LO4: Production and Evidence of manipulation of final comic

To create the comic, I chose to use the drawing software Procreate on iPad. The app is optimised for digital illustrations and comics, with various brushes for sketching and inking at my disposal. It is an affordable software mostly used by freelance and indie artists to produce content for online spaces. I used a standard A4 canvas for the pages as I wanted it to be suitable for both print and online publications. 

I started off by drawing a general border that will be followed throughout the comic pages using the drawing guide feature that let me draw precise straight lines with proper measurements. I then sketched the initial ideas in blue. This was to be able to differentiate between the initial ideas and the refined sketches and final product, i.e, it helps see the black or darker coloured lines that will be laid on top. I made these sketches based on a previous panel layout, which I was ultimately not satisfied with. I used a sai ink brush with a low opacity for the sketch.

                    

Here, I made the detailed/refined sketches by adding details, facial features and other necessary details for the line art. Here, I also switched up the panels based on the final panel layout. Especially for the first page, I made sure the panels in the middle were different than the second page. The jagged/ asymmetrical panels that went out of the established border also helped emphasise the action, compared to the panels on the second page. This also allows the readers to feel the emotions and urgency the characters are feeling in this scene and the narrow panels show how quick the action is taking place. Though, I believe the widening of the panel in which the direction the protagonist is running sets up the scene and movement of camera angles for the next panel as they act as leading lines. On the second page, I chose to have the protagonists head overlap the lines of the panel to make her stand out, connoting her importance. The smaller vertical panels on the last page show how fast the scene takes place while still giving the readers the dramatic layout of actions that take place. 

                    

These are the inked and base coloured pages. I used the same sai ink brush for the line art but with a higher opacity and smaller size for a controlled shape. I made sure the base colours were consistent throughout and the tonal variations will be done using overlay layers and gradient maps. I used the lasso tool with the ellipse shape to make the round speech bubbles and an outline brush for the connector lines. I used the font called 'Jack Armstrong BB' which is an inbuilt font in the software. Here not only had I already inked and coloured the pages, but had also included the backgrounds. For some, like the first and third page, it was a simple gradient. While for the second page (and some panels of the first), I had to make detailed backgrounds. As previously mentioned, I used royalty free images for the second page but I made some brick details on the first page using brushes available in comic book brush packs. Here, I had the first drawing on the first page also overlap the panel underneath to add dimension to the page. On the same page, I added some varying values and gradients to the background to give an illusion of depth and to also emphasise the planned effects. For the last page, I chose to have simple backgrounds despite it being in the same setting as the second page. The second page introduces the readers to the location that the scene is taking place in due to the obvious dramatic shift in location. Hence, I have included a wide shot of the location and the close up, showing the interiors of the room like the desk, curtain, etc. The third page has a simple background as it aims to emphasise the actions and series of events that take place. There is no need for detailed backgrounds as it is a direct continuation of the last scene which is conveyed through the same characters, attire and colour scheme, unlike the first two pages. 

                    

These are the cell shaded pages. Since the settings and scenes had dramatic lighting, I used 'Add' layers to shade the parts that are directly exposed to light and 'Multiply' layers for the shadows. I made sure to use the same colours throughout to maintain consistency. While I was satisfied with these results, I thought they looked dull, especially the second and third pages. Some choices for the colours and placements of the costumes and locations were intentional. I chose to use significant items that the character would use to show their interests, personalities and period they live in. For example, the book/notebook on the desk shows that the protagonist/Ira is interested in reading or enjoys studying. The quill also connotes the same but also tells the readers the period it takes place in. The flowers in the vase are gladiolus flowers that symbolise strength of character, faithfulness, moral integrity and bravery. The dress Ira wears in the last two pages resembles a medieval night gown worn by royalty and aristocrats. Similarly, the other woman/her sister wears period clothing in a purple colour that connotes creativity, royalty, ambition and luxury, which is a reflection of her traits and role in the story. The difference in lighting is not only to differentiate between the pages locations but also the time of day. The first page takes place at night, hence the dark blue and purple hues, while the second and third pages take place in the morning and has yellow tones.

