Christian Manga Artists- Need Interview

[Madeline]

I'm in a high-school journalism group, and I am doing an article on Christian manga. I need interviews from Christian manga artists, people who like to read Christian manga, and such...any help would be appreciated. Here are a few of my questions:

Has the demand for Christian manga grown or decreased in the past few years?

What type of manga has been most popular with Christian manga fans?

How do you think that Christian manga is going to impact non-christian manga fans?

Why would non-Christians want to buy your manga instead of a secular manga? (Or "If you were a non-Christian, why would you read Christian manga instead of secular manga?)

Do you think that manga in general has become more popular over the past few years?

How will the work of Christian manga artists today affect people in the future?

I'll post more questions later as some of them get answered.

Thank you all for your help!

[Fsiphskilm]

Has the

[Ashley]

Has the demand for Christian manga grown or decreased in the past few years?
--Absolutely. I think the forerunner Christian mangakas, like Psycho Ann and Inkhana, for example, found there WAS a need out there for it and "second generation" artists like myself have discovered since there was a market, we could go out on a limb and try to reach it too.

What type of manga has been most popular with Christian manga fans?
--I personally prefer shoujo mostly. It doesn't have to be trashy to be mushy and good. Full Moon, Fruits Basket, Angelic Layer--these are all very clearly shoujo and yet there's nothing trashy in ANY of them. I can handle some shounen titles, like Gundam Wing or Cowboy Bebop, but on the whole general school-girl shoujo is my favorite.

How do you think that Christian manga is going to impact non-christian manga fans?
--I would hope that we could show them we are not all the puritan, stick in the mud, condemning idea they have of us. That Christians are humans that LOVE them; that there's something special in us more than just flat out condemnation or judgement. I would like them to see that Christians enjoy, and love themselves, things that aren't simply "I Love Jesus" on every page, you know? That it doesn't have to be from Cloud 9 Productions for us to enjoy it. I want them most of all to see the freedom in Christ tempered with a perfect love for Him that makes me obey His commandments.

>Why would non-Christians want to buy your manga instead of a secular manga? (Or "If you were a non-Christian, why would you read Christian manga instead of secular manga?)
Well certainly not for the art! I would hope I am made capable of telling powerful stories that people can relate to and that moves them; the same reason they buy any other good manga. And when I have their attention, I hope they will see and understand the power of the living God and their desperate need for Him. As for why I'd reach Christian manga instead of secular, because I want to support my fellow artists and lift them up. And I think there's an assumed relaxation when reading Christian manga because we know we need not worry about sex, violence, nudity, anything distasteful like we do in the secular realm.

>>Do you think that manga in general has become more popular over the past few years?
Gosh yes! I remember walking into waldenbooks and the manga section was 2 shelves. Now it's an entire wall of bookcases. What sparked that change? I have no idea, but I am rather glad of it.

>>How will the work of Christian manga artists today affect people in the future?
I hope it will inspire them to get out into a realm that seems to be "taken" by Satan and get out there to make a difference. To take back what's been lost, boldly proclaim the gospel, and to have no sense of shame while doing so. I think that by stepping out and boldly putting our talents to God's use, we will inspire others to follow after us and take any challenge or sphere of life head on for Christ.

[true_noir_chloe]

Has the demand for Christian manga grown or decreased in the past few years?[color=black][font=Verdana] Yes, to some extent. When I first read this question I answered according to it being the question “has the demand for ‘manga’ grown or decreased.â€

[The Doctor]

Ok.

I'm going to answer everything like this:

Christian manga is out there, but the problem is that while the storylines are good (Inkhana has great stuff), it's not out there and few people outside of CAA know of it's existence. Why? Because, well, there isn't a publisher putting it out, and that's our problem right now.

If we, Christian manga and anime makers, are going to be successful, WE HAVE TO UNITE UNDER ONE BANNER, UNDER ONE TENT. We have to form a production company under which we operate. This means taking all of this and transforming it into a business. I know that many will shudder at that thought, but making entertainment costs money, and if we're going to make it big, really reach all areas, we have to go the business route. It's the only way we can hire the hands needed to launch such a comprehensive operation. After all, not all artists in the world will work for free.

We have the talents here. But how will we impact and take the non-Christian world? Focus on this when making our works: STORY STORY STORY. Focus on the story, everything else MUST COME SECOND. I would go so far as to even adopt a strategy that helped relaunch Disney into super animation stardom, and that is a rule then Disney studio Chief Jeffery Katzenberg instituted: Before drawing even ONE frame, write out the story/script and then do the animation. This allows for editing and fixing any potential problems in the story.
If we create excellent stories, we'll draw the public. NOt only that, but Mel Gibson's movie has shown that christians ARE out there and WILL pay for Godly entertainment. It just has to be made well.

