PROFILE Pen Name:yoonmi Country: United States Favorite manga:Haikyuu!, orange, Goodnight Punpun, The Way of the Househusband, Soredemo Boku wa Kimi ga Suki
“It’s reassuring with my editor right next to me. It is much easier to consult and hold meetings.”
What made you decide to come to Japan?
When COAMIX invited me to come to Japan last year, I felt it was a unique opportunity. Being in Japan allows me to work on manga without too much pressure, as everything here is designed to facilitate manga creation.
I’ve had an avid interest in drawing manga since childhood but in my country, I always felt it was difficult to make a career out of it. I think this is because although manga artists are respected by some American manga enthusiasts, in general, the status and scope of professional manga artists has not yet been established.
What is your impression of Japan, Kumamoto, and Aso?
It’s the first time I’m living in the countryside. Still, it was normal for me in my home city to require a car to go to any shops, so it’s not too different. What I love is the colorful scenery around here. The blue sky, the mountains, and the grassy fields are always surrounding you. There’s an inexplicable aura to Takamori in particular. You feel a sense of unity with its nature—even in practical ways, like how its water is fresh from the tap. How do you feel about the Artists Village Aso 096k’s location in Kumamoto as an environment for drawing manga? What’s your impression of the living environment and food?
The main difference from before I came to Japan is that it is much easier to have meetings with editors. Many things that were not clear to me when I was in the U.S. and communicating online can be understood immediately when we discuss them here. Having the editors nearby is reassuring and it’s easy to talk to them.
Another difference is the working space. Drawing alone in my room was something that I loved back at home, so I didn’t think I would like working in a room with other people. Turns out that drawing alongside other working artists gives you a huge boost of motivation and working stamina. I actually prefer to draw this way.
The work/life balance is also surprisingly good despite the apartments being so close to the Artists Village. For me, the bistro must be the most convenient feature of the village by far, as I don’t enjoy cooking and have a tendency to miss out on food that’s both nutritional and delicious. The menu is incredibly diverse as well.
What does an average day at the Artists Village look like for you?
I get to the Art Studio on the second floor at around 10:30 and stop working at around 18:30. There are some days that I work longer, but it’s never been a burden for me. Throughout the week, I have time to get my workouts in and explore nearby areas. I love movies, so I make sure to watch them weekly as well—in the Artists Village’s Screening Room, of course!
What are your goals for the future?
I think saying that I’d like to publish a series with COAMIX is pretty obvious and it’s indeed a goal I’m striving for. I hope to make the most out of the opportunity of being here. I think this experience in itself is something I have to focus all my attention on and hold special.
Please give a message to those who are thinking about working at the Artists Village Aso 096k!
If the door is open to you and you have the space in your life to accommodate it, stop thinking and just do it.
Thank you, yoonmi! We’re eagerly awaiting your original manga debut!
Learn more about how YOU can join the Artists Village and create manga with us!
Meet the Artists Village MasterClass #3: Sideburn004
PROFILE Pen Name:Sideburn004 Country: Russia Favorite manga:My Hero Academia, BLEACH
“Here, I can concentrate on making manga and devote myself to my work. That’s the thing I’m most happy about.”
What made you decide to come to Japan?
I came to Japan because I thought it would be a great opportunity to make a career out of drawing manga. In my home country of Russia, the number of young people who read manga is increasing, but the market is not yet large enough to make drawing manga a full-time job. I did not want my manga journey to end as a hobby, so COAMIX’s invitation to come and create manga in Japan was a unique opportunity for me.
On the other hand, I was also anxious about moving to Japan. It’s a long way from my home country and I was not able to speak in Japanese. When I told my family about my intention to go to Japan, they could not hide their surprise. They knew that I had entered the SMA and that I had received good reviews, but they did not expect that I would accept an invitation from COAMIX and decide to move to Japan. Perhaps it was because my family did not know much about Japan, but it was difficult for them to imagine me working in Japan, as the profession of “manga artist” is not yet established in Russia. In the end, however, they knew that I was determined and respected my decision.