                    

These are the final versions of the pages. I duplicated the entire page and used various gradient maps that were similar to the existing colour palettes, set them to overlay and reduced the opacity. This helped harmonise the colours and make the page cohesive. I also then experimented with the colour curves to get the desired effect. I then duplicated the finished comic page, used gaussian blur and reduced it opacity to give a slight glow. Below are the final comic pages. 

LO3: Explore the feasibility for further development

The main character will be developed over the course of a comic/webcomic series that will span across multiple volumes. As it will be a standalone, original series, it will be easier to create an animated TV show. Though, as the original idea is to have it be published as a webcomic, it would be helpful to work with a publisher or the webcomic site (like webtoon and tapas) to fund the printing of the comic. Popular webcomics like True Beauty and Covenant have been adapted into physical comics to give readers an alternative medium to access the comic and also be able to collect and physically own the series.

The animated TV show adaptation can also be done via the webcomic app. Popular webcomics like Solo Leveling and True Beauty have been adapted into animated series through the collaboration of the webcomic site and animation studios. My comic will follow a similar method of production for the series. This will most probably take place a while after the comics initial publication as the series should be established and successful across multiple formats (webcomic and physical comic- like solo levelling) for companies to invest into the project and attract the existing audience. Similar to the examples given, the animated show will be 2D animated with stylistic influence from existing shows like Invincible, Jujutsu Kaisen etc. Similar to these existing shows, the show will also have spin off feature films that will centre around a specific arc from the story, like Jujutsu Kaisen 0 and Demon Slayer: Mugen Train.

After these adaptations are successful, action and fighting based mobile games can be made, like Solo Leveling: ARISE, which follows the trajectory of the original comic and show where the player plays as the main characters, defeating villains. It will be a blend of fighting and storytelling, with clips from the animated series and comic to aid it. It will also have some custom made animated content that the players can interact with. It will have multiple levels that the players will have to complete, based on the events of each volume, season or arc of the show it is based on. The game will also have various characters and skins they can choose from along with some customisable items.

The sequence of the different media formats is:

1. Webcomic
2. Physical Comic
3. Animated TV show
4. Animated spin-off feature film
5. Mobile game

LO3: Colour and style of background and environment

As the main inspiration for this comic is the series Dark Knights of Steel. In terms of the background and colours of the comic, I was inspired by and was looking at medieval architecture and settings that give off a regal, rich vibe. This fits with the theme of aristocracy and royalty that is associated with the protagonists and setting of the story.

To be time and cost affective, I used images from a royalty free website called Pexels. This helped me speed up the process and focus more on the development of characters, environment and lighting.

As the first page takes place in a different location and time of day than the others, I wanted to have distinct colour palettes to connote this. 

First page:

Second and Third page:

LO3: Character biography

Ira Desai:
Ira is the protagonist of the comic. She is 15 years old and the youngest daughter of an aristocratic family in a medieval empire. Her family is in charge of the military and trade of the empire and have been in this position for many generations. Ira's older brother is a general in the army and Ira wants to follow in his footsteps as she looks up to him. She joins the military as a cadet, shortly after her debut into high society but is presented with situations that challenge her moral compass, which leads to her choosing to become a vigilante. 
She tries to juggle life as a reputable member in high society and being a vigilante, but there are many who wish for her downfall due to her family's generational secret.

LO3: Final character model sheet

This is the final character model sheet with the protagonist Ira. I drew her in the outfit that will be seen in most of the comic pages and will also use the vigilante outfit from the initial sketches. 

LO3: Moodboard for finished comic

I have used examples of both character designs, costumes and the kind of colours and tones I want in the panels using images from Pinterest and the comic I studied.

