No.033 Manga Zine ‘Spoiler’
‘Spoiler’ draws inspiration from my personal drawing diary, ‘Everyday Forms,’ initiated in 2020 during the pandemic’s isolating lifestyle. I draw forms with a focus on exploring the boundaries between objects, such as the distinction between a bowl and a plate, which becomes a conscious consideration in my design process.
The concept of ‘Spoiler’ involves framing abstract forms within the context of manga, altering their perception. Despite juxtaposing seemingly unrelated elements, placing them in a manga context imparts a deliberate appearance. The title is derived from online manga spoilers. By imagining the cognitive activity of filling gaps in fragmentary Japanese spoilers, the production of ‘Spoiler’ aligns with this process, albeit at a higher cost. Furthermore, the title implies that this ZINE should either disclose something or nothing at all.
When considering applying a ‘pre-existing frame’ to the forms, I experimented not only with manga but also with materials like advertising flyers. I conducted an experimental attempt to transform characters from existing manga works into abstract forms. One notable observation was that these abstract forms resonated particularly well with the ‘manga frame,’ especially the expressive styles of the 60s-80s. In the case of advertising flyers, the presence of the frame weakened, resulting in the abstract forms standing out more prominently.
This compatibility may be attributed to the simplicity in lines and composition prevalent in manga. Paradoxically, this experiment also led me to realise the significant influence of the artistic expressions from manga of that era on my own creative work.
No.033 Manga Zine ‘Spoiler’
Personal Project
Graphic Design
2022