What is your impression of Japan, Kumamoto, and Aso?
I feel that the nature here is rich and wonderful. In particular, the vast starry sky is an inspiring landscape that I wanted to depict in my work during the 2019 Kumamoto International Manga Camp in Takamori. I was also impressed by the view from Daikanbo.
Takachiho Gorge in Miyazaki Prefecture, where the SMA editors took us on a day off, is also a mysterious and unforgettable place.
How do you feel about the Artists Village Aso 096k’s location in Kumamoto as an environment for drawing manga? What’s your impression of the living environment and food?
I am most happy that I can concentrate on my manga here. In my home country, I was working another job while drawing manga. I was so busy I felt that I could not even spare time for commuting and shopping for daily necessities. Also, Takamori Town in Kumamoto is quiet without the noise of urban areas, so I can concentrate on thinking about my original manga and drawing.
The residential buildings are well-equipped for daily life, so it’s easy to live there. The meals prepared by the staff, who are excellent cooks, are delicious, and most importantly, I feel the benefit of not having to spend time cooking and shopping for food.
What does an average day at the Artists Village look like for you?
I get up around 8:00 in the morning and start working in the art studio at 10:00. After lunch, I return to work until about 18:00. If I feel like working after dinner, I may continue. In the evening, I spend most of my time in the residence building watching TV, drawing, or reading.
What are your goals for the future?
My goal is to achieve results in the form of a series of my own work or a book.
Please give a message to those who are thinking about working at the Artists Village Aso 096k!
Don’t be afraid, as I was, and take this as an opportunity to move forward in your career. Also, you can speak English with the SMA editors, and you can take Japanese classes every week, so you don’t need to worry about not speaking Japanese.
Thank you, Sideburn004! We’re eagerly awaiting your original manga debut!
Learn more about how YOU can join the Artists Village and create manga with us!
Meet the Artists Village MasterClass #2: MAGE
PROFILE Pen Name:MAGE Country: Indonesia Favorite manga:Witch Hat Atelier, Delicious in Dungeon, Golden Kamui, Arte
“The environment in which I spend time with fellow aspiring manga artists is where I am able to grow and develop.”
What made you decide to come to Japan?
I have been an active member of the SILENT MANGA AUDITION® MasterClass community organized by COAMIX since 2015. Then 1 year ago, I was invited to come to Japan to work as a manga artist.
I feel that there has been a lot of good manga coming out in Indonesia for the past 10 years or so, but there is still a lot of work to be done. However, in Indonesia it is not yet major enough to have a career as a manga artist, so I was hoping to accept the invitation from COAMIX and work as a manga artist in the Artists Village Aso 096k. My family was happy with my decision, and my friends, who have been supporting me since before I came to Japan, were very kind to send me off.
What is your impression of Japan, Kumamoto, and Aso?
Japan is one of the countries I have always been interested in, not only for its manga culture, but also for its beautiful nature, kind people, and efficient public transportation system. When I was in my own country, I preferred to live in the city, but when I started living in Aso, Kumamoto, I discovered the charms of a peaceful life in the countryside.
How do you feel about the Artists Village Aso 096k’s location in Kumamoto as an environment for drawing manga? What’s your impression of the living environment and food?
In Indonesia, I lived in a bustling area and often found it difficult to concentrate on my manga work, but in the quiet Artists Village Aso 096k, I am able to concentrate more on my work. Also, spending time with fellow aspiring manga artists is very stimulating, and has provided me with new insights and material for growth. As for the food, the meals served in the Artists Village are always delicious and healthy, and I look forward to them every day. The beautiful scenery surrounding the Artists Village is a great place to receive ideas and inspiration for my creative work. For example, the spectacular view of Daikanbo in Aso and the shape of Mt. Neko were sights I had never seen before. Seeing snow was also a first for me!
