Do you Artists buy your own manga and read them?

[PeNCILz]

I was wondering if you buy your own manga and read them? Twould be neat if you did. Or would it just be silly? Hmmmm....

[QueenieChan]

I buy my own manga, DON'T read it, and give it to people who wants it but are too lazy to go to the store and get it themselves. :P

To be honest, I don't think it's silly, it's just that I find it faintly embaressing to have to buy my own manga for, uh, myself.

[PeNCILz]

Yeah but wouldn't you want to at least have a copy and be all like "Looky! I haves my own manga!" LOL

[Pedes]

Yeah but wouldn't you want to at least have a copy and be all like "Looky! I haves my own manga!" LOL
Yeah, me too ^^ (Alas, first have to publish something)

[kazuchiyo]

I buy my own manga if i think it will be good and have looked up the reveiws.
Something im not sure of i wont buy. Makes scence to me.But i am sort of insane...

I believe they mean do the artists buy the manga they themselves have written.

[PeNCILz]

Yup that is why it is in the artists area!

[YamPuff]

Hmmm, interesting question. If only I had an answer.......

And Pencilz changed his sig and avatar...what happened to the kitty boy??? (oh yeah, I stole him.....um, about that....)

If I had my own manga I would most definately buy it, read it and enjoy more than any other...

[beanclam]

TPOP gave me free copies of my book... so I didn't have to buy any for meself. And I read it... just kept leafing through it for the next few days after I got my hands on it.

It's so weird and crazycool, holding a book you drew.

[PeNCILz]

Free copies? Neato! If my idea gets accepted I hope I get free copies! XD

[chojinlocke]

We had to wait for copies so I bought one at my local cool comics shop. I had to do it just so it would seem real as well. It's still rather surreal to go to a store and see Psy-Comm on the shelf. I've read through it once or twice I guess, but more just to look through it. My wife waited until the book came out to read it, she purposefully avoided seeing art and reading script so it would be a surprise.

I don't mind re-reading it, but as an aritst and writer, it's hard to not be critical of your own work. You just have to forge on and always work at topping your last work!

[Jo Soo Park]

I wonder about the relationship between a comic book store owner, and a creator... I mean, there has got to be a incident that involves this arguement.


Creator: Say, where's "insert title". I don't see it in the new releases.

Owner: Oh, that book just looked like crap. The art was horrible, and the story is horrid. I decided not to put it on the shelf.

Creator: You know how hard that it took to draw that thing?

Owner: No, I wouldn't.. but it seems the artist didn't take the time, to actually draw the book.

Creator: I'm THAT artist!

Owner: Seriously? Can you sign my copy then?

[PeNCILz]

Twould be funny even though the majority of manga are found in bookstores... (Some American comic book store owners are all hateful against manga for some reason... *Enter flashback mode:
Me: You wouldn't happen to have any mangas would you?
Owner: Dork!
Me: TT.TT*

[QueenieChan]

Actually, I almost never reread my own work. Same goes for my online manga, because I'm NEVER satisfied with anything I've finished. I re-read "The Dreaming" when I first got it into my hands, but it was out of necessity to check misprints. I'm always forging ahead to become better... perhaps that's why I don't have much interest in my past work. I don't compare it because I judge what I currently do by it's own merits, and not by whether I've improved in what I was drawing last year.

And TOKYOPOP does give designated free copies to each creator. That's where I got mine, until my parents took nearly all of it and gave it away to their friends. *rolls eyes*

[LCibos]

As other creators have said, we're entitled to a number of complimentary copies of our book. In my case, it took about six months before I received said complimentary copies, so I did end up buying a copy of Peach Fuzz shortly after its release just to see how everything looked professionally printed and bound.

Sometimes I'll flip through Peach Fuzz and get caught up reading a section, but I do most of my reading on my work *before* it comes out to ensure everything flows together and works, sometimes even going back and rewriting dialog. I'm a stickler for perfection. ^o^

[lazesummerstone]

At the Barnes and Nobles (at least the one near my house) the people at the checkout counter usually read off your name from your credit card so they can wish you a good day with your name. I wonder if you were buying your own book if they'd notice.. :D

[karin101]

well duh...you get ideas on how to draw your next manga on them ..you see what the public sees.../.(that was a little harsh)..

[Tavisha]

I wonder about the relationship between a comic book store owner, and a creator... I mean, there has got to be a incident that involves this arguement.

