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June 12, 2007
Vacuums suck...
I was in the local comic book establishment, perusing the manga section. While doing so I had my latest story idea in my head, making sure I wasn't blatantly copying someone. Granted, since I am a fan of and draw in the manga style I am bound to face some derivativeness in my projects. Of course, this issue isn't something that's unique only to my little musings. Concepts, themes and ideas often repeat in the world of manga. It's similar to Hollywood where a fresh story is hard to come by.
Granted, this doesn't mean that everyone is a rip-off artist or that any work that's been inspired by something else isn't any less worth enjoying. It does makes you think about the intentions though. Lately I've been approaching this from the vantage point of a creator (term used very loosely). I'm not setting out to completely bite off another artist, and I'm actually trying my best not to. Despite my best efforts, I've already encountered too many similarities with my current idea. It's inevitable.
What to do next? Tite Kubo is the creator of the popular manga series Bleach. His story was originally rejected because the soon-to-be hit bore too many similarities to the already popular YuYu Hakusho according to editors. The manga was eventually published with perseverance and the encouragement of an industry icon, Akira Toriyama.
On paper a lot of stuff is the same, I can't escape that. But then again there are so many demon slayers, galaxy heroes and martial arts gurus around.
Hmm...are there any Ninja Demon Ombudsmen?
Posted by Ed at June 12, 2007 05:41 PM
Comments
You could be the first! :)
One thing that's helpful to me is stream of consciousness writing. It's terrific for clearing your head of whatever miscellaneous crap might be in there clogging your brain up. Helps you overcome your internal censor/critic. (Check out "The Artist Way" by Julia Cameron... she calls these morning pages. You can actually see the pertinent chapter for free at her website: http://www.theartistsway.com/?section=2 There's a .pdf of the morning pages chapter there...)
Posted by: Thomas at June 13, 2007 09:45 AM
What about a Ninja with a knife in his chest as a character? Or pop-up manga? I think you're too hard on yourself. Just go to the park, open up a sketchbook and draw without consequence. You can bring Ranger. Chics love dreamers with dogs. Or the next time we run to Dunkin' Donuts, steal a bunch of napkins and doodle on those while on a conference call. I used to fill dozens of composition books that way (writing narratives and drawing a handful of stick figures with big hair). Oh, and congratulations on winning the $500 raffle at work. Maybe you can splurge on art supplies!
Posted by: glamourose at September 18, 2007 03:18 AM