LO2: Panel layout

Page 1

I went through multiple layouts in the sketching stage but landed on this one due to the previous layouts similarity to page 2. The highlight of this layout are the panels in the middle. The slant panels enhance the action/rush in the scene while also pulling the audience's attention in certain directions. It is better suited for a high stakes action scene than the middle panels on page 2. My idea is to also extend the image in the top panel past the traditional border for a pop-up effect, with the background colour seeping through to all the background and gutters. The narrow panels also allowed me to overlap certain elements across panels to create a smooth flow of action.

Page 2

The second page follows a pretty standard panel layout that is seen in many traditional comics. The reason behind the rectangular top panel is so that a wide/establishing shot of the setting can be used to introduce the location. This is necessary as there is a time skip/flashback involved. At the very base, page 1 and 2 are very similar, though the middle panels truly dictate the flow and tone of the scenes. The jagged and narrow panels on the first one emphasise the action while the wider, stable panels on page 2 show a comparatively calm and composed environment. 

Page 3

The final page follows a quick series of events. I have made some changes to this and have slightly strayed from the storyboard in terms of camera angles and composition all-together. Though, the tall and narrow panels seen here are able to translate the flow and urgency of the scene well. The actions of Akruti opening the door and her immediate reaction to it will be broken down into small, quick sections to define the pacing of the events. Comparatively, the final shot will be a medium shot instead of a close up to set the scene and show the readers the character's body language. This is an essential part in the storytelling of the comic. 

LO2: Storyboard

 

LO2: Script

LO2: Sketches of character ideas

 Here are some initial designs I made of the protagonist Ira. Each outfit serves a different purpose in her story and represents a different time. The first outfit with the long hair is what she wears as a daughter of an aristocratic family. The outfit after is what she wears as a cadet in the military, after she frantically cut her hair. The third outfit is what she wears as a vigilante.

LO2: Proposal

• Character and backstory

Ira Desai is the protagonist of the story and is a part of an aristocratic family. She is the youngest of 3 kids and is set to follow in her brother's footsteps. She is in her mid teens and has developed a sense of individuality that does not align with her family's ideals. This leads to conflicts and misunderstandings in the story. 

• Proposed storyline

The story takes place in the heart of a Kingdom that shuns beings that aren't human. After a great war between the human empire and magical beings, the humans depleted their population and expanded their kingdoms. For centuries, they have exiled the magical beings to ruins and areas outside their vast empire, hoarding and building wealth, especially within their aristocratic families. The protagonist Ira belongs to one of those aristocratic families, and plans on joining the military following in her brother's footsteps. Though, after witnessing a brutal execution of an undercover Mage carried out by her brother, she decides to finally truly confront her family's secret and pave a path of her own.

• Target audience

The target audience for this comic series is 15-25 year olds, with a larger percentage of women. The audience will be interested in and will have hobbies surrounding reading comic books, graphic novels, watching films and reading books of the fantasy and super hero genre. They will consume media from companies and streaming services like Netflix, Disney, DCEU, MCU, WB etc. 

• Genre

The genre of this comic series is medieval fantasy, vigilante, royalty, coming-of-age.

• Art style

As the visuals are inspired by the comic series 'Dark Knights of Steel' by DC comics. The style has realistic proportions but stylised and expressive line work. Some features of the characters are exaggerated to show the emotions and mood of the scene. It follows the stereotypical approach and style that most superhero comics have followed for decades. 

• Publisher

The comic will be published independently on online platforms such as webtoon and Tapas. Though, the layout is still optimised for physical publishing as these options can be considered after enough popularity is gained. 

• Copyrighted material

I must make sure the content, characters and narrative aren't similar to existing products. I must also make sure assets like background pngs and fonts are free to use for both commercial and personal purposes. Hence, I plan on using fonts from DaFont.com and photos from Pexels.com, due to both being royalty free resource sites. 