We actually were told by a fan she had a hard time finding our ShutterBox manga and when she asked her local Barnes & Nobel bookstore why they didn't keep it in stock, the manager told her because it was "too dark". Mmmmmwhatever~!

TP has always provided us with 10 complimentary copies to give out to family & friends, etc. when the books finally hit the street. The only exception was we only got 2 copies of the German version of vol. 1 so far. If we buy our own books, its usually through wholesale so that we can resell them at the conventions we're guests at. ^_____^ Also we keep 1 set of mint condition books and another set of tattered copies of SB vol 1-3 as reference sources.

[karin101]

well, i mean, it's like you want to see what the public sees...so ya...

[Tentopet]

At the Barnes and Nobles (at least the one near my house) the people at the checkout counter usually read off your name from your credit card so they can wish you a good day with your name. I wonder if you were buying your own book if they'd notice.. :D

Lol I'm pretty sure they still wouldn't notice...so sad...

I tell ya, when my book comes out, I'm one of those people who would want to tell EVERYONE. Like, every time I go to the bookstore, it'd be so tempting to be that creepy girl hanging over some kid's shoulder with my book, saying, "Heeey, kid...I maaaaaade this...looky looky..."

Okay, maybe not THAT creepy. But am I the only one who's that much of a show off??

[kazuchiyo]

Lol I'm pretty sure they still wouldn't notice...so sad...

I tell ya, when my book comes out, I'm one of those people who would want to tell EVERYONE. Like, every time I go to the bookstore, it'd be so tempting to be that creepy girl hanging over some kid's shoulder with my book, saying, "Heeey, kid...I maaaaaade this...looky looky..."

Okay, maybe not THAT creepy. But am I the only one who's that much of a show off??

Not at all. I was only a freelance translator... not an artist... but I still went to the store and was like "hey, you all should buy this because I TRANSLATED IT! Aren't I awesome!?" Pretty lame stuff considering translation isn't anywhere as hard as creating your own comic. :P

[Tavisha]

I tell ya, when my book comes out, I'm one of those people who would want to tell EVERYONE. Like, every time I go to the bookstore, it'd be so tempting to be that creepy girl hanging over some kid's shoulder with my book, saying, "Heeey, kid...I maaaaaade this...looky looky..."

Okay, maybe not THAT creepy. But am I the only one who's that much of a show off??

*^____^* I'm too shy to say anything~ I actually saw a guy walking around our local Border's with a ShutterBox 2 in his hands last year~ and I just semi followed him through the aisles a bit because I really wanted to go up to him and ask if it was for him or a gf friend~(or bf~!) or for a BBQ starter. I chickened out though~! XD Now I will never know....

[Jo Soo Park]

Wait... if you buy your own book at bookstores. Aren't you basicly paying yourself royalties??

[Ganter]

I have one of my complimentary copies on my desk so as I draw book 2 I can think about keeping things consistant (or try to anyway!).

[LCibos]

Like Amy said, consistency is very important. You have to be very careful to keep track of how a particular character's clothing should look, or how large a desk should be, or the spatial relation between objects (and so on) chapter after chapter. ;D So I load up my workstation with plenty of reference to ensure that everything is kept consistent.

Naturally, this includes a couple of tattered and worn copies of my book (complete with handwritten page numbers) as well as whole binder filled with printouts of character designs and environments.

[PeterAhlstrom]

Felipe is always coming in the office saying "I need 50 books to take with me to" XYZ convention. So we give them to him at wholesale price and then he sells them to convention people. (This is obviously better for him than if he bought them retail at a store. Since no shipping charges are involved it's good for us too.)

Anyone who has a book published should go to the bookstores and offer to sign stock. Just go grab your books off the shelf and take them to the information desk and say "this is my book and I'd like to sign it for you." They'll pull out their "signed by the author" stickers and slap them on, and you sign (good idea to bring your own pen) and then you or they put it back on the shelf and are more likely to sell it.

Okay that's not really on-topic, but sort of related...

[Tentopet]

Linlinchan: Cool!!

Tavisha: SILLY!! You're not THAT shy! You're just a CHICKEN!!

Peter: But the stickers are uuuuuugly!!!

[chojinlocke]

Felipe is always coming in the office saying "I need 50 books to take with me to" XYZ convention. So we give them to him at wholesale price and then he sells them to convention people. (This is obviously better for him than if he bought them retail at a store. Since no shipping charges are involved it's good for us too.)

