This was a great video, it provided a lot of great information about the industry that is often hard to access. It was also motivating to get started and to just have fun with it. One needs to earn the title they claim, a manga artist who doesn't make manga is just an artist and a writer who doesn't write is just a person. Writing and drawing are hard but you can't get better without putting pen to paper.
Excited to learn more about Saturday AM and it is so relieving to hear people normalize other cultures utilizing manga. Thanks for the information and inside tips! I'll try to use this as better inspiration!
Of course! I'm glad you enjoyed the video! I try not to take "hard stances" too much, especially online, but this was something that's been on my mind for a WHILE haha. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion, I just get annoyed when I see a bunch of people actively trying to put someone down
The one thing that stops me from making my comics is that none of the fights are about character's mentality. Stories with symbolic fights that show something about their mentality always goes over my head visual or not. I want my comics to be pure fun and not DN levels of thought provoking philosophy but because of the mental fights i mentioned earlier, it scares me that no one will understand because there's almost nothing symbolic about the fights other than what character learns from the fights (exploiting weaknesses and whatnot). I just wanna make something fun, not a philosophy lesson stretch to a thousand chapters
You can definitely make fight scenes that don't revolve around the character "learning a lesson" or affecting their mentality. You just need to understand WHY readers do that. A well written story has ups, lulls, and downs. Your story can only move forward when working towards a story arc or a character development arc As long as other parts of your story contribute to that, your fight scenes don't have to be that deep
Thank you for taking the time to watch! I have already made a video covering traditional publishing and self publishing. Hope it helps! It can be found here: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-nW7Y_QtGPxM.html
Cheers for the great vid! ;) The world might not need your story, but why write a story that the world doesn’t need? If you need to write it for yourself, then others might very well need it too - unless you think that you transcend that.. That said, I agree with the sentiment, either way the story should speak for itself.
Thank you for taking the time to check this video out and sharing your thoughts! I agree! Fred was coming from a more business side in the sense people ALWAYS need the essentials,, but entertainment is optional and oversaturated, so there is no "immediate need" for your story
@@MonitorComics My pleasure! Your videos are pretty solid, they deserve the views ;) I don’t mean to be a pedantic contrarian (although I do currently reside in the uk) but I disagree with the idea that entertainment is optional and oversaturated- their is a lot of it but I get the impression that much of it is unsatisfactory.. Creators should be humble and aware that they need to ‘sell’ their idea, but I think that they should also be encouraged (maybe more than they currently are) to express themselves to the best of their abilities, and bear in mind that if their idea is good enough it could really ‘change the world’ and that this could be worth the personal sacrifices inherent in pursuing this path. We need good stories. But yeah I get it ^^
I really am interested in Saturday AM to possibly submit for Saturday PM, but the only submission I found for them was for one shots. One shots are usually just for contests like Clip Studio international manga contest, etc. There was no submission that you would normally see for publishing a manga which normally from what I’ve seen asks for an outline, sample pages (5-6 pages usually sequential), character designs, synopsis, and logline. Did I overlook it or is their one shots the only way they find people they want to publish? If so then I am just going to look elsewhere because if I had to make a one shot for every publisher I thought about submitting to then my manga would never get done.
Yes, at the moment they are only looking at talent they find in their Summer of Manga One-Shot contest. The process is similar to what you described, they ask to see sample pages, designs, a pitch, a synopsis, etc They're a publisher and publisher's are businesses. Why would they trust someone to make a series if they can't make a one-shot The One-Shot contest is to see what it is like to work with the creator and how they work with an editor under a deadline. It's like a trial period For the creator's they like, they place them into a branch to develop a series In general, most publishers require you to do something similar (Saturday AM, Silent Manga Audition, Tezuka Award, Etc) Some publishers DO have portfolio reviews instead, like Viz originals. You have to remember though, just because you work on your own comic for years, it doesn't mean your publisher will publish it. Some publishers like you but not your work and will ask you to make something completely different if you want to work with them. If you are published under an exclusivity contract that is even more common
Hey actually im great at drawing and im under 18 and i have a idea to make a manga but i want to publish it with saturday am can u tell me how to do it?