LO2: Selection of ideas

Genre- medieval fantasy, vigilante, royalty.

The story takes place in the heart of a Kingdom that shuns beings that aren't human. After a great war between the human empire and magical beings, the humans depleted their population and expanded their kingdoms. For centuries, they have exiled the magical beings to ruins and areas outside their vast empire, hoarding and building wealth, especially within their aristocratic families. The protagonist Ira belongs to one of those aristocratic families, and plans on joining the military following in her brother's footsteps. Though, after witnessing a brutal execution of an undercover Mage carried out by her brother, she decides to finally truly confront her family's secret and pave a path of her own.

I chose this story and genre as it is very popular and resonates with audiences due to themes of vigilantism and justice. Magical powers/ Superpowers have always been a popular and profitable genre with companies like DC and Marvel building entire franchises off of it. This unattainable, 'cool' power has always been a topic of interest in society and people enjoy watching and reading media that depicts the journey of the people who have it. 

Many franchises like Marvels Avengers show how the protagonists use their power for good, helping and defending people from evil forces. This is appealing due to how the audience can project their need for a savior and hero in society, or their desire to be one onto the characters.

On the other hand, stories like Dune tackle a much darker side of protagonists with power and how it can lead them to the wrong path. It shows a flawed protagonist and sheds light on many real world problems like religious extremism, vengeance, abuse of power, blind faith etc. It is a much more realistic approach as it confronts the audience and asks them what decisions they would truly make as a protagonist with power. 

I chose an in between approach of the two mentioned above as the story will have some darker, grittier themes but will have lighthearted humor and will start off with simple characters and motivations to appeal to a slightly younger audience. 

LO2: Mindmap of ideas

 

LO1: Describe a chosen graphic novel

The comic I will be studying and using as inspiration is the Dark Knights of Steel by DC comics featuring popular characters like Bruce Wayne, Diana Prince and Clark Kent/Kal-El. It is a twelve issue limited series written by Tom Taylor and illustrated by Yasmine Putri.

Overview

"An entire medieval world will be forever changed when a spaceship crash-lands from a doomed planet. Monarchs will die, kingdoms will rise, and what seemed the end of the world for many…was only the beginning!" A great war between kingdoms and magical being that stems form a prophecy that might destroy their world. The story is mostly centered around the lives of Superman/Kal-El and Batman/Bruce Wayne. Though, it shifts its focus onto many other characters as the story progresses.

Purpose, Genre and Structure

All the above mentioned concepts are intertwined. The genre of the comic is medieval fantasy and superhero, which is a mix many people have been waiting to explore since the popularity of franchises like Game of Thrones, The Hobbit, Lord of the Rings and games like Dungeons and Dragons. The idea of medieval politics and setting with superpowers is appealing while also being paradoxical- there are limitations in terms of technological developments but unlimited possibilities to integrate many other concepts like magic, witches, wizards, mages etc. DC have always been eager to explore alternate plotlines and dimensions that serve to enhance the base story and characters. This is necessary as the DC universe has existed for many decades. The purpose of the comic series is to provide a fresh perspective to the otherwise repetitive superhero genre. The story follows a linear structure where the characters starts with a quest, leading up to a final conflict and plot twist.

Target Audience

The target audience of the comic series are existing DC and superhero comic fans. They might enjoy medieval themed media like the products mentioned above (Dungeons and Dragons, The Hobbit etc.) Most audience members are older (18-35) as it deals with mature topics like politics, death, war, violence etc.

Paneling

The paneling of this comic follows the traditional style panels and gutters and is read left to right as it is a western comic. Though, a unique feature that is seen in some modern comics is how certain scenes don't follow the traditional white background/gutters and opt to fade in background or layer multiple panels over bigger ones. This helps bring a cohesive look to the entire page and allows seamless transitions between scenes. This layout is optimised for a physical book but has some similarities to a webcomic in terms of background placements. Hence, it is possible to upload it rather seamlessly to an online comic distributing platform like Webtoon or Tapas. As comic styles have developed over the years, this has allowed the comic to look more like an animated series due to its paneling choices and detailed art style.

