Yesterday was my 18th birthday and with the money I had I got I bought the book “Mangaka” foreword by Adam Warren. This book is basically a book compiled of interviews and tutorials by some of America’s “hottest artists”. The book features Svetlana Chimakova, Ms,Shatia Hamilton, Jesse Philips, Christy Lijewski, Amy Kim Ganter, Felipe Smith, Lindsay Cibos and Jared Hodges, Corey “Rey” Lewis, Tania Del Rio, Rivkah, and M. Alice LeGrow.
The book introduces itself with a passage by Adam Warren himself about how the use of the term “Manga” for American art work is still in its own little war, not only by Japanese fans and artists, but by Americans also. He states “…I don’t personally use the term “manga” (meaning Japanese comics) to describe the artwork that I create, nor do I use the term “Mangaka” (meaning a practitioner of Japanese comics art) to describe myself…” I believe that after reading that passage I got a bit of insight into the controversy. Next was a passage by Tania Del Rio and her experience and beliefs about the “war” that seems to be going on. This book has really given a lot to think about on that subject and in end the end I’m brought back to a direct quote by Tania Del Rio, “…At the end of the day manga is just a word. It’s two syllables that only have meaning because we give it meaning.”
For the remaining majority of the book, each artist gives a little information and insight about themselves and their style. Also, there are tutorial by a few of the artists ranging from Lineart, expressions, coloring, character personality, and etc. I really believe that this book is a great investment for anyone, American or Japanese, who like this area of art, for tips and just information.