They have a yearly submission event called Summer of Manga! I quit the company months ago and personally don't support it anymore, but that shouldn't stop you from applying if you want to! More information about that is on my twitter: x.com/MonitorComics/status/1676383163898101761?s=20
If you create a 'graphic novel' in the West, then Japanese will call your work a 'manga'. So, you are making a 'manga' no matter what. But if you were to use the term 'manga' in the West to call your work a 'manga', then people would think you mean trying to imitate the Japanese way of drawing characters. And I say, Japanese because you use the term manga, not manhwa or manhua. The English word 'manga' refers to Japanese graphic novels. The English word 'graphic novels' refer to any kind of novel with words and pictures, laid out in panels.
@@kingj9664 I think you had a typo, but if you're asking how they felt about the whole situation, they denied it and called it all lies. Their big artists like Blake resorted to name calling, calling me a "snake, a joke, a crybaby who should stop making videos and learn anatomy," Jey called me a "clown who wanted attention" Whyt blocked people for reposting the insults blake was making on their posts. The other artists lovebombed and just said how great the company was At the end of the day though they never addressed the claims, the head editor double downed and vaguely said dd doesn't own his work, and they never provided any evidence to disprove any of the claims
@@MonitorComics Yes sorry about that text up speed messed up what I was saying. I really hate hearing that I really liked a lot of these artists but that is just kind of a Jerk move they all did
@@MonitorComicsyou would think people with this much experience in the game would take stuff like this seriously especially with all the receipts and testimony provided. Really depressing shit man
Hearing Saturday AM’s story gets me so inspired! But I do wonder how someone can promote their story ideas effectively on social media and gain a following if they aren’t talented in visual art?
It is definitely harder on platforms like Instagram. But I know a few writers who have 100k+ using twitter and tiktok! There is definitely a writing community out there!
@@FrostPanda33 Here's three! I see Writers mostly posting about writing tips, what they think about current anime/manga/comics, and images drawn for their comic/manga series Most of these writers are professionals so they have talented artists working with them, so they repost their art onto their page too instagram.com/jougo.chihaya/ instagram.com/inspired.author/ www.tiktok.com/@camposleg
I do wonder if this place allows people to make comics similar to dark fantasy. Stuff like Warhammer, Berserk, or even things like Jojo or Chainsaw man. Since those series are pretty dark and gory at times. But even then they're very successful and popular. I've wanted to write a comic like that however alot of comic websites I've seen are very strict with how far they can go. Unlike those series I've mentioned. I wonder If this company allows something like those.
They have a magazine called Saturday PM which is specifically for that type of seinen content! There is a dark fantasy manga in their magazine called Saturday Brunch as well!
Thank you this video was very engaging and interesting to watch. When I watch your videos I get inspired to go back to creating, because I was hesitant about creating an manga because I am American (and many people believe non-japanese cannot create manga) but your channel introduced me to Saturday am and your content on youtube. Your videos really helped me learn important info and tips that I use for manga, and it's very easy to understand and entertaining. I am currently creating my manga and I'm writing and doing the art all by myself (because admittingly I'm stubborn and like working alone even though sometimes help can be usful) It's kind of stressful sometimes, but I always make sure to take breaks and remember that even some of the greatest mangakas take years to even create their first manga or for it to get started. Yeah it's a slow process, I've been working on my manga for a few years [I created concept in late 2020 (if I remember correctly) cause I know I created the original vol clean storyboard in 2021) And I have script one done (with thumbnail and old storyboard), and I am almost done with volume 2 script (editing and seeing what my test reader thinks). My goal is to have at the very least have volume 1, 2 , and 3 scripts complete (I plan to have 5-6 volumes) before I even work on Volume 1's artwork. Yeah it will take awhile but I want to plan ahead and make sure my story is great, it will take a few years, but I'm willing to wait for it. I know it's risky to try to do this for my first serious manga project, but I have a story to tell that means so much to me and I won't let it go. I will let the world see it someday in one way or another. You are a big insparation and I hope you have a wonderful day, if you read all of this, I'm surpised you listened (well read) all of my rambling. Yet again, you were always one to read the comment section and always replied in kind and supporting ways. I hope I can strive to be like you someday where I can be a source of inspiration,
Thank you for taking the time to share all of that! I'm really glad my videos can help people! Everyone is on their own journey, as long as you continue to believe and push forward it's alright to take as much time as you need! Great stories like Attack On Titan weren't written in one day, the author had to have planned EVERYTHING out from the beginning. Your approach isn't a "bad thing," if anything it's the preferred way to work. Being published is a double edged sword, most artists are only given a few weeks to a few months to release a new chapter, that doesn't leave that much room to plan. Anyways, you got this! Best of luck with your project!
