First up was the kind words by Ichiro Kaneko-san, the president of Deleter Inc. I've been complimented by Japanese readers before, from my sister's friend, who is an avid manga fan, exclaiming, "I didn't know that when you said Tay-lu drew comics, you meant she was real! This is really manga!" This made me feel very glowy inside. But it was someone else entirely to get complimented by someone who is in the business of selling manga supplies.
Seems American downers will fall all over themselves to tell you that you don't conform to the quintessential "cutesy" anime style or Shounen Jump or whatever else they have in mind, but when it comes to Japanese people from Japan, well... They've been more than warm to me and very receptive of my comic, which makes me very happy. In Japan, according to them, there is still so much variation in Japan. "In America, even manga here is not as saturated as market in Japan. You get only small portion."
In fact, ANYONE being receptive to my comic makes me happy. I am very lucky to have readers in many countries that have stopped by, most are not in Japan, (I only have about 300 repeat visitors from Japan), but it makes me happy that some of them stop by (maybe to practice their English?).
Anyway, Kaneko-san said some things that came at a time when I was feeling very down. I seemed to be losing commentary by actual fans to be replaced with trolls just trying to cut me down for the sake of cutting down.
But these words of encouragement are beautiful. Excerpts:
Dear Loom-San,
You are so professional manga artist!! Your actions drawing is so powerful !!
Your drawing must encourage all of artist everywhere to keep up their work!! I definitely think that you are good at adding effect at your comic!! The screen tone is also technique is AMAZING. Really really amazing manga Vampire Fetish. I am glad that you allowed us your professional drawing is added at our Gallery!!
Thank you very much!!
And later after chatting back and forth a bit:
Dear Taylor-San, (let me call you with your name now.)
Thank you very much for your message!!It is really touched!!! I will tell your heart-warm message to everyone in my company.
We guess everyone in the world worries to purchase through international online shopping. So we keep trying to improve our service.
Your words encourage everyone of us!! Thank you very much!! If you have any question, please feel free to ask me personal!!
Arigato Gozaimasu
Kind regards,
Ichiro Kaneko
It still makes me feel glowy inside. There's more kindness in that company that simply messages, but the email correspondence, as you can see, is also very heartwarming. I really want to keep giving DELETER business, as they are kind and wonderful. *^_^*
All that said, while I am very happy that Japanese readers are receptive to my art, I whole-heartedly embrace my Western roots. I like my Western flair. I AM Western and there's nothin wrong with Western art. (Tons of Western comics are kick-ass!) I think it's much better to embrace your style, drawing from life and letting the conglomeration of all the things that make up your influence bleed out.
I remember that the MICC judge once said he was disappointed in the U.S. for having so many Naruto, Bleach, One Piece, and moe/loli copycats in terms of style. I am happy to say I really DON'T sit down and consciously copy my style from anywhere or model it from specific people for hours on end. I've had manga & comics in hand since I could walk. The same way kids grew up with cartoons and superheroes that influenced THEM, *I* truly, truly grew up with comics & manga both influencing me in a huge melting pot. I was unaware that "manga" was a Japanese "thing" for the longest time... XD