That's another problem...few of the Christian movies put out are made well. And 88% of them focus on one thing: ARMAGEDDON. THE SECOND COMING. Good grief. YES CHRIST IS COMING BACK SOON!!! WE KNOW THIS!!! WHY NOT MAKE SOMETHING THAT DEALS WITH TODAY!? We have enough second coming movies to last a laughtime...and only few of them worth watching.

We also need a BIG three management team. We need excellent leaders who understand: Business, the entertainment world, marketing, and managing.
To better tell what we need, I will say we need a Christian version of: Michael Eisner, Frank Wells, and Jeffery Katzenberg. Hear me out here: Eisner, Wells, and Katzenberg, when they arrived at the Disney company, came to a beleagured and near dead company. These three men got together and engineered the biggest comeback in corporate history. They turned an ancient lion around and turned it into one of the most powerful media companies in the whole wide world. Their movies made money, their influence impacted millions of families (for better AND worse, but we can get into that later).

Sufficed to say, these men KNEW entertainment and business. I can't say too much about management though since they were excessive micromanagers (which is one of the things that has recently cost Eisner his job).

So, in short, if we're going to do this, and we will, we need to unite, become a business, and find excellent leaders. And our mission? "To change the culture for Christ through storytelling.

I know of what I speak. I have studied the entertainment world (it's not even my major, I just read books on it in my spare time cause it's my real passion and desire) and I've studied Michael Eisner and Katzenberg close to the point that I know them like the back of my hand. Trust me friends, this will work. Just who is willing to step up to the plate? Who's willing to make the sacrifices? There will be sacrifices. This is a risk. But you know what? Everything's a risk. And we as CHristians shouldn't be afraid.

In the words of Mark Burnett, producer and creator of Survivor, the Apprentice, and now the Contender, I say "Jump in! Even if you don't know how to swim." And I'm not just talking the talk, I'm walking it to. I'm going to do it because it's my calling in life, it's my passion. When I saw anime, Kenshin defending the poor, Vash fighting evil, I thought to myself "Wow, the visuals are great, the story is incredible. How this art form could be used for the cause of Christ!" And so the desire was set and the journey began. I just hope I end up having you guys as my allies when it all comes together. Because, in many ways, you guys have been used by God to start the dream. I want you to be there with us when the battle begins...the battle to take Hollywood and the world.

I wish you could see what I see today. The darkness of the media is fading...the Church is rising up and Christians are saying they've had it. A great movement is beginning, a movement by Christians to retake what has been used for evil and use it for God. We just need some Christians ready and willing to dive in and trust God. I'm willing to, and I believe my friends are too.

[Warrior 4 Jesus]

Has the demand for Christian manga grown or decreased in the past few years?
Grown definetly. As manga has become more popular, Christian's who enjoy manga have used and continue to use the drawing and writing talents that God has given them to honour him. To provide entertainment and food for thought for Christians and for non-Christians to plant seeds of faith or get people thinking about Jesus.

What type of manga has been most popular with Christian manga fans?
Personally for me I enjoy any Christian manga I can get my hands on but Kingdom Come and Steelblood. Stuff like that. But I would say it varies amongst Christian manga fans as we are all made unique by God. That said spirtual warfare manga seem to be pretty popular at the moment.

How do you think that Christian manga is going to impact non-christian manga fans?
Its not that well known but I believe all those who have the talent to draw manga and enjoy manga can use their talents to further God's Kingdom. It would be great to hear of people coming to Christ through manga, but the Bible is the real spiritual food. Point non-Christian's to Jesus and the Bible and you can't go wrong. Story is defiently vitally important in gaining their attention and crap story with good Christian values will just read as a sermon to them and you don't want to scare them off. But you also don't want to water down the Word to get a wider audience. A balance is needed of good story and a good Christian message wether about turning to Jesus to fill the void consumed by drugs, sex, witchcraft etc
Defiently not compromising the Word too be cool. It is possible to write an entertaining manga and still having it Scriptually sound.

Why would non-Christians want to buy your manga instead of a secular manga?
Art is a big factor and so is a good story with characters the person can relate to. Someone who has struggles in life, isn't perfect. There are some non-Christian's that want non violent/sexual/magical alternative and Christian manga would present the Christian message in a non-threatening/entertaing way that doesn't water down God's Word.

