Manga Mondays: Style ~ Make or Break?

So today's question might get a little confusing just by reading the title. Basically, what I'm asking is this:

Does a Mangaka's [A Manga artist] style make or break a good manga?

Now let's think about this: I'd have to say yes and no. To be honest, a lot of mainstream otakus hate the old style. However, would our ideal of manga be alive today if it were not for the old style of manga? No, our contemporary manga style wouldn't exist without the influence of old manga. Manga evolves from manga. Other mangas are created from influence by other mangas. Every mangaka and wanna-be mangaka study each other. We grow from each other, and that's what makes this style so unique.

So back to the topic. Here's why I am on the fence for this.

Let's look at Basara, which you can read [Here]. For anyone who wants to be a Mangaka or just anyone who wants to read a fantastic action-packed and romantic story, read Basara. Written by Yumi Tamura, the original serialization of this manga in Betsucomi magazine was from September of 1990 to June of 1998. As you can probably tell and/or if you clicked the link, this is an old-styled manga. I was completely turned off by the drawings. I am so used to mangas like One Piece (which is awesome, MONKEY D LUFFY<3), Fairy Tail (NATSU DRAGONEELLLLLL FOR THE WINNNN!), and Bleach (FUGG YEAH, GETTIN' IT IN, ICHIGO KUROSAKI!) that the style just didn't fit my eyes.

However, Basara is a single reason why I do not discriminate style within a manga anymore. This story was so exceptionally written and executed that I literally cried for hours during and after I finished this story. The dramatic irony of the reader and character development and uniqueness between them can create such a flood of emotions within the reader that they just don't care what style is used; WE JUST WANT TO KNOW WHAT HAPPENS NEXT! I seriously left my computer, sat on my bed, and contemplated the story and the characters as I drew my own characters. There is so many things to think about within this story. There are constant themes that are evident within every chapter, and seriously, I didn't do homework for the next week except for at school. I would hop onto my computer and immediately start reading this story. I can understand why people would be put off at first (I even said I experienced that), yet this story is simply the epitome of completely planned and well thought-out story telling. The mangaka leaves you wanting more after every chapter. Seriously, if you are reading this, go read Basara. You will fall in love with every character, every story, and every line. I absolutely love it, and it is one of my favorites. (BTW, if I was reviewing it, I'd give it 4/4 polishes.)

Okay, there is also why I said no.

This time, let's look at the style and how it affects the story with...

L-DK.... You can read it here...

Okay, once you click it, it isn't such a bad style, right? Well, yeah it's not bad. It's pretty mainstream as seen with the pretty and sparkling eyes on a girl and the boy looks a little girlie and the whole shee-bang.

However, this is one of those stories that, just because the art is great, doesn't mean the story is equally great. Yeah, I know that Basara  and L-DK  are two different genres. But you know what they both have and execute? Love. Yeah, the fugging theme of romance. However, I'm not comparing the genres in this case; I'm comparing the execution of the story and art. You can't have a manga without a good story, and you can't have a manga without good art.

Anyways, L-DK has good art for being mainstream. It's proportions are intact, and facial expressions are well expressed. However, this manga lacks what a manga should have: A good and solid plot-line. It takes 30 fugging chapters just to reach an actual and legit romance between these two idiots. I swear, I wanted to slam my monitor at the wall. The progression was slow, and about half way through, I ask myself, "WHY AM I READING THIS!?" Well, I actually just wanted to know what happened and what the heck was bothering the main male protagonist. Okay, so yes Basara had a bit of a slow romance, however in between all the romance, there was legit events happening that seriously affected the entire story. It had serious implications when something would happen within the story, whether it is about the main plot or a character's story. That is why Basara's art doesn't break the entire manga. You weren't just left in some random way-lay of a story, and then suddenly, the story goes, "Whoops! Let's go back to the main story and quickly end this little arc [if you can even call it that!] in 3 fugging pages!" (I'm not bitter...) But that's what it felt like in L-DK. Don't get me wrong; the story isn't entirely bad, but the reasoning behind this story is so convoluted; I am still wondering how I even remotely liked it or somewhat finished it til the latest chapter. 