                    

Another aspect that stood out to me was that the gutters/background changed colour depending on the mood of the scene. In scenes of mystery, action, death and even gloomier weather conditions, the gutters and background were a darker, almost black colour to match and enhance the setting and tone. The seamless transitions that these paneling formats create can be compared to cinematic film sequences, which is the effect that the comic artists intended.

Use of Speech and Iconography

The comic uses standard speech bubbles throughout that can be seen in the examples above. They tend to be small and circular throughout the series and use a traditional comic font that is used in most comics. While I was not able to find the exact font, it seems to be a variation of comic sans and/or komica which is one of its newer alternatives. As seen in the examples above, the comic uses many onomatopoeic effects like 'KOOM' and 'SCREEE' to emphasise the sound effects that scene would have. As this is an example of print media, artists have to come up with creative ways to convey the sound effects to the readers. These onomatopoeic effects are usually bigger than the speech bubbles and are usually in white or black with a bright coloured outline, both of which will stand out regardless of the background.

Characters and Storyline

The main characters of the series include Kal-El (Superman), Bruce Wayne (Batman) and Diana (Wonder Woman). In terms of their designs, the artists have maintained certain iconic design elements and motifs from their original costumes like silhouettes and colours but have altered the type of garments, accessories and props to support the medieval setting. For example, Bruce dons armour that resembles his original Batman design/costume while Kal-El has a more relaxed outfit that only resembles the original through colour. He does have a cape that is draped on one side to replicate his original silhouette (same for Bruce). Diana's outfit is the most similar to her original design as her costume is supposed to resemble ancient European armour. Though, she has a slightly more worn look with some rustic elements. She also dons unique jewelry and accessories. Bruce and Diana both have unique swords/weapons while Kal-El relies on his kryptonian powers. Common colours seen in their costumes have various connotations. Red represents courage and passion, Blue connotes hope and trustworthiness and yellow/gold symbolises power, optimism and royalty.

The choices the characters make are dictated by the limitations and rules the world they are in sets. Though, their characterisation is not much different than what we have already seen in the modern versions of these characters. As seen throughout the series, their setting does not affect their psyche as much as one would expect, which robs the readers of an all rounded story.

Plot Summary

In the comic, Jor-El and Lara crash-land on Earth after the destruction of their home planet Krypton, and are confronted by archers who have come to investigate. Jor-El tries to reason but ultimately kills them with his heat vision, and his son, Kal-El, is born shortly after. In the Kingdom of Storms, Constantine has a vision of demons from outer space who will conquer the world, and hence, a prophecy is made. Nineteen years later, Bruce, a knight of the Kingdom of El, and his companions go on a quest to capture a banshee. Prince Kal-El is forbidden to join them due to his family's vulerability to magic. Jor-El reveals that he is Bruce's father and that the Els took over the kingdom after the deaths of King Jefferson and Queen Martha. The Green Man visits King Jefferson and Constantine, who are unnerved and begin to doubt his prophecy. King Jefferson and Constantine travel to Amazonia, where they meet with Queen Hippolyta. They learn that the Els were forced to expose themselves to save the kingdom and became lifelong friends of the King and Queen. Constantine, a spy for Bruce, uses alcohol to numb the death of King Jefferson and informs his assistant, Timothy, that he was a spy for him. He believes Jefferson was murdered by Zala, but does not want to start a war. General Waller warns him that if Hippolyta were to die, Diana would become Queen of the Amazons. Ra's al Ghul revives Prince Jacob in exchange for information on the Titans. Prince Jacob is resurrected but cannot go home. Due to a misunderstanding, Kal-El almost kills Bruce and abandons him, after which a kind couple (The Kents) take him in. At the Kent farm, Bruce is plagued by nightmares of the El family destroying the world. Raven and her Titans save his life, and the Els fight against the Green Man, Luthor. Lara and Diana attempt to negotiate a peaceful solution, but Luthor's ring knocks her unconscious. Lara's assassination of Hippolyta is a result of a misunderstanding. Alfred who later reveals himself to be a white-skinned monster, is interrogated by the Queens, who reveal his true identity as J'onn J'onzz. The Queens set up fire-based defenses around the Kingdom of El, but a more permanent solution is needed.