What does an average day at the Artists Village look like for you?
I don’t have a set wake-up time, but I usually get up before 9:00 am. When I have time, I exercise before going to work. I usually finish work at 7:00 pm, and afterwards, I go out with other MasterClass members. On weekends, I spend time playing video games and shopping at the nearby supermarket.
What are your goals for the future?
I have a goal to be published in COAMIX’s “Comic ZENON.” I want to create something that will make readers think, “This artist loves what they create.” Also, there are many manga works in Japan, so I would like to understand the Japanese language better and discover interesting works. There are many different styles, forms, and genres of manga, and it’s always fun to explore them. What I like about Japanese manga is that the visuals are the most important key to telling a story, rather than relying on dialogue.
Please give a message to those who are thinking about working at the Artists Village Aso 096k!
The systems, ideas, and procedures for creating manga may be different from those in your country, so please be aware of that! In Japan, I feel that editors are very supportive and approachable to manga artists and give them friendly advice on their work. After reading my interview, I hope that you can be a little more prepared for life in Aso, with its cold temperatures, and look forward to moving in and working at the Artists Village!
Thank you, MAGE! We’re eagerly awaiting your original manga debut!
Learn more about how YOU can join the Artists Village and create manga with us!
Meet the Artists Village MasterClass #1: Enewald
PROFILE Pen Name:Enewald Country: Finland Favorite manga:ONE PIECE, Witch Hat Atelier, Berserk, Land of the Lustrous, 20th Century Boys
“With both editors and manga creators being right next to me, I feel welcome being part of the community.”
What made you decide to come to Japan?
The main reason why I decided to come to Japan was to be closer to my editors, who support my work, and to other manga creators. It’s possible to create manga via the internet even when you are far away from each other, but I wanted to work in an environment where we can see each other’s faces.
When I came to the Artists Village, I realized that there’s much more to learn here about manga than in my own country of Finland. I also think that it’s very exciting to live in a different country and get to know a new culture, and I thought that having such a special experience would enrich my life. Therefore, I didn’t hesitate at all and accepted the offer from COAMIX Inc., the organizer of SMA. When I told my family about it, they were a little worried, but they were very happy that I received the opportunity to go. My family has always been very supportive of me.
Also, I have always had an interest in learning Japanese, and I thought coming here would be a great learning environment. Japanese is spoken here every day, and I can interact directly with native speakers. I speak a couple of languages so far, but Japanese is a special language with a grammar that differs from the other languages that I speak, and above all, the characters’ radicals are interesting.
What is your impression of Japan, Kumamoto, and Aso?
I think it’s a very beautiful place with scenery and nature that I have never seen before. Finland is a rather flat country, so when I see mountains on the horizon every day in Aso, I feel refreshed and happy.
When I came to Japan, Aso had beautiful winter scenery. I can’t wait to find out what kind of scenery I can see in spring and summer. By the way, the temperature in Finland in winter is lower than in Aso. Also, people in Aso seem calm and friendly. Whenever an elderly person comes up to me and starts chatting, I feel very happy.
How do you feel about the Artists Village Aso 096k’s location in Kumamoto as an environment for drawing manga? What’s your impression of the living environment and food?
I think this is a good environment for manga production. It’s a very quiet place, so I can work without being disturbed, and I have everything I need to draw manga, including a PC, tablet, paper, pens, and a large number of manga to read, so I can concentrate on creating manga here.
Also, I feel like I’m part of a community, and I feel welcome here because all the editors and fellow manga artists live nearby in the residential building and dormitories within the facility.
The food is good for me because the ingredients are not too different from those in Finland. I find eating hot pot dishes interesting because they’re eaten in a different way compared to Finland by sharing one big dish with everyone. I also find Japanese bento (lunch boxes) very interesting since they are an assortment of different dishes.
What does an average day at the Artists Village look like for you?