So to conclude my ranting, I'd just like to say that the story and art make up a manga; obviously, you can't have one without the other. However, the quality of the art does not entirely ruin a manga. Most people who recommend manga do not really judge on the art but rather the story. The intricacy, development, and characters within a manga's story really keeps the reader wanting to buy the volumes and enjoy the manga.

If you don't believe me, go read Basara and L-DK. You will see how convoluted and cliche L-DK's story is that you might gouge your eyes out and see that Basara is everything that you could really want in an action/adventure and romance manga. Or it might be vis versa.

Inked with Brilliance and Love,

Sara

Manga Mondays - Is Anime/Manga style lazy?

Hey everyone. Sorry for last week and not doing a MM feature. Today's feature is a very controversial topic among art students, art critics, and art schools. The big question is:

Click and look at the
details in both the background
and character design.
Notice different elements of
art [I list that later in the
blog post]

Is the Anime/Manga style lazy?

So let's take a moment to really know what Anime and Manga is. In a nutshell, it is basically a simplified version of realism. You can disagree with me on this by stating that "Anime and Manga is for people who can't draw realistic people, objects, etc." However, I stand firmly in my belief that it is not lazy; the styles just differ. I understand why it can be frowned upon. We'll look at both why it isn't a lazy style and why it is a lazy style at the same time.

Although people claim that shounen
has less design than shoujo,
click this picture and feel WRONG.

Let's take for example two different artists. We've got Nakamura Yoshiki's Skip Beat! and Kishimoto Masashi's Naruto, two very popular mangas, both expressed in different anime shows. (one is more mainstream, aka Naruto, while one is low-key popular, aka Skip Beat!)

Simplistic design. However
look at  the background
and proportions of
our friend, Naruto.

Styles are very different from realistic art. However, if you look at both artist's work, the use of correct anatomy (Can be seen in Naruto's action sequences and lack of character "stiffness"), realism in the backgrounds or even in the hair (I.E. SB!), or in the details of the characters (in both). I believe these are two good mangas to seriously look at because their styles differ so much. Yet, both mangas are not lazy at all. Try to draw any of those characters, backgrounds, and designs without looking at them within the book. It's difficult, and I have/am enduring the difficulties of drawing manga. While the designs may be more simplified or exaggerated to a certain extent (I will be referring to this later on...), both artists achieve a semi-realistic feel in their stories. Thus, this proves that manga is not lazy.

LOOK AT THAT SEXY MAN THUR!

However, we always have those who give manga a bad name. Now, I am not trying to be mean or rude to the artist. They have their own style, that's good. Yet, this is why people give manga a bad name:

Nothing may seem wrong with this picture... At first. Notice the features: The barely-there nose, too small mouth, large EXAGGERATED eyes which are disproportional to a girl that looks the age of 14-15, and too big of hair.

So I may seem mean but it's only the truth. Artists and critics alike all see manga as that! But that's not how every manga artist is. I am criticized in my art club because I draw manga. "Manga isn't a real style." Yes. It. Is. I cannot tell you how peeved I get when people say that. They only see that (the picture above) and automatically assume that all manga/anime artists draw like that, which isn't true. 

I'm not trying to point out that we can't be cartoonish; this is a cartoon-derived style. However, there is a fine line between cartoonish and too exaggerated.

Getting the correct proportions (both people and objects/backgrounds), understanding anatomy and movement, and basic artistic knowledge (such as shading, light-direction, and color balance) is the foundation of any artist. Manga artists are exactly the same. If you Google, "how to draw better manga," or any help on how to draw anything "manga," most people, even myself, will say to study real life. Manga comes right from realism, but it is a simplified and unique style created by the artist. No one can take that creativity or uniqueness that the artist creates, whether you are a painter, photographer, or graphic designer.