Anyone who has a book published should go to the bookstores and offer to sign stock. Just go grab your books off the shelf and take them to the information desk and say "this is my book and I'd like to sign it for you." They'll pull out their "signed by the author" stickers and slap them on, and you sign (good idea to bring your own pen) and then you or they put it back on the shelf and are more likely to sell it.

Okay that's not really on-topic, but sort of related...

I need to do part A (get books and sell them at conventions) but I ALWAYS do part B (sign copies at any bookstore that has them). Also, you can shortlist at least 2 copies (they will ship them ASAP since they are requested) if you don't see your book on shelves. I've done this a few times at local Barnes and Nobles and Borders. It's a good idea, then come back and sign them when you are back in that area.

-TS

[PeterAhlstrom]

But the stickers are uuuuuugly!!!
But they come off! I swear! And they're not super-sticky either...or, they better not be...

[Tentopet]

Oh, that's good to know :)

[lazesummerstone]

Oh wow I never thought about that but now that you say it I've seen a few of those 'signed by author' books floating around the bookstore. I wonder if that means they're local.
Great suggestions Peter!

[Denji]

it must be pretty weird seeing your own Manga in TP form... @_@;

I draw my own manga anywya, and everytime i publish an issue i alwauys look at it and lagh at how bad the art is ^^; i think though. if i were published through TP... i'd more look at it and go: "WTF?!!! why the hell did they choose to publish me?!!" XD;

so yes..i think if i ever had a manga, i wouldn't relaly read it, more like spot the mistakes and work harder next time :3

[Tavisha]

Tavisha: SILLY!! You're not THAT shy! You're just a CHICKEN!!

:D I am a shy chicken when it comes to approaching some stranger about my books~ especially in a non-convention environment~!

[Tentopet]

Yeah, cons make me outgoing something aweful.

[rivkah]

I tell ya, when my book comes out, I'm one of those people who would want to tell EVERYONE. Like, every time I go to the bookstore, it'd be so tempting to be that creepy girl hanging over some kid's shoulder with my book, saying, "Heeey, kid...I maaaaaade this...looky looky..."

Okay, maybe not THAT creepy. But am I the only one who's that much of a show off??


Tento, my best friend does this to me. -_-; We'll be in the bookstore and he'll see somebody in the manga aisle and point them over to my book and tell them I made it. Or I'll be talking to somebody about nothing in particular, and he'll suddenly burst out about my work. >_>; I usually try hide or kick him. It's actually incredibly embarassing. ESPECIALLY when my family does the same thing. -_-; Conventions and speaking engagements make me outgoing and very excited about talking about the book, but even then it only ever lasts so long . . . all the extroversion at cons suck the energy right out of me. I want to lay in bed and sleep for a week after only a few days of speaking.

I've never actually purchased a copy of my book at-price (though I've bought plenty at wholesale to resell). And while I'll go back to look at art for reference and whatnot, I don't reread it. I guess I'm just more interested in where the story is going than where it's already been? Plus, it's too easy to get wrapped up in flaws. I see a lot of mistakes in old art I think I'd rather not be reminded of sometimes. :\

[tomselleck69]

i fantasize about being able to push my book into other people's faces.

[BettinaMarie]

Anyone who has a book published should go to the bookstores and offer to sign stock. Just go grab your books off the shelf and take them to the information desk and say "this is my book and I'd like to sign it for you." They'll pull out their "signed by the author" stickers and slap them on, and you sign (good idea to bring your own pen) and then you or they put it back on the shelf and are more likely to sell it.

Funny you should say that...cause I know I did that as soon as RSoM vol 2 came out! LOL! XD....actually...the management staff at the local Borders BUGGED me to do a signing there when they found out I was going to be in it! XD...MAJOR points for having a sister who had worked there at the time! ^_^V....and now, with My Cat Loki soon to be on the shelves, they've been bugging me since I told them I signed the deal to do a signing with them as soon as it hits the shelves XD....so yea...that's just the local location...but I've guts enough to hit whichever bookstore that will selling it to sign them^______^V *is so proud!*^,^V

as for seeing my book on the shelves...yea...I STILL beam over seeing even just RSoM vol 2 there XDeheh...I should go sign that copy after work tomorrow, now that I think about it>.>;...if I don't get my complimentary copies soon enough, yea...I'll most likely go buy at least ONE copy to satisfy my needs! XDeheh...and of course sign all the others! XD