I wake up around 8:00 am. Before starting work, I sometimes go for a walk in the surrounding park and forests. I start working at 10:00, but due to the nature of my job the hours are not set in stone. The people are always nearby, so it’s easy to discuss any problems I may have. After lunch, work ends around 6:00 pm. After dinner, I often go to the movie theater inside the Artists Village, go shopping, play board games, and do other activities with the other manga creators here. I prefer to spend time inside the Artists Village, which has a great atmosphere, rather than in my room in the residential building. I have also grown attached to the free coffee and tea provided (laughs).
What are your goals for the future?
First and foremost, I want to learn everything about manga production. My goal is to learn as much as I can and be able to produce manga. I think that the interesting thing about manga as a creator is that it can be done by a relatively small number of people in a short amount of time, and that it allows you to draw unique and individualistic stories.
Other than that, I would like to use my time as effectively as possible, seeing different places in Kumamoto and having experiences that I can only have here. Please give a message to those who are thinking about working at the Artists Village Aso 096k!
I think places like the Artists Village are extremely rare. Moving to a new country and facing the language barrier can be tough, but I think staying here for a while, participating in various projects, and experiencing Japanese life and culture firsthand is a worthwhile experience for you. At the same time, there are also some rules that are different from those in your home country, such as how to use cash and bank books, but since there are editors nearby who are familiar with the rules, you will be able to adapt relatively smoothly, as I did.
Thank you, Enewald! We’re eagerly awaiting your original manga debut!
Learn more about how YOU can join the Artists Village and create manga with us!
Brazilian Mangaka’s Japanese One-Shot DEBUT!!
Brazilian MasterClass member Laica Chrose and talented Webtoon creator was awarded in the 25th edition of the “Comic ZENON Manga Taisho” Japanese manga contest! Laica received the Excellence Award Runner-Up for her FIRST EVER Japanese one-shot manga entry!
Manga Taisho is Comic ZENON’s oldest contest where new Japanese manga creators can prove themselves DIRECTLY to their future fans with an up to 39-page entry. It’s not only judged by manga legends such as Tsukasa Hojo-sensei and Tetsuo Hara-sensei, but also by booksellers and the general public!
Laica Chrose’s entry “Ephemera” (Japanese title: Kagerou no Natsu) is her first entry to one of Comic ZENON and COAMIX’s Japanese manga contests after her SMA16 Grand Prix Runner-Up awarded manga “Lacrimosa.”
The following are the comments from Comic ZENON’s 25th Manga Taisho judge Tsukasa Hojo-sensei (City Hunter, SMA judge, etc.) and Ogaki Bookstore representative Itō-san regarding Laica Chrose’s entry:
In terms of production quality, I felt that this work was head and shoulders above the “manga competition” category. I think this creator has more than enough skill, so I hope they will move on to become active in the professional manga industry. – Tsukasa Hojo
The artwork was of a very high quality and matched well with the content of the story. The plot points of the manga were wrapped up together well with a happy ending, which left me with a great feeling after reading. In addition, this was a work that made me rethink the meaning of the title after I finished reading. – Ogaki Bookstore representative Itō-san
“Ephemera” follows Luca, who by all means seems like a normal young boy, but who actually ages incredibly slow. He lives a solitary life with his mother, away from society and other people, but yearns to make friends and see the outside world. One fateful summer day his world is turned upside down when he meets the adventurous and bold Towa, who shows him the joys of the outside world. Was their meeting chance…or fate? And how will time eventually tear these two souls apart?
Laica Chrose’s work is just one of the manga masterpieces from the SMA MasterClassthat was awarded in Comic ZENON and COAMIX’s manga competitions; with the support of the SMA Editorial Department, the MasterClass members are showing year after year their potential to the Japanese audience and working towards their professional debut by joining SMA exclusive projects such as the “Artists Village Aso 096k!”
For your chance to change your manga career and come work with us in Japan, JOIN SMA19 TODAY!
Australian mangaka published AGAIN in Comic ZENON!