Do you think that manga in general has become more popular over the past few years?
Defiently. In the last few years, especially in Australia. There was next to no manga and anime available in Australia, except in specialty shops and now there are entire walls dedicated to anime and manga is still hard to come by, but specialty shops are lined with manga.

How will the work of Christian manga artists today affect people in the future?
Teach the Truth - God's Word through entertaining and Spirit-filled messages. Hopefully bring more people to Christ or at least get them thinking about Him. Its a ministry and many Christian's have got to open their eyes to the fact that "cartoons" aren't a waste of time and can be used effectively to further God's Kingdom.

[Madeline]

Thank you everyone for your wonderful answers and replies. This will definitely give me a lot of fuel for my article. ^_^

[The Doctor]

Your welcome Madeline.

By the way, I must apologize for my preachy diatribe I posted. Reason why is cause I forgot that the wonderful team here at CAA IS stepping up to the plate with their new manga project.

Kudos to you guys, you are leading the way.

[true_noir_chloe]

Thank you everyone for your wonderful answers and replies. This will definitely give me a lot of fuel for my article. ^_^

Hey Maddie, would I be able to read this when you're finished? I think it would be very interesting to read your article. And, it was a joy answering your questions. ~_^ Thank you.

[Mave]

Argh...hope I'm not too late. >_<;;; I haven't had much time to log on to CAA lately.

Has the demand for Christian manga grown or decreased in the past few years?
I think the demand has grown as manga becomes increasingly popular in countries that have strong Christian influences such as the United States. Manga has been in my home country for a long time but there was hardly a demand for Christian manga then.

What type of manga has been most popular with Christian manga fans?
I don’t really know. I suspect that they like the adventure/action genre but I can't assume that my choices represent the preferences of Christian manga fans in general. At the moment, I have the assumption that the Christian manga fan community is just as diverse as the secular community and the Christian manga artists are called to explore all types of genre. Therefore, I welcome Christian manga artists of ANY genres, as long as it doesn’t compromise God’s Law.

How do you think that Christian manga is going to impact non-christian manga fans?
It expands the opportunities of the Good News being heard to non-believers apart from the more popular/traditional means (ex. Christian music and sermons). It helps the message of Christ to go outside further to the world and not remain within church buildings.

Why would non-Christians want to buy your manga instead of a secular manga? (Or "If you were a non-Christian, why would you read Christian manga instead of secular manga?)
If I was an unbeliever, I would only read Christian manga for two reasons, 1) out of pure curiosity 2) the art is great. If the story has a positive impact on me, it serves as a plus and encourages me to keep checking it out. I would expect Christian manga artists to be just as excellent (if not greater) as secular manga artists in story telling and art style.

Do you think that manga in general has become more popular over the past few years?
Definitely. Compare the graphic novel shelves of popular bookstores today vs 2 years back.

How will the work of Christian manga artists today affect people in the future?
In many ways. 1) It will break through the little box that people (even Christians themselves) have placed God in. I expect more believers to be inspired and foresee more Christian manga and anime to become a reality. 2) It will help them realize that anime and manga can get along just fine with the Christian faith and they don't necessarily have to isolate themselves from entertainment to live His glory. 3) It can also serve as a great educational/edifying tool for the Christian community with the positive messages it provides. 4) Fake/misguided “Christian manga/anime producersâ€

[Knuckles]

Ok.

I'm going to answer everything like this:

Christian manga is out there, but the problem is that while the storylines are good (Inkhana has great stuff), it's not out there and few people outside of CAA know of it's existence. Why? Because, well, there isn't a publisher putting it out, and that's our problem right now.

If we, Christian manga and anime makers, are going to be successful, WE HAVE TO UNITE UNDER ONE BANNER, UNDER ONE TENT. We have to form a production company under which we operate. This means taking all of this and transforming it into a business. I know that many will shudder at that thought, but making entertainment costs money, and if we're going to make it big, really reach all areas, we have to go the business route. It's the only way we can hire the hands needed to launch such a comprehensive operation. After all, not all artists in the world will work for free.

We have the talents here. But how will we impact and take the non-Christian world? Focus on this when making our works: STORY STORY STORY. Focus on the story, everything else MUST COME SECOND. I would go so far as to even adopt a strategy that helped relaunch Disney into super animation stardom, and that is a rule then Disney studio Chief Jeffery Katzenberg instituted: Before drawing even ONE frame, write out the story/script and then do the animation. This allows for editing and fixing any potential problems in the story.
If we create excellent stories, we'll draw the public. NOt only that, but Mel Gibson's movie has shown that christians ARE out there and WILL pay for Godly entertainment. It just has to be made well.

