Interview with Ervin Johnson, Editor and Lead Executive for Shining Otaku
Hello readers! I got the chance to interview Ervin who is the editor and Lead Executive for “Shining Otaku Comics”. We talked about working as a creator, favorite comics, and the process of creating a manga! I hope you all enjoy the interview!
About The Publisher
Shining Otaku Comics L.L.C. serves to publish the best manga content in the world in terms of passion, structure, and effort depicted through the synchronization of artwork and story-building. We strive to not only connect the community of awesome fans of manga and the authors who provide interesting stories, but also to reach out to various people who only portray manga as material for “children” or content that “revolves around few genres” so that all mangas may have a greater chance at being recognized worldwide as masterpieces. We provide multiple genres of works done by various authors whether they are newcomers or professionals. Shining Otaku Comics essential purpose is to be a sanctuary where MANGA BURNS BRIGHTLY!!!
Q&A Time!
First off, tell us about yourself. Who you are, what you do, and something people might not know about you.
My name is Ervin, however online I’m known as “Cloud9”. I am the creator of the Manga series Gods of Life, an editor and Lead Executive for “Shining Otaku Comics”. I’m pretty open to sharing things about myself, but one thing many people who don’t know about me is my love for animals. It was great enough at one point, that for a significant period of my life so far, I wanted to be a veterinarian.
What is Shining Otaku?
It’s you, me, and anyone who is a fan of geek culture that wants and believes they can stand out. We’re a Michigan-owned manga publisher. We pride ourselves on creating original stories from the heart, that are stylized as Manga to create a relatable connection between the reader and writer.
When was the company formed and what inspired you to create the company?
Back in 2013, I had the idea to compete in an international competition involving manga held by the Japanese publisher Shueisha. “N” (The co-founder of Shining Otaku Comics) and I teamed up decided we’d like to compete. During that climb that idea later changed. We decided we’d rather build a foundation here to reflect more of what we know and tell the kinds of stories we care about instead of the stories we would likely have to tell in another publication.
How many people work under your company?
We are a team of four. Elite four……okay, I know that was corny, but I’ve always been a big Pokemon fan.
How many titles are produced by Shining Otaku and what types of stories do you offer for your audience?
In our beginning stages, we produced three stories, with our starting line up being Gods of Life, Naraku Murder (2014)”, and “Eclectic Deux. Later our roster changed with a few stories going out and coming in, but our most constant and successful stories have been Naraku Murder and Gods of Life.
For newcomers to your website or beginning manga readers which of your titles do you recommend?
Exidio, definitely! The action is great, the comedy is organic, and it knows how to be fun with too much exposition. You can tell D-Rector (Manga Creator) has a lot of fun with showcasing this world. Exidios’ are kind of like the Kaijuu in Godzilla. The characters are set within a college setting, so there’s plenty they have to juggle with while fighting them.
If you are a traveler, we have short new one-shot story about space flight attendants called Callisto releasing in September 2019.
Some people within manga community say that manga created outside of Japan is not “authentic manga”. What are your thoughts on this?
It’s funny that you say that, if you ask me, I think a compelling argument could be made on either side. Some people think of Manga as a comic that is told through the prospective of the Japanese. Others define it as it’s English translation states- “comic”, nothing more. I think of it similar to hip-hop. It’s important to understand the craft of any medium you choose to express yourself through. We will be addressing the topic on our new Youtube Channel in September so please check it out, because we would like everyone’s feedback.
What are some of your favorite manga/anime? What kind of impact did it have on you?
I have many and the list changes but usually Naruto stays, in particular the original manga. At 13, my Dad passed away, so Naruto not only provided a great escape for me. I love the way the mangaka Masashi Kishimoto took the time to craft villains who felt more like people than just bad guys. It wasn’t just a show about characters taking down a threat. The characters in the show actively were trying to empathize with one another, which I can relate to as a Christian. If I were to name 4 more to make it 5, I’d say Hajime No Ippo, Hunter X Hunter, Death Note, Fooly Cooly. No particular order. There are many more, but these are the ones that come to mind at the moment.
What are some prolific American mangaka that you enjoy or recommend to others?
I know it may be weird to recommend someone from Shining Otaku, but Tekito for sure. I enjoy watching his work evolve and continue to advance. Ogawa Burukku for sure, she created the webseries called FaLLEN , Shaun Barrow, with RL:Persona, Unlikely Heroes with Densetsu No Mangaka, Whyt Manga with Apple Black, the list goes on.
How do you pick books you’re going to work on, find creators, or other people to be on your team?
It varies, some I knew from my previous experience as a Youtube Anime Reviewer, some have submitted their work to us, others we have been introduced to or sought out for specific purposes like inking, toning, coloring, it depends on what the project calls for.
Do you have any upcoming plans for collaborations or appearances at conventions?
For now, Detroit’s Anime Convention Youmacon is a tradition, so until further notice, that will continue. We usually hold a panel every year called “Path of Attrition: A Mangaka’s Rise to the top” which focuses on the origins of the creators of well-known series.
Also, we will be at Motor City Black Age of Comics & Manga in 2020 on June 13th in celebration for Juneteenth. In between those cons there is much more planned, but we will have to save those announcements for a later time.
What are Shining Otaku’s long- term plans for the future?
In Shining Otaku, we always aim to the star in the shiny sky. Our goal is to push out stories that are considered Eisner-award winning level. Our plan is to not just continue to find great talent, but build the weakest into the strongest and continue to deliver relatable Manga that shines.
About The Blogger/Host
Name: Ervin Johnson
Pen name: Cloud 9
Bio: Manga Writer I Editor I Co-Founder of Shining Otaku Comics- Former Youtube Anime Reviewer
Company Social Media: Website | Twitter | Facebook
Thanks again to Ervin for taking the time for a Q&A session and stopping by the blog! If your a manga reader like me or want to get into reading manga, be sure to check out Shining Otaku’s titles!
This is so great! I’m not super familiar with manga, but I love hearing about small publishers and what drives their passion. Thanks for sharing this interview!
Glad you enjoyed the interview Jenny!