God, I freaking love this Manga and Anime..
Sengoku Basara... YEAH MASAMUNE DATE AND
YUKIMURA SANADA!! <3

To put it simply, I do not agree that manga is a lazy style. It is the matter of the artist and their style that either proves or disregards that misconception of Manga/Anime art. So slap open a manga book or flip on the anime channel and get to reading/watching!

Inked with Brilliance and Love,

Sara

Anime Review: Soul Eater by Atsushi Okubo

Meet the Team:
Left to Right: Maka, Liz (top), Patty (Bottom), Death the Kid "Kid",
Tsubaki, Black Star, & Soul "Soul Eater" Evans

Title: Soul Eater
Original Artist: Atsushi Okubo
Episodes: 51
Genre: Action, Comedy, Fantasy, Shounen, Supernatural
Manga: Yes [Here]; Watch [Here]
Rating:

Summary:

 Set at the "Death Weapon Meister Academy," the series revolves around three teams consisting of a weapon meister and (at least one) human weapon. Trying to make the latter a "Death Scythe" and thus fit for use by the academy's headmaster, Shinigami (better known as Death), they must collect the souls of 99 evil humans and one witch. 

Review:

Yeah shoot me: I didn't read the Manga first like any normal Otaku. But I was totally done with the rest of my shows on Netflix ('cept for Honey and Clover) and had to watch something. Soul Eater was the choice. It's received both criticism and praise for its artwork and plot line. Soul Eater's easy plot line was quick to catch on, even with its constant perspective changes in the first episode. Basically, the story is about a team of three different people who all have a certain weapon, certain personality, and certain pasts that keep the audience interested in each. Nearly every character has some sort of dilemma in them, some sort of problem, that haunts them. All the characters are interesting and compliment this crazy and intense action packed story. This is a real shounen, sticking to the traditional standards. However, I've only seen a couple episodes. So far, I like it. However, you know what makes a good manga/anime, well really any, any story? Theming. THEMES PEOPLE. The theme of this story is about getting stronger and being better, in more ways than physically. Each character wants to achieve something, whether it is social love or power.

Theming = GENIUS.

Characters:

3 main Meisters (aka the ones who control/create the weapons):
Left to right: Black Star, Maka, and Death the Kid (AKA "Kid")

Maka Albarn: A very earnest and temperamental girl, Maka is the main female protagonist of the series. She fits the main theme of this entire story from episode one and so forth. She wants to surpass the excellence of her mother, whom she takes after as a prodigy Meister, and her father, Spirit (AKA Death Scythe). The theming from Maka makes her a real [female] heroine. She knows the reality of trying to get stronger, which is safe to say, not easy. Maka's strong will and partnership with Soul [Eater] create an awesome protagonist pair.

Soul "Soul Eater" Evans: A laid back and "cool" (he tends to say this many, many times to explain his situation), he is always butting heads with Maka about random, little things. However, he is extremely loyal to his Meister and willing to risk his life for her and his friends. Soul is probably my favorite character, besides Kid, of course! But Soul continues to fulfill the entire theme of SE: Getting stronger. He wants to be the best Death Scythe ever created and helps Maka fulfill her dreams as well.

Black Star: Not gonna lie, I don't really like Black Star. He's funny and has cool moves, but I have yet to really like him. Yet, his character is your typical shounen "hero": Arrogant, egotistical, and wants to become stronger and better than everyone else. He has a BROMANCE with Soul, which is totally and non-inconspicuous in Episode 6 (HILARIOUS BTW!). But this dislike was like for Gin Ichimaru from Bleach.... I ended up in love with Gin. I can't wait to see Black Star much later and getting more strength.

Left to Right:
Patty, Liz, Kid, Soul, Maka, Black Star, & Tsubaki

Tsubaki Nakatsukasa: The weapon for Black Star, Tsubaki can transform into several different ninja-esque weaponry. She is generally calm and caring, contrasting deeply with Black Star's definitely-not-level thinking. She's the brains behind Black Star's operation and continues to be an asset in his battles. She helps Black Star frequently and supports his character to reach his potential.