That's another problem...few of the Christian movies put out are made well. And 88% of them focus on one thing: ARMAGEDDON. THE SECOND COMING. Good grief. YES CHRIST IS COMING BACK SOON!!! WE KNOW THIS!!! WHY NOT MAKE SOMETHING THAT DEALS WITH TODAY!? We have enough second coming movies to last a laughtime...and only few of them worth watching.

We also need a BIG three management team. We need excellent leaders who understand: Business, the entertainment world, marketing, and managing.
To better tell what we need, I will say we need a Christian version of: Michael Eisner, Frank Wells, and Jeffery Katzenberg. Hear me out here: Eisner, Wells, and Katzenberg, when they arrived at the Disney company, came to a beleagured and near dead company. These three men got together and engineered the biggest comeback in corporate history. They turned an ancient lion around and turned it into one of the most powerful media companies in the whole wide world. Their movies made money, their influence impacted millions of families (for better AND worse, but we can get into that later).

Sufficed to say, these men KNEW entertainment and business. I can't say too much about management though since they were excessive micromanagers (which is one of the things that has recently cost Eisner his job).

So, in short, if we're going to do this, and we will, we need to unite, become a business, and find excellent leaders. And our mission? "To change the culture for Christ through storytelling.

I know of what I speak. I have studied the entertainment world (it's not even my major, I just read books on it in my spare time cause it's my real passion and desire) and I've studied Michael Eisner and Katzenberg close to the point that I know them like the back of my hand. Trust me friends, this will work. Just who is willing to step up to the plate? Who's willing to make the sacrifices? There will be sacrifices. This is a risk. But you know what? Everything's a risk. And we as CHristians shouldn't be afraid.

In the words of Mark Burnett, producer and creator of Survivor, the Apprentice, and now the Contender, I say "Jump in! Even if you don't know how to swim." And I'm not just talking the talk, I'm walking it to. I'm going to do it because it's my calling in life, it's my passion. When I saw anime, Kenshin defending the poor, Vash fighting evil, I thought to myself "Wow, the visuals are great, the story is incredible. How this art form could be used for the cause of Christ!" And so the desire was set and the journey began. I just hope I end up having you guys as my allies when it all comes together. Because, in many ways, you guys have been used by God to start the dream. I want you to be there with us when the battle begins...the battle to take Hollywood and the world.

I wish you could see what I see today. The darkness of the media is fading...the Church is rising up and Christians are saying they've had it. A great movement is beginning, a movement by Christians to retake what has been used for evil and use it for God. We just need some Christians ready and willing to dive in and trust God. I'm willing to, and I believe my friends are too.

Yeah! we can be the next Tokyopop! ^_^

[GhostontheNet]

Yeah! we can be the next Tokyopop! ^_^

YHWH willing.

[true_noir_chloe]

Why would non-Christians want to buy your manga instead of a secular manga? (Or "If you were a non-Christian, why would you read Christian manga instead of secular manga?)
If I was an unbeliever, I would only read Christian manga for two reasons, 1) out of pure curiosity 2) the art is great. If the story has a positive impact on me, it serves as a plus and encourages me to keep checking it out. I would expect Christian manga artists to be just as excellent (if not greater) as secular manga artists in story telling and art style.

I totally agree with Mave on this point. *two thumbs up* ^___^

[quote="Mave"]How will the work of Christian manga artists today affect people in the future?
In many ways. 1) It will break through the little box that people (even Christians themselves) have placed God in. I expect more believers to be inspired and foresee more Christian manga and anime to become a reality. 2) It will help them realize that anime and manga can get along just fine with the Christian faith and they don't necessarily have to isolate themselves from entertainment to live His glory. 3) It can also serve as a great educational/edifying tool for the Christian community with the positive messages it provides. 4) Fake/misguided “Christian manga/anime producersâ€

[mssthang_1]

i totally agree with the doc, if there's some way i could help let me know, i wanna support my christian brothers and sisters

[Sanji07]

Here's my opinion (it might help):

I've noticed that the few Christian manga titles in bookstores nowadays are aimed at little kids/young teens. They are often overlooked because not many kids read manga (which might be a good thing since most manga is inappropriate for children...); and older people don't want to read "kiddie" comics when they can read something else.
Of course, this is with all[/I] types of media. There are plenty of Christian material for kids and adults, but either there's not enough sources for teens, or (some) teens don't care.

Perhaps some of us can fill in this 'gap'.

Sorry if I bumped this up; I thought it was fairly new. ._.;;