LO1: Comic production company report

Due to the rising popularity of comics and mangas, many new production companies are rising in both the east and west. Though, companies like Marvel and DC comics, Viz media and Shueisha still own and distribute a considerable amount of the comics that are produced today.

DC comics is the oldest American comic book company with their first comic book published in 1937. They create comics and stories in the superhero, action genre, producing many iconic super hero characters like Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman etc. The company has now branched off into creating feature live action and animated films, tv shows and games. Over the years of it's comic production, DC comics has created many successful franchises that are loved by generations of loyal fans, which is why the company is able to branch off and create content in multiple media formats. Similarly, another comic production company is Viz media that has been at the forefront of comic production for decades. Viz media is the biggest comic book publisher, followed by DC comics and Marvel comics in third place. The reason why it is able to outperform the likes of DC and Marvel is due to the rising popularity of Japanese comics, i.e., manga, which is the main genre/type of comics that Viz media publish. DC comics is a subsidiary of DC entertainment and Warner Media, working together to produce most films and games inhouse, while Viz media solely focus on comics/mangas belonging to multiple franchises, striking deals with multiple animation companies to get the comics adapted into other media formats.

DC COMICS

Wonder Woman

She is a popular female character from the DC comic superheroes and is featured as a founding member of their superhero team, the Justice League. She first appeared in All Star Comics in 1941 and was officially featured in Sensation comics in 1942. She has been called Wonder Woman by DC comics ever since. There have been many variations of her origin story, the very first and most memorable being Queen Hippolyta of Themiscyra sculpting Diana out of clay and begging Zeus to bring her to life, who granted her superpowers. She is raised as an Amazonian princess and later travels to the world of man under the alias Diana Prince. Newer variations involve her being the child of Zeus and Hippolyta, being raised by her and her aunts Antiope and Menalippe. Her appearance also changed over the years where she was originally based on the original creators wife and mistress, but was later modified and was made different versions of based on contextual factors like her Amazonian heritage (she was made to look more athletic and her skin was tanned due to her living on an island.) Diana has been portrayed by numerous authors in a variety of personas and tones, ranging from that of a worldly warrior to that of a serene and empathetic envoy, and depending on the author, even as an innocent and naive person. The contrast between her nurturing humanity and her dominant force component- her unwavering conviction in love, empathy, compassion, and having a strong conscience- has persisted throughout and is a fundamental aspect of the character.

Christopher Moeller - Justice League: A League of One

Christopher Moeller worked as both a writer and artist for DC comics ‘Justice League: League of One’ He’s primarily worked in the comic industry, creating works for a variety of comic book publications. He is known for his creation ‘ iron empires’ in the science fiction universe, also creating fully painted, graphic novels for it. he has done iconic covers for James Bond and Star Wars, with his latest endeavours being in DC comics, creating a monthly comic book series called ‘ shadow of the bat’. he both wrote and painted the graphic novel ‘JLA: A League of One’ primarily, featuring Wonder Woman as she has to make a difficult choice between betraying her teammates and saving their lives. She decides to sacrifice her own life by defeating her own comrades, so that she can fight the evil alone. The story follows her journey as she tries to complete this quest, and then hopefully gain back the trust of her teammates.