Talented and internationally acclaimed Australian MasterClass member monotone_inkreceived the TOP AWARD in the 25th edition of the “Comic ZENON Manga Taisho” Japanese manga contest!
monotone_ink won the Excellence Award (with a value of ￥300,000) which allowed the artist to be the very first international creator to be published TWO TIMES IN A ROW in the prestigious Monthly Comic ZENON manga magazine!!
Manga Taisho is Comic ZENON’s oldest contest where Japanese newcomers can prove themselves DIRECTLY to their future fans with an up to 39-page entry. It’s not only judged by manga legends such as Tsukasa Hojo-sensei and Tetsuo Hara-sensei, but also by booksellers and the general public.
monotone_ink’s charming entry “The Witch of Petrovsky” received the top award for this round, allowing the Australian creator to have his work published AGAIN in the latest issue of Monthly Comic ZENON!
The following are the comments from Comic ZENON’s 25th Manga Taisho special judge Eiji Hashimoto-sensei (creator of Chiruran, etc.) and Tetsuo Hara-sensei (Fist of the North Star, SMA Judge, etc.) regarding monotone’s entry:
This creator is amazingly good. I was struck by the strong sense of passion he’s able to convey with a world where witches exist and the soldiers’ uniforms. It’s as if he’s telling us “THIS IS WHAT I WANT TO DRAW!” I’m expecting him to do his best to debut with a series as soon as possible. – Eiji Hashimoto
The art style, the paneling, and the camera work are of the highest level. Among all the entries, this creator’s work was the one that, more than anyone else’s, was able to entertain the readers from the very beginning, thanks to the originality of the setting and the impactful start of the story. – Tetsuo Hara
After being published in Monthly Comic ZENON with the manga“My Friend Mana”, monotone_ink once again won the hearts of both professionals and readers with the work“The Witch of Petrovsky,” which tells the story of Evelyn, a witch who at a young age witnessed the execution of her mother.
Such an event left Evelyn with a strong hatred towards the whole human race and sworn revenge to wipe off the terrible smiles that the humans displayed when her mother was killed. However, to Evelyn’s great surprise, an atypical human enters the witch’s daily life and makes her discover the beauty of giving to others. The human’s name is Marya, a young woman who is able to bring pure smiles to the desperate faces of the citizens of Petrovsky.
In the latest Monthly Comic ZENON, a special illustration and exclusive interview with monotone_ink was featured in the issue, which we have translated!
1. What are your feelings towards your award?
So shocked I was numb for a day! I’m very grateful to the judges that chose my work for this award, thank you so much!
2. What made you decide to enter Manga Taisho?
In the past, I had made an entry for the Kyushu International Manga Award on the behest of my editor, and after that he suggested I work on an entry for Manga Taisho next, so I did!
3. What was the inspiration behind your entry?
A book called Crime and Punishment: the whole idea of redemption really touched me when I read it long ago, so I wanted to write something along those lines. Besides that, I would credit my interest in witches to Dan Kim (@Clonemanga): he made these really strange and esoteric comics about witches a long time ago, and though this work doesn’t resemble the way he presented witches at all, it was something that stayed in the back of my mind.
4. What was the hardest part in drawing this entry?
The act of drawing in itself was very difficult haha – I naturally draw very messy, but my editor begged me to draw things cleaner and tighter, so I concentrated extra hard on the details. Additionally, I was approaching my process at angles I wasn’t familiar with and drawing things I wasn’t familiar with at all, so I was constantly messing up and learning things along the way; glad it paid off though!
5. What’s your favorite part of the manga?
As difficult as it was, drawing the architecture – it felt very satisfying to get things right. Besides that, I enjoyed working on the last 3 pages – at that point it felt like I’d ‘figured out’ how I wanted to draw this oneshot, but by then the story was already practically finished haha.