and yea....am a little shy>.>; thought those who met me for the first time at Anime Boston2005 and Otakon 2005 would say otherwise! XDehe...I guess when I'm in my elemental I really let loose and be myself. Tis hard to do so in a house full of non-manga/anime lovers>.>; they know it's a comicbook and that's pretty much it ^^;...what I'm dying for my mom to do is show Jeff Corwin(host of his show on Animal Planet) my book, seeing as it has to do with animals and all...and....she works at the natural science center he worked at before going off to become all famous and the like^^;...HELL! Mom goes around telling everyone I'm famous because I have a book published^^; even though she doesn't even know how to read comicbooksT_O;...but yea, am the type that will nonchalantly walk down the graphic novels aisle of the bookstore and if someone happens to be there, I'll start talking outloud to myself about 'can wait till my book is on the shelf!' sort of stuff and/or point out that I'm in RSoM vol 2 or some such thing XD am silly that way! XD

[crispy]

i fantasize about being able to push my book into other people's faces.

I'm so glad to know I'm not the only one >.>;

[KaYoKitten]

i fantasize about being able to push my book into other people's faces.

Funny...I fantasize about avoiding the manga aisle if there's someone down there...and then running up behind them and seeing if they bought a copy of my book...^^; I'm such a scared little kitty.

[YamPuff]

I would buy it for myself and gloat over it (fantasising like the rest) but I would just sit back and watch others buy my stuff and gloat...in the dark. I'm way too shy to actually go up to them and say anything....=^-^=

[Pedes]

Not at all. I was only a freelance translator... not an artist... but I still went to the store and was like "hey, you all should buy this because I TRANSLATED IT! Aren't I awesome!?" Pretty lame stuff considering translation isn't anywhere as hard as creating your own comic. :P
;.; Translators are sooo underappreciated.... (is a future one>>> I hope at least ^^; )

[chrisbitm]

i buy my own manga now. i used to just read them at the store.

[StephieChan]

i buy my own manga now. i used to just read them at the store.

Lol... They mean, "do Tokyopop artists purchase copies their own published manga?" ^^;;

[fallenchouchou]

I fantasize about SEEING my own book on the shelf. I dont gloat or really show off my work. I like for people to look at it and all, but i dont generally ask them to. But my mom is constantly embarassing me when we have company over "Hey, Danielle, show them the comic youre working on!" "Danielle, show them your sketch book!" its SOOO embarassing! >.<;;
But, i do hope that I will place in the RSoM contest this year and get to pitch my idea to TP! X3 then MAYBE ill be able to see my book in bound, proff form.

[densukemifune]

As for myself, if I did have my own Tokyopop title and saw it in the store, I wouldn't tell anyone it was mine. Aside from any promotional stuff I might have to do for TokyoPop, I'd prefer to keep a low profile like Kia Asamiya and Masamune Shiro do.(Both of them don't allow photos of themselves.)

On a slightly related note, have any of you OEL authors been recognized in public a lot since your books came out?

[YamPuff]

On a slightly related note, have any of you OEL authors been recognized in public a lot since your books came out?
I wouldn't think so.

[JoannaZhou]

My biggest dream is being able to walk into a store and seeing my own book on the shelf *_*. All my hopes lie with RSOM right now...and if something comes out of that I'll be falling over TP's door to pitch an idea asap :P! Funnily enough, I have been recognised a few times from ImagineFX, not a book but an art magazine I worked for that always printed a photo next to my articles or tutorials. A surreal, slightly flattering experience :o !

[J. Stoncius]

On a slightly related note, have any of you OEL authors been recognized in public a lot since your books came out?

Random people in Barnes & Noble seem to know who I am, and I'm not sure how that's possible since my book isn't even out yet. I think it's because I used to take Japanese in college with some girls who worked there during the time I placed in RSoM, which got mentioned in the newspapers and such since I worked for the college paper as a daily cartoonist at the time. I think they told people about me, though I'm still not sure how those people know who I am vs. other people. Maybe the helmet and motorcycle jacket give it away. =P

So not "a lot," but enough to weird me out a bit when it happens.

[fallenchouchou]

Maybe the helmet and motorcycle jacket give it away. =P


people always look at me weird when i bring my helmet into places...>.>;;;

My biggest dream is being able to walk into a store and seeing my own book on the shelf *_*. All my hopes lie with RSOM right now...and if something comes out of that I'll be falling over TP's door to pitch an idea asap

Im the same way right now. :3