Journal Entry:
Sun Dec 30, 2012, 6:11 PM
The other thing that my research got me thinking about was my comic's audience. I did a poll a year ago asking what my readers classified themselves as... and here on deviantArt the vast majority of readers were female, between the ages of 13 and 21. I think the demographics on drunk duck are about the same, though male readers comment more often. I'm under the impression that most readers are older teenagers and manga fans... but that's all I really know!
Once in a review of Koji Takahashi, someone called it a high school life comic, but wasn't sure if it should be labeled manga (and honestly, I only label it that because I assume the people who would enjoy reading it are probably manga fans!) KT won the Best Fantasy on drunk duck, but it's not really a fantasy comic. Urban fantasy maybe? Hummmmmmm
So I'm asking you guys, my beloved readers, what kind of comics do you usually enjoy? Is there any correlation between what you usually read and what you think stands out in KT[stw]? Who do YOU think reads Koji Takahashi? I'm asking questions about Koji Comic even though I'm applying this information to Anarchy Dreamers because it's a continuation of Koji's story, so thematically similar.
Thanks guys!! <3
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Mood:
Christmas Spirited
I would classify KT(stw) as a fantasy, mostly because of the weird dream-world that he falls into and out of. It's not high-fantasy (elves and dwarves and such, magic swords, etc.), but it's definitely not sci-fi. There's no science to it that we as the readers see.
As for what I usually read? Uh.... I don't read webcomics. LOL. That's not true, but the ones I do are vastly different from KT(stw). They all have strong art, stronger characterization, and angst of some form, mixed in with an overly wonderful sense of adventure and weirdness.
Print comics that I read are Fables and Unwritten, both of which are a lot of weird magicky handwavey stuff mixed with ... annnngst and strong art and frolicking adventure.
I think if I stumbled on your comic in a shop, I would definitely stop long enough to flip through it, probably come back to it a few times before taking an issue home. That's how they hook me, you know. >_> One issue. Then ALL THE ISSUES AFTER THAT. *ahem*
I think I'm going to do the audience poll over again... I know a lot of my readers and many of them aged out of the 13-21 demographic last year. I'd honestly like to attract readers of different ages (and I think high school stories do that... some people related to it as their every day life, while others find it nostalgic!)
I'm going to do more of the fashion charts. : ) They were really popular and I'm so excited to learn they attracted at least one more reader!! <3
Thank you so much for all of your feedback!! It's really helpful and informative.
Glad to hear I could help (lol, and that you could decipher some depth of meaning from what I posted - rereading, I have no idea how some of my sentences were supposed to make sense *headdesk*? Sorry?)!
And seriously - keep up the great work!
Urban fantasy sounds like a decent description! Or...modern day scifi? I am not much help there.
I am EXTREMELY picky when it comes to thinks I read--manga, comics, novels. And honestly, I found a Koji page while going through group submissions--manga creators, I think. I'm mostly in the group so someday I can submit, but I will always scan the submissions from the group. I never pay too much attention and it's very rare that I even click on a page to read.
What I look for first is story/plot. If it's lame, I will put it back. I'm always pretty leery when it comes to super shojo manga because high school fluffly romance is usually pretty boring to me. Hah. Secondly, I have to like the artwork. Normally I would say this is my top priority but more often as of late I've been able to focus more on story and if that's good, the artwork always looks a little better. Hah. Experimental paneling, something out of the norm--I like that stuff. I like things that have style; originality! And when it comes to anime/manga it's hard to find people who enjoy it as much as I do. Expressiveness is another thing I look for too, the more exaggerated, the better. I think all of these reasons are probably why I am more inspired by comic/cartoon art than manga (even though I consider myself to have a manga-y style).
[link] <- this was the page that I saw and the reasons I was drawn to it was the interesting perspectives and paneling. Tadhg's dynamics just drew me in--along with Devlin's alarmed face on the bottom there. And with the different angles (with Koji's back) and focuses (the razor), it was put together really well.
I had no idea what was going on in this page and I wanted to know, so I read the entire comic in one sitting.
The storyline is great! The characters are interesting and easy to relate to, which is always important. I really loved the little side in between things you did with Tabbi and Devlin answering questions! How creative and cute is that?
Your love for the story and the artwork really translates incredibly well through the comic. I'm always itching to get more. I know that I barely know you and I popped up out of nowhere and now comment on everything, everywhere of yours (lol, I hope that's not too annoying! XD) but when I see artists I enjoy, I love vocalizing it. And you happen to be a pretty big inspiration in my book~
I hope this helps! Even if it's just a little~
I really REALLY appreciate all of your feedback and support!! I certainly don't mind your comments, you always have interesting, detailed things to say. : ) And thank you for all of your feedback here, it's REALLY helpful! : D <3
You're very, very, very welcome!
I'm glad you like both the character stuff and the cosmic stuff, I try to develop both and I'm really happy they're both engaging : )