6. Please tell us what manga you are reading recently.
I’ve been re-reading Dorohedoro – it’s so fun and gory, there’s a charm to it I haven’t seen in many other things. Besides that though I’ve been keeping up with Chainsaw Man, which also never fails to be fun and gory!
7. What kind of manga do you want to create next?
Something that’s equal parts funny, horrifying, and sad.
8. Please leave a message for our readers.
I hope you enjoy the story! Also, don’t forget to drink water!
monotone_ink’s work is only one of the manga masterpieces created by the SMA MasterClassthat won an award through Comic ZENON and COAMIX; with the support of the SMA Editorial Department, the MasterClass members are showing year after year their potential to the Japanese audience and working towards their professional debut by joining SMA exclusive projects such as the “Artists Village Aso 096k!”
For your chance to change your working life and come work with us in Japan, JOIN SMA19 TODAY!
THE MASTERCLASS HAVE ARRIVED IN JAPAN TO WORK WITH US!!
The SMA Editorial Department is happy to announce that we have had the honor of inviting the first five international manga creators to join us in the Artists Village Aso 096k! Joining us since December 2022, they’re now working alongside Japanese creators and doing their best to debut in Japan!
The first group of international creators joining us are MasterClass members Sideburn004 from Russia, Yoonmi from the United States, Enewald from Finland, MAGE from Indonesia, and Ichirou from Brazil. Each of these creators have displayed their unique talent, ambition to move to Japan to work, and most of all, their willingness to work hard towards their manga debut!
Want to get the exclusive chance to live and work in Japan, too? Take the first step by joining SMA19 and show the judges that you have what it takes to debut in the manga industry!
HELLO SMA18 AWARD WINNER, suonäcy!
PROFILEPen Name: suonäcy
Age: 24
Country: FranceFavorite manga:Well, huh…Favorite movie: That’s, huh...Favorite quote: Actually, very good questions.Entry Title:“Tickles (くすぐり)”Round:SMA18 “Moments of HAPPINESS, AFFECTION, or TEARS”Award: Honorable Mention
“Just do your best and enjoy the process!”
About SMA
How does it feel to receive a SILENT MANGA AUDITION® award?I was pretty glad when I knew I won an award, but it was quickly replaced by a dissatisfaction of not having done well enough for a higher one…
What was the inspiration behind your awarded work?
I actually redrew an old manga I did from 2018, with the exact same title (but different characters that I didn’t want to use for a contest). I had no real knowledge of how to draw a manga except from the ones I read. I’m currently in a manga-teaching school, so redrawing it was a way to acknowledge how much I progressed. I honestly think I did a good job.
What challenges did you face while making your manga? How did you overcome them?
This manga was far from being my first idea for the contest. I had two other stories in mind, but I just couldn’t bring myself to draw them (lack of drawing skills for specific themes, not inspired enough by the stories/characters). Using an older manga as a template was kind of a last resort option; it’s not much, but it’s better than nothing.
How and when did you start making manga? Any advice for beginners?
I started drawing in a manga art style pretty early in my childhood, but I started drawing manga comics more seriously only three years ago.
I’m not sure I have any advice to give… If you want to start something new, especially if you’re young, do it and don’t be afraid to fail (because we mostly all suck at first). But if you don’t feel like going into that path yet, it’s okay. If you change your mind later, be it in four days or four years, it’ll still be there for you.
Do you draw your manga digitally or by hand? What are your go-to digital or analogue tools?
I draw both ways but when it comes to manga, I stick to digital. I’m very comfortable using Paint Tool Sai so I generally use it for sketching my storyboards, and when I do the clean version, I switch to Clip Studio. I’m not yet drawing big 100 page stories, so for now it’s not too bothersome.
What was the first manga you picked up?
The first manga I picked up and owned was Sgt. Frog (Keroro Gunsō) when I was in elementary school… But honestly, I think I liked the anime adaptation better. It was somehow more targeted at kids (What, a girl’s panties? In my manga?!).
Which manga changed your life?
