety of reasons, especially when it comes to perspective. However, since I definitely love drawing by hand more, I’m seeking a balance between the two methods by creating digital sketches and then inking by hand with my trusted saji-pen.
What was the first manga you picked up? Dodo: I think it was Saint Seiya! I was completely obsessed with the saints and their shiny armor. I watched the anime first, so, when I saw the manga on the newsstand, I was amazed! Toshi: It was Dragon Ball! I was captivated by its carefree atmosphere.
Which manga changed your life? Dodo: Certainly, Saint Seiya had a great impact on my life, but I would say there have been several which were impactful for different reasons. One that has struck me very recently is Blue Period by Tsubasa Yamaguchi. It perfectly describes the sensations and difficulties one feels when drawing. The thoughts of those who enter the art world are the same in Italy as they are in Japan. I felt very seen and thought, “How wonderful to be able to communicate so directly with the reader!”
Toshi: Perhaps Mushishi. The depth and somber beauty of the stories told by Urushibara-sensei made me realize how a whole universe could be contained within a few pages. It encouraged me to read more and more!
Which manga character do you most identify with? Why? Dodo: I’d say Choji from Naruto because he’s a big eater! (Just joking.)I consider myself a calm person who engages in a lot of self-reflection. I generally tend to see the positive side of things. For all these reasons, I’d say Ami Mizuno from Sailor Moon, also known as Sailor Mercury!
Toshi: I identify with Takemoto from Honey & Clover. Despite the difficulties he encounters, he strives to keep moving forward, especially as an artist. Thinking about how much he grew throughout the story still brings tears to my eyes! Like him, I hope to discover how far I can go without looking back. What kind of manga do you want to make next? We are working together again on an entry for the upcoming SMA. We want to create something very different with a fantasy setting. We can’t say anything other than that right now!
About You
What do you do when you’re not making manga? How do you relax? Dodo: I primarily relax by coloring with Copics, playing video games (I’m a big RPG enthusiast), reading manga, and taking long walks in the countryside around my home. Toshi: Of course, I read a lot! I also love playing video games, and when I have the time, I enjoy making bread at home.
What industry do you work in (if manga making isn’t your primary job)? Dodo: I work as a data scientist for an international bank, but I also teach manga techniques at a school in Lucca called the “Lucca Manga School”.
Toshi: I’m a writer.
Where do you see your manga career in 5 years time? In five years, we see ourselves with a serialized manga, still created in tandem! The goal isn’t just to publish in Italy but to make ourselves known worldwide!
What manga making advice would you give to your younger self if you could? Dodo: Stop dwelling on those never-ending projects that will never see the light of day! Focus on short but well-crafted stories, give it your all, and believe in your skills.
Toshi: Keep reading a lot of different stuff! You can learn from everything you love.
What advice would you give to people entering the SILENT MANGA AUDITION®? Believe in your stories! Even if your project isn’t as perfect as you imagined, it’s better to participate with something finished that you’re proud of, rather than to aim for perfection and not take part. 😉
Thank you, Dodo & Toshi! We’re eagerly expecting your next manga masterpiece!
PROFILE Pen Name: Okagawa Kenji Age: 25 Social network profiles: Instagram: @kenjiart Country: Brazil Favorite manga: Slam Dunk, One Piece Favorite movie:Castle in the Sky Favorite quote: “Deus ao mar o perigo e o abismo deu, Mas nele é que espelhou o céu,” or “God gave the sea danger and abyss, but in it, he mirrored the sky/Heaven.”
“For your story, think about the things you love, what you value, what you believe is important to share, and how to translate that into a story that will be beneficial to everyone who is kind enough to read it.”
About SMA
How does it feel to receive a SILENT MANGA AUDITION® award? I am immensely grateful to win one of the Silent Manga Audition awards. It was my second time participating, and it was quite difficult to produce this work, as I developed it during a very turbulent time. I’m glad the judges appreciated it.
What was the inspiration behind your awarded work? I live in the southern region of Brazil, where there are many trees called ‘araucaria’. At first, it was this setting that I wanted to represent. Here, too, there is a very long history of European immigration, mainly from Italy and Germany, and it seemed natural to address the issue of cultural heritage and the dialogue between the generations.