Batman

He is one of the most popular DC superhero characters with his debut in the 27th issue of the Detective Comics in 1939, then recieved his own spin off series in 1940, titled Batman. Batman changed from being a vicious vigilante who regularly killed or injured criminals to a person with a strict moral code and a strong sense of justice. Batman, in contrast to the majority of superheroes, does not have any superpowers but uses his wealth and intelligence. His real identity is Bruce Wayne, billionaire, genius and philanthropist. His personality has varied over the years as his story went through multiple versions as writers but his backstory has stayed the same. The reason he became batman in the first place is due to him experiencing his parent's traumatic murder, vowing to train and protect his city from criminals.

Frank Miller and David Mazzucchelli - Batman: Year One

Writer Frank Miller and artist David Mazzucchelli create the popular comic series called Batman:year one. Miller has exclusively worked on a lot of Batman and Batman spinoff comics over many years of his career. Aside from being a writer. He is also an illustrator, who originally scripted and illustrated the highly acclaimed, 1986, Dark Knight series. He presumably has worked as a freelancer, but has been continually invited back to DC to expand the Dark Knight universe. David Mazzucchelli is an artist known for his collaborations with Frank Miller in comics. After working on a successful version of daredevil at Marvel, he was invited to do a retelling of Batman‘s origin story in the series Batman: year one. Not only has he illustrated comics, but also popular covers for various comic production companies. Though, a lot of his work is for well-known Batman comic series. Batman year one is a gritty retelling of Bruce, Wayne’s original story, with him, returning from abroad after training in martial arts, man hunting, and science for nearly 12 years. It follows Batman‘s first year as a crime fighter while also exploring the life of a recent transferred police detective Jim Gordon, leading to their alliance.

VIZ MEDIA

Yuji Itadori

Yuji Itadori is the main protagonist of the manga and anime series Jujutsu Kaisen. The story follows his journey, going from a regular high school student to being a part of a secret school, that aims to exorcise evil beings called curses. He is a kind and caring young man who is trying to understand the value of life and his role in this new society that he has joined when all forces are against him. a powerful curse called Ryoumen Sukuna resides within him, making him a threat to everyone in the Jujutsu society. Despite this, the tone of the initial story is quite lighthearted, slowly descending into a grim and gritty story about death, friendship, love and politics.

Gege Akutami - Jujutsu Kaisen

Jujutsu Kaisen is both written and illustrated by Gege Akutami, who is known for his spinoff series Jujutsu Kaisen 0 and his one shot comic Kamishori Sosa that follows a similar storyline. He is known for his unique art, style and realistic character types, gripping the audiences attention with unpredictable plot, twists and unforgiving, character deaths. He was originally only going to create a one shot comic called Jujutsu Kaisen 0, but after it, sudden popularity, Shonen Jump urged him to create a longer series. It was then adapted into an anime by Mappa studios, and now has two seasons with one spinoff film.

Denji

Denji is the protagonist of the popular manga and anime series, Chainsaw Man. He’s a young boy who inherits his father’s debt, and has to work odd jobs to pay off the yakuza. The world in which he lives has evil creatures known as devils, that people kill for money. After refusing to take any more ill treatment from the yakuza, they decide to try and kill him, when his pet devil decides to form a contract with him and merges into his soul. Denji is then recruited by Makima who is a part of the Public Safety Devil Hunters. He is an outgoing, mischievous, teenage boy whose goal life is to simply make friends and have meaningful connections.

Tatsuki Fujimoto - Chainsaw Man

Chainsaw man is both written and illustrated by Tatsuki Fujimoto, a popular Japanese mangaka known for his previous series, Fire Punch. He has also worked on many one-shoe comics like Look Back and Goodbye Eri. A lot of his works are sentimental and deep or extremely gory and gritty; sometimes a combination of both. He has created many works that look at themes of love, friendship and social realism in an abstract manner. He is celebrated for his expressive panel layouts and unique art style. His comic Chainsaw Man got an anime adaptation by studio Mappa and has one season, with the second in production. His popular one-shot Look Back is also in the works of getting a short film.