Natsume’s Book of Friends (Natsume Yūjinchō). It was just here for me at the right time (patiently waiting to be read in my middle school’s library). I don’t consider it my favorite manga, but it (still) holds an important place somewhere in my heart. … Or brain.
Which manga character do you most identify with? Why?
Now that’s a very good question. I identify a lot with characters like Hitori Bocchi (Hitori Bocchi no Marumaru Seikatsu) and Gotō Hitori (Bocchi the Rock) (Wait… Do I sense a pattern in those names?). I learnt to be more at ease publicly with time and I am doing pretty fine nowadays, but I still struggle with the anxiety to be liked and being a shy, awkward loner longing for more emotional, friendly interactions.
What kind of manga do you want to make next?
I still want to focus on characters’ psychology and emotions, but I want to explore much darker themes than a couple’s tickle fight.
About You
What do you do when you’re not making manga? How do you relax?
I eat. And if I ate too much already, I think about eating.
What industry do you work in (if manga making isn’t your primary job)?
I’m just a smol art student.
Where do you see your manga career in 5 years time?
In order to avoid disappointment or put too much pressure on myself, I’ll just say… Hopefully somewhere I can at least pay rent.
What manga making advice would you give to your younger self if you could?
It doesn’t have to be perfect now because it never ever will. Just do your best and enjoy the process.
What advice would you give to people entering the SILENT MANGA AUDITION®?
If you have the time to consider participating, by all means, do. For those who struggle with what kind of story, I think anything can do, as long as you can make your readers look forward to the following pages; they need to be hooked for the conclusion. It doesn’t need to be life-changing or exceptional; it can be extremely simple. Anything that’s important to you (and relevant to tell in a 17 page story).
Thank you, suonäcy! We’re eagerly expecting your next manga masterpiece!
You have time until April 3rd to join SMA19 and have a chance to develop your potential as a manga creator with us in Japan!
HELLO SMA18 AWARD WINNER, Punix!
PROFILEName/Pen Name: Pakapol Potisaratana/PunixAge: 32
Country: ThailandFavorite manga:ONE PIECE, Death Note, Bleach, I’s , Eyeshield 21Favorite movie: The Secret Life of Walter Mitty, The Dark Knight TrilogyFavorite quote: “Stay hungry, stay foolish.” -Steve JobsEntry Title:“Itsumo”Round:SMA18 “Moments of HAPPINESS, AFFECTION, or TEARS”Award: Honorable Mention
“Just love it at first. Love it enough to bring it to be a part of your life.”
About SMA
How does it feel to receive a SILENT MANGA AUDITION® award?I am grateful to the SMA team for holding such great contests every year and would like to say thank you to all the judges. Your comments are very precious to me. Moreover, I am very happy to have a chance to show my works to the Japanese audience. The manga industry in your country has always been attractive to me.
What was the inspiration behind your awarded work?
“Itsumo” is based on a true story from my life. I have always had feelings for a childhood friend who is a girl, but after we grew up we did not meet as often as before. As the world separated us, the memories of “happier times” with her are still with me. I just wanted to tell her to always be happy and smile. It is what she deserves.
What challenges did you face while making your manga? How did you overcome them?
Working on contests along with making money for my family always challenges me!
How and when did you start making manga? Any advice for beginners?
I started drawing manga when I was young and first watched anime and read manga. I have always asked myself why I draw, and the answer was I love to see the manga world weaving out of me. My advice for beginners: just love it at first. Love it enough to bring it to be a part of your life.
Do you draw your manga digitally or by hand? What are your go-to digital or analogue tools?
I usually draw digitally because it is easier. My tablet is a Wacom Bamboo with a notebook Dell G3 15.
What was the first manga you picked up?
Detective Conan.
Which manga changed your life?
There are 3 manga that brought me to draw manga like crazy.
First, Detective Conan, I have started reading it since I was young and try very hard to draw in the same quality as Aoyama-sensei.