What challenges did you face while making your manga? How did you overcome them? There were two main challenges. One was of a material nature, and the other was of a formal nature. I like to do most of the drawing traditionally, with pen, ink and paper, but it’s hard to find suitable materials at an affordable price here. Luckily, I already work as an illustrator, and I had almost everything I needed with me. The rest I was able to find on the internet. To scan the pages, I went to a print shop near my home. The second challenge was being able to conceptualize the story within the page limit, but my previous experience helped me to adapt, as this was my third manga story.
How and when did you start making manga? Any advice for beginners? Since I was a little boy, I drew comics. I continued to do so in notebooks and diaries throughout school. After I became an adult, I started studying architecture, so I stopped drawing anything that wasn’t related to that for a while. However, as soon as I graduated, I focused all my energy on developing artistically. In 2020, at the age of 21, I had my first experience of drawing a story from beginning to end. I intended to submit it to a competition, but I didn’t. Two years later, I decided to produce another manga. I submitted it for the 16th Japan International Manga Award, and my work was chosen in the bronze category. I’d like to tell beginners to choose their masters wisely, learn from those who are exceptional in the art of drawing and storytelling, read a lot, not just manga, but all the classic books they can, and, finally, to practice every single day.
Do you draw your manga digitally or by hand? What are your go-to digital or analogue tools? I draw everything by hand first. Later, I scan all the pages and digitally make corrections, add gray tones, and add some effects. I like to rely simply on pen, ink, and some sakura pens. On the computer I like to use Krita, Clip Studio, and Photoshop. What was the first manga you picked up? I believe the first manga I picked up was Monica and Friends, a very popular Brazilian title. As for Japanese manga, I first read Fairy Tail and Naruto, since the first volume of each manga was released here when I was ten years old (but I had already watched a lot of anime from a very young age).
Which manga changed your life? Definitely One Piece. I came into contact with this title in 2007, when I lived in Toyohashi in Japan, and I immediately became a fan. Years later, back in Brazil, the publisher Panini bought the manga, and I began to follow the editions monthly. I still follow the publication of One Piece to this day. Master Oda’s style influenced me a lot. When I was at school, I even copied entire pages, and every character I created looked like someone from the manga. That’s what developed my appreciation for this form of artistic expression and entertainment.
Which manga character do you most identify with? Why? I identify with Nara Shikamaru from Naruto. I relate to him in absolutely every way. I used to excel at school in terms of academic results, but I was also a bit difficult to deal with because I wasn’t very enthusiastic. Eventually, as an adult, I came to appreciate and value the simplicity of everyday life, doing everything I can in the best way possible, and honoring my parents and family. What kind of manga do you want to make next? I have two scripts in progress. One is an original fantasy, and the other is a slice-of-life and coming-of-age story. I look forward to making a historical manga as well.
About You
What do you do when you’re not making manga? How do you relax? When I am not making manga, I am either reading books or oil painting. I also like to exercise and spend time with my wonderful wife.
What industry do you work in (if manga making isn’t your primary job)? I work in illustration (children’s books, courseware).
Where do you see your manga career in 5 years time? Humbly, I see myself becoming the king of manga artists, at that point (or something like that). More seriously, this is my second international award, and these two experiences gave me the opportunity to meet some other artists from the area and even work with publishers in my country. I can only be glad and optimistic about continuing drawing and doing my part . I have a particular desire to work in Japan. Despite being Brazilian, I was born and lived there for a while, but I haven’t had the chance to visit this beautiful country for many years. It would be incredible to return to work with what I love.
What manga making advice would you give to your younger self if you could? Don’t be afraid to start. Every first attempt at anything seems ridiculous, and certainly your first manga won’t be an exception, but there’s no shame. We have to take the first step to move forward and go the distance.
What advice would you give to people entering the SILENT MANGA AUDITION®? I really encourage people to take the time to read the winners from previous editions to get a better sense of what is expected in terms of quality and emotion. Don’t try to replicate exactly what you see, but try to incorporate the principles into your own style. For your story, think about the things you love, what you value, what you believe is important to share, and how to translate that into a story that will be beneficial to everyone who is kind enough to read it.
Thank you, Kenji Okagawa! We’re eagerly expecting your next manga masterpiece!