This was a very interesting video. I myself am working on creating a manga and your videos are what I’m watching when I get a break from life. Thank u for making such helpful videos!
@@MonitorComics I followed for Pokémon news back before sites like serebii existed, they tried to disiminate Japanese news sources and even had puzzles, game tips and tricks, and unique illustrations made fot it. I remember distinctly how incorrect the names and some details of design the Johto Pokémon ended up being, but it also felt wholesome and par for the course given how information spread during Kanto/first game release with kids spreading rumors on the playground. I loved it, I still regret having to give up those magazines in a family move as a teenager. I especially wish I had them just to look back at the illustrations of people attempting to recreate Pokémon they saw from sprites! The names may have also been incorrect due to the translation team not having it ready for English audiences and my 11 year old brain not understanding that nuance lol. Even today, I love seeing the Pokémon before they're in a game to discover and I think that began because of Beckett sparking my interest.
19:03 Couldn't have said it better myself. Great interview, Fred and you really touched on some interesting and realistic points when it comes to writing stories!
He basically said you going to work for Saturday and webtoon, tapas for free and need a normal job so stop complaining about pay. It is though reality that unless you are super successful or got a strong patron and patreon and income that covers your bills, then to be a writer and comic artist you will need a main job - unless you become insanely successful which is rare but doable.
I've wanted to produce comics for a long time, but my problems have always been visualizing panels to tell my stories even with a script, and sometimes coming up with a story idea that only consists of bits and pieces and struggling to find ways to fill in the gaps to make it work.
For your paneling issue, I would recommend watching a few youtube videos on film making and cinematography. Comics and film have a LOT of overlap, it's all about choosing the right camera angle, choosing what to show, what lighting to use, etc. Panel layouts can be learned, I always recommend looking at your favorite comic series. Many comic artists use the same handful of layouts but in different order. You might notice like 10 page layouts they like to use a lot, once you figure that pattern out it is easier to add them to your own visual library With your story writing problem, that one is more complicated. I always say start with the basics, the beginning middle and end. If you have a decent idea of what the climax is and how everything plays out, all you need to do is fill in the gaps Everything from the beginning onward should be working towards that climax. If you are thinking in terms of books, most manga volumes have 200 pages, so it's easier to visualize how you should pace your first 10ish chapters I also recommend jotting down "main story beats" that your story needs to hit. Sci Fi writers sometimes do this with Timelines. Basically just make a note like "beginning, hero goes on adventure, he has to go to Town 1, he needs to save the princess in this tower, he meets a knight in this town, he fights the bad guy for the first time here, etc etc Breaking it down into simple steps is A LOT EASIER than thinking of everything all at once. That's how writing can become overwhelming Hopefully that was able to help a bit!
Hi I’m new to comic book careers and comic books. I am an artist I was introduced to a comic book and animated series created by Filipino creators called Trese, I liked the art style and animation. May I ask a question? What are the duties for comic book writer and artist as a job?
Hi! Typically the roles are split up. So a writer is responsible for coming up with the concept, writing the series outline, writing the scripts, and sometimes storyboarding The artist is usually only responsible for the visual side of it. They often storyboard, but mostly draw the character designs, comic pages, covers, promotional artwork, etc Many creators are indie, or independent so they are their own bosses. If you work for a publisher though you just need to work alongside editors and hand your work in on time for deadlines
So I’m at ground zero right now, I haven’t even graduated high school yet but I’m in my final year with really nothing to show. Should I just right one shot stories on watt pad/ao3? Save my other stuff for when I’m ready and promote my stories on those apps?