Second is Midori no Hibi. It is the time I began to realize how to draw in “Moe” style. It happened that I love to draw cute girls very much.
The last one is Death Note. I am a fan of Obata-sensei’s works. His style always blows my mind, especially in Death Note. The first time I read Death Note, I settled my mind that I will be as good as him someday.
Which manga character do you most identify with? Why?
It is Monkey D. Luffy from ONE PIECE. I also dreamt high at first but knew nothing. As the time passed, I started to learn everything step by step with joy.
What kind of manga do you want to make next?
Sci-Fi, cyberpunk, fantasy, romance.
About You
What do you do when you’re not making manga? How do you relax?
I usually draw illustrations to make myself relax. Sometimes, I read novels and play games (like Kingdom Hearts) to get new ideas.
What industry do you work in (if manga making isn’t your primary job)?
I work in the 2D animation industry because I am also an animator.
Where do you see your manga career in 5 years time?
In 5 years, I hope for my works to be more famous, and have a chance to work in the Japanese manga and anime industry.
What manga making advice would you give to your younger self if you could?
Manga is freedom because you can make anything happen. Just be yourself and don’t stay in a box.
What advice would you give to people entering the SILENT MANGA AUDITION®?
Ask yourself what is the best thing in your life that you can apply to the topic of the contest and how the audience can improve their life from knowing your story. Then, tell it to the world.
Thank you, Punix! We’re eagerly expecting your next manga masterpiece!
You have time until April 3rd to join SMA19 and have a chance to develop your potential as a manga creator with us in Japan!
Two International Manga Creators Finalists in Japanese Manga Contest!
Two members of the SILENT MANGA AUDITION® MasterClass are finalists in Monthly Comic ZENON’s 25th Manga Taisho: monotone_ink from Australia and Laica Chrose from Brazil!
“Ephemera” (Japanese title: Kagerou no Natsu) is created by SMA16 Grand Prix Runner-Up and Webtoon creator Laica Chrose. The manga tells a classic boy-meets-girl story, but with a surprising twist: our hero is a boy that ages incredibly slow. Living in isolation, everything changes one summer when he meets a girl who is living on borrowed time and shows him the joys of the outside world. Was their meeting chance…or fate? And how will things end for these two souls whose time cannot be compared?
“The Witch of Petrovsky” (Japanese title: Petorofusukii no Majou) is the latest manga from monotone_ink, the first international creator to have a one-shot printed in Monthly Comic ZENON after receiving the top award in COAMIX’s 6th Kyushu International Manga Award. The manga is set in a world where witches are hunted by the humans that fear them. The story follows Evelyn, a witch who is orphaned at a young age and vows to take revenge against humans under the cold, snowy sky of Petrovsky. However, Evelyn’s frozen heart begins to melt after a fateful encounter with Marya, a girl who selflessly helps others.
“Monthly Comic ZENON’s Manga Taisho” (lit. “The Great Manga Audition of Monthly Comic ZENON”) is ZENON’s oldest contest where Japanese newcomers can prove themselves DIRECTLY to their future fans with a 39 page entry. Manga Taisho is not only judged by manga legends such as Tsukasa Hojo-sensei and Tetsuo Hara-sensei, but also judged by booksellers and the general public in order to evaluate the marketability of the entrants.
Laica Chrose and monotone_ink follow Momo Sanse and Enewald as international creators discovered by the SMA Editorial Dept. who have reached the finals of the prestigious Manga Taisho, which allows you, the SMA Community, to READ and VOTE for their manga!
Both Laica Chrose and monotone_ink’s manga will be available for review by Japanese and international readers from today January 13th until January 20th,11:59 (JPN time) on the Comic ZENON website.
3 – Fill the form with YOUR name and vote for an entry HERE
That’s it!
We are looking forward to reading your opinions and reactions!
*The English versions of “Ephemera” and “The Witch of Petrovsky” are scheduled to be published on the SMA website in 2023!
