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Before the decline of the American comics market in the late 1960's, there
was a strong supply of comics for American girls to read, carrying romance
stories to millions. That girls' comics tradition continues in Japan, and
Animazement brought two shojo manga artists to North Carolina to speak
about their work. |
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Rurika Fuyuki started drawing pictures as a child, and never stopped. A
self-taught artist, she started submitted her work to manga publishers.
After three years of trying, she was offered a professional contract. Now,
she can work at her own - unusual - hours. "I never get up early," Fuyuki
said. "I usually get up at 12 noon, start my work and three p.m. and work
until morning. When the sun comes up I go to sleep, just like a vampire." |
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Also self-taught, Yuu Kamijyou got a job as an assistant to an established
manga artist, but wanted to become a featured artist. She also persisted
in submitting art to publishers, and was rewarded with a contract. |
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Fuyuki wants to create stories about humans, not super heroes. "I don't
like a very powerful or cheerful person," Fuyuki said. "I like to draw
a person who is growing up and has to overcome this weakness." What about
the physical features of manga characters, who usually look more caucasian
than asian? "Expressions are exaggerated and it's far from real life. Manga
art is not realistic. We try to make the emotions more clear than usual,
so the characters have the large eyes." |
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Kamijyou reflects the Japanese preference for melodramatic entertainment.
I like fantasies and love stories. My favorite love stories have sad endings."
Among Kamijyou's series, her favorite is Magic Monkey. |