Wattpad is a good place to start imo even tho I hated Wattpad lol, I mainly wrote short stories and uploaded them onto places like royal road and ao3 it's a good way to get better at the basics and develop your overall writing style comments on royal road definitely helped me fix up my amateur sentence structure and dialogues at the time I'd say just find which ever place your comfortable with and write a lot it you'll eventually grow into your own and eventually be ready for bigger things
Same! I even want to learn animation and game development so I could make my own anime and video games based on my manga series as well! I've even been thinking on making a vtuber based on my favorite character from my manga as well.
You're not wrong. At least they got a great OP out of it featuring a singer who is huge in the emo genre. They also won some awards for best fight animations
I was wondering if you could do a video about the artist's side of becoming a published comic creator. This was informative to that end, and the points about mental health are still relevant, but more technical, all-rounded advice on how to get comics or webcomics published would be helpful. Like what are some other industry's policies on sumbiting one-shots, or how one goes about self-publishing as an alternative.
I have a video on Publishing and Self Publishing that might help! I also have an interview with a DC COMICS Inker who worked as an artist in the industry for 30 years. Hopefully those can help! With artists specifically, not writers, you just need a good portfolio. If you can draw you'll be hired when you apply. There are plenty of one shot competitions held by different companies, you just gotta poke around to find them
I think you are mistaken about that "you must to be japanese to make manga" statement. You see "Manga" is just the word for comic in japanese, so comics like DC, Batman, Spiderman, etc are all called manga in japan. Same for anime. For them it's just animation, so stuff like Frozen in just anime in japan, because anime just means animation. Only in the west people have that twisted conception that manga is a style different from comics, and the same for anime. I just say this because I would like people to stop this BS of thinking that anime or manga are styles. Theres a lot of manga and anime that don't follow that style and no one calls them comic or cartoons for that reason. This just hightlights the ignorance about the medium in this topic. Seems like people only know about Naruto and one piece in manga and Batman and DC in comics and then say "Oh manga and comics are different because of style". It's just silly. Anyway, thanks!
My guy, Saturday AM is a company that literally publishes "diverse manga." I constantly shout out international manga competitions on my community tab I'm really confused where that quote "you must be japanese to make manga" comes from, so please timestamp it if it was said it the video I'd need to hear the full context We are both aware that superhero comics are called manga in Japan. Apple Black is literally called manga in Japan We're on the same side of that argument lol so I'm very confused where this response is coming from
@@MonitorComics Thanks for the fast reply! I was not quoting you on that statement, but more like how you address that topic. Context is in this hole chapter ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-9S1mGJpWNvA.html and in reality in the whole video. In the chapter I posted you claim that you are against people that think that manga can only be done by japanese, which I agree too, but you mention comic, manga, manfra and manhwa as if they are different things. You proceed to give examples of works made outside of japan that were later adapted in manga or anime as you explicitly mention. Then you show wikipedia articles that define different comic that further emphasizes differences between them. For example the article about manga defines it as "comics or graphic novels originating from japan" and the article about Original English-language manga defines it as "comics drawn in the style of manga". This idea right there is why people often think things such as "only japanese can make manga". At least most of those wikipedia sources shown in the video just shows the westernized view of the comic industry where manfra is french comic in the style of manga. Or that manga, manhwa and manhua are products from certain countries and therefor not universal, oposing the view from those same countries that their works are just comics. You only mention that "many industry professionals agree that [all those] are the same". So do some professionals think they are not the same? The whole video talks about manga as a style. I believe that this also exacerbates the view that manga and comics are not the same and kind of creates a stereotype for what is manga. Let me ask you this. What even is "manga-style"? is it drawing characters with big eyes or speed lines? Is it a comic that features action like those popular shounen jump publications? Besides speed lines (i think) nothing that is featured in the video was invented in japanese comics. the big eyes was an inspiration from Disney works, so not really manga style. Sure those works have the cultural elements of japan, but culture is not a style as far as I'm aware. Also a lot of works in japan do not have the comon elements associated to manga or anime, so those would be not manga-style manga? This manga style term only makes sense from a weird perspective that fails to recognize the huge diversity in styles inside japanese comic industry. And I'm sure all other countries have also a rich variety of styles. So even when I know that you had good intentions in the making of this video, and it was a good video btw, I feel that you deep down still think that there is a difference in the works from these countries. Lastly I want to mention that I'm not mad about this. I'm not blaming you. This is just something that I wanted to point out and I went to great lengths to do it just to make myself clear. Cheers!
