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 05:41 PM | Comments (2)
June 02, 2007
Scibble Scribbles!
I'll address how I got over my scanner issues later, but here's some character sketches for my new project. Nothing's concrete yet, but I feel like I'm heading in the direction I want. I have to admitt though, the close-up of the face is much longer than I wanted.
Enjoy and I hope to post more soon.
Posted by Ed at 11:40 PM | Comments (1)
May 18, 2007
Well it is Spring afterall...
Somewhat nice weather (although today is rather cool and a little damp) is always a good catalyst for change. I'm going to start working on another manga project, first real one since my RSOM entry a couple of years back.
Don't know what it'll end up being, a pitch, a web comic, bird cage lining, but I'll put the process on here. I think it'll be a good thing to do, plus it'll force me to write on this thing more than once a month.
Posted by Ed at 12:41 PM | Comments (2)