Death the Kid "Kid": A perfectionist at heart (Can see it through his "IT'S NOT SYMMETRICAL" break downs...), Kid is the son of the God of Death, the headmaster of DWMA. He joins the academy official in Episode 6 and immediately jumps into a fight with Soul and Black Star. With a generally chill demeanor and fond of all things symmetrical (Talk about OCD...), he can snap when something isn't symmetrical (If it's out of battle, he breaks down on the floor and wallows in intense self-pity. If it's in battle, he snaps. Literally. He just kicks arse...) Kid's the mega comic relief of the group and really gets me laughing. (seriously, my dad thought I was going insane while I laughed..)

The Thompson Sisters (Liz & Patty): The twin handguns for the Meister, Kid. Their contrasting personalities create a realistic partnership between polar opposites and basically the epitome of prodigious God of Death (Kid). Their differing personalities as sisters is fun to watch, and their antics add onto the comic relief produced by Kid. 

Art and Movement:

Genius Camera VP

Maka, Y R U so awesum?!

Flow and Art is incredibly important for Anime and Manga, or generally any kind of animations. The flow of action and movement in SE is extremely done, and the action camera-views are excellently used. The art is somewhat a mainstream style but incorporates unique setting that places the reader into a Coraline/Alice in Wonderland/Tim Burton's Film setting, nearly abstract. The character's movements are not choppy, and the special effects are created equally good.

Acting:

You are probably wondering by now: Why are you not giving it a four polishes? It seems you like it.

It's the voice acting. Yes. Voice Acting.

Black Star and Tsubaki [in weapon form]

In Animes, or in any animation possible, [voice] acting is an essential part of conveying the emotions of a character. Sure the character has body language and facial expressions, but if the voice acting isn't being expressed correctly with the body language, facial expressions, and movement of the character, then the entire feeling is lost in that shot/scene or even arc of the anime. This non-parallel emotions between the character in the shot and the voicing behind that character can make or break it. For example: (Note: THIS IS ALL FOR THE ENGLISH VA, NOT THE JAPANESE VA) Why I don't like Black Star is his voice acting. It is played by a GIRL. Understand that he is young and boys don't hit puberty before like 14 or something, but seriously. Kid is played by a boy (If anyone watched D Gray-man, you'll recognize Allen Walker's <3 VA), but he seems just as young, or even younger, than Black Star. Black Star's VA broke the little likeness I could muster for Black Star. Like I said, I like Black Star, but generally, I hope they change the VA by the mid of the season.

Left to Right: Patty, Liz & Kid
Y U SO COOL, KID?!

Okay, you might think "You're not going to give SE four polishes because of VA?!" Well, VA is very important. Take for example, if that character just didn't have that voice, whether the voice changed lower or higher. In Ouran High School Host Club, if Tamaki-senpai had a different VA, his character probably wouldn't be the same. It just fit. That's the problem that arises with correlation between VAs and the characters being portrayed. If the VA's voice just doesn't fit the image of the character, that character is essential ruined. Another example within SE is Kid's voice. I like his voice so much because his voice can become both serious and funny, which exactly fits Kid's personality. Had he another voice, I don't think I would like him as much.

Overall:

I would recommend Soul Eater. It is an excellent show, and I plan to read the manga as soon as I finish the Anime. The Anime does deviate at some point away from the main canon of manga, so you have been warned! I give SE a super awesome 3/4 polishes. Had VA been a bit better, I would definitely have given it a 4/4 on the spot.

Inked with Brilliance and Love,

Sara

P.S. Sorry for such a big entry and failing to do a feature last Monday. I plan to tomorrow and do more reviews for y'all. Thanks for reading and have an awesome week! I leave you with Black Star and Soul...

This is a face only a mother COULDN'T love...