@@hhhgfg1 Thank you for clarifying I do see what you mean now! Like you said, there are going to be people who define it differently. This has been a debate for decades. I recently talked to a Tokyopop artist who told me this same argument was happening a decade ago too Personally, like my opinion, I think it's all sequential art at the end of the day. There's pictures, there's text balloons, it's a story. That's my definition though MANY people, professionals included DO think they are all separate things. When manga was first brought over to the west it was published in comic issues like superhero comics and read from right to left When you see dragonball like that, it makes sense to be like "that's a comic sure." The term "manga" became its own thing in the west when Stu Levy, the ceo of Tokyopop localized some japanese manga series like Sailor Moon, Fruits Basket, etc and said "i don't want to do what we did last time, keep it right to left, keep it the same print size, let's see how it does" and it took off Like you said, in Japan, they see mickey mouse as anime. They see spiderman as manga. THAT is true. However because of this double meaning of "manga," many people still differentiate it Same with manfra, manwha, and manhua. Even my friend from Norway told me her publisher labels their work "Nordic Manga." It's just a thing that exists, so it'd be silly of me to say "that doesn't exist" I'm pretty open minded, but there are PLENTY of gatekeepers in the community. As soon as someone sees a manga made by a black person with black characters its automatically "not a manga" The perfect example of that is Clock Striker which Whytmanga talks about on his channel. That idea that "what I am making IS manga" is something a lot of artists feel like they need to prove, when in reality, they shouldnt Like you said, manga in japan has many different styles, demographics, etc. Dr Slump is entirely different than Naruto which is completely different from Berserk In my OPINION, i do think manga in japan has some stark differences from mainstream western comics. I go into this more in my interview with the guy from DC Comics For one, the way the volumes and chapters are structured is unique. Theres one million different captain america volume 1's, but it's clear which Bleach volume 1 is the main one Most comic issues are very short, most manga tankobons have 200ish pages The black and white aesthetic is huge in manga, manwha is mostly full color and vertical scroll. YES there are western comics with black and white art, but the mainstream artstyle is more realistic or cartoonier I would say at this point "manga" means many things. There are many people INSPIRED by the manga style, which is why so many non Japanese artists try to draw like Japanese artists That big eye trait that you mentioned is very Japanese, at least at the moment. The moe boom was huge in japanese anime. YES their was disney influence, especially Tezuka, but most manga back in the 90s did not look like his Anyways, that's some of my thoughts on the topic, it is a complicated discussion because many people have different opinions on it I always just tell people to draw what you want. If you like chainsaw man, you should be allowed to draw and write like chainsaw man. If you like the avengers, go do that
Hey man! since you're the all knowing dudeeee :P wanted to ask something regarding greyscale vs monochrome. I am working on a series I want to uplad to manga plus creators --- I was working in monochrome and it has that rough not anti-aliased finish. Should I keep working on monochrome or switch to greyscale?
Thank you for the comment! That is a LOT easier said than done haha. I'm sure every creator has dreamed about that. It isn't something you can just "consider doing," they have to come to your publisher with an offer
Hello monitor I've learned a lot in this vedio but please let me add a few vedios I asked 2.How to write aliens in my manga(and every needed about their behavior and many others 2.writing children's both male and female 3. Writing gods and mythological creatures
