OK, I mentioned this on Facebook but once again, neglected to blog about it here, even though it's totally on-topic for the focus of this blog...
Anyway, continuing the theme of OEM, or Original English Manga, let me now sing the praises of DRAMACON by Svetlana Chmakova, a Russian-born Canadian writer...the artwork is beautiful, the character development is great, I LOVE these characters, especially main protagonist Christie...and her star-crossed love, the dark and mysterious Matt...
The writer character Lydia is an obvious semi-autobiographical representation of Chmakova herself.
I tried to snag the above image from Amazon, but it wasn't cooperating, so I just scanned the cover of my own omnibus edition. I initially scanned the resolution too high and it was taking forever to upload so I reduced that to a more managable file size and bingo.
Chmakova definitely understands comedic timing, etc...the experience of reading this OEM is more like watching a really good anime than reading a regular Manga. She keeps the pace lively and funny and interesting...and there is a lot of deep, profound emotion at work in the characters...you will feel Christie's pain, feel her joy...laugh at her and with her, and especially laugh at the antics of her fellow Otaku friends.
Rather like the appeal of Comic Party and Comic Party Revolution! and also Genshiken, it helps that this OEM is a self-referential story about Manga/Anime culture and the Otaku who are part of that culture. The main action follows our characters at the same Anime/Manga convention their first year and the next. Matt and Christie are an embodiment, perhaps, of the old saw that "opposites attract". Their relationship is difficult and does not come easy, but then again, nothing worthwhile ever does. By then end you will be cheering for them in their quest to find love and happiness together.
DRAMACON is also about finding one's voice as a creative artist; It's about believing in yourself when nobody else does. It's about hanging in there and chasing your dreams. It's about taking risks, the value of friendship, etc. It's about passion and enjoying the things you love without shame or regret. DRAMACON was such a joy to read, it would be really cool if it was someday transformed into an actual short-run Anime OVA in English. People love the characters so much, there have been Cosplayers spotted at Cons dressed as the characters from this OEM.
I originally checked out Vol.3 from my local library, just to browse through it...I loved the story so much, I went out and bought the omnibus edition (called "The Ultimate Edition") from my local B&N store. It's a beautiful hardbound volume that contains all three editions in one.
The artwork is nicely done, in the usual Manga style, but also with judicious use of exaggerated "chibi" style where dramatically appropriate...Chmakova definitely understands Anime conventions & tropes and deploys them very effectively in her Manga. The effect is, as I said, that you feel more like you're watching a well-done Anime than reading a Manga.
I absolutely LOVE this book and look forward to reading more of Chmakova's works.
