Finally decided to try a subscription. It's ok I don't get to see adds (which I had gotten use to anyway) and I can see more art works per page. So far I like it and $7 for three months is a good deal. Not sure if I will renew or not yet.

DA has done something really really right. I love the new fair exposure system. Sure it has a few bugs but these can be worked out over time. But as always we have whiners who think it's the end of the world as we know it. The "populars" are upset that their place in the DA hierarchy is being threatend so they are bringing out the claws. On has even made a petition (cute how he thinks it will matter). The "populars" want to go back to the good old fashioned way of "I'm better than you now bow down and kiss my ass".

But the new system is made so that others can have a moment in the sun. I think the "populars" are overreacting. They will still have watchers and their art will still be medicore at best or crappy in some cases. The only thing that will change is that the reast of DA won't have to see their crap as often. I thank the clown man and his flying monkies for this blessed system.

I've been seeing a lot of people here posting about wanting to to move to Japan and be a manga-ka or make "manga" Here in the states.

First off to the Japanese ALL comics are manga. We Americans are the ones who made the term manga mean Japanese comics only.

For those who want to move to Japan

First off it's not going to happen. Japan is one of the most EXPENSIVE places on earth to live. I dobut the money your parents give you would even cover a cup of tea and a box of pocky much less living expenses. Also the Japanese don't tend to give many jobs to outsiders.

Second, you will NOT make it with your carbon copy art or "Inyasha" or "Naturo". It's hard as hell for a Japanese born person to make it in the world of manga much less some outsdier who can't even cough up their own style.

Third, ask yourself what's the worth of going to Japan? Will it make you cooler? Will it make you draw better? Can you say more than, kawaii,desu,neko,chan,san,baka and wa? Will you be able to talk to the Japanese without putting your foot in your mouth every ten seconds. If you answered no to even one of these. Stay here in the states. Bush is doing a damn good job of making us look bad over seas. We don't need your to help.

Fourth, are you willing to lean to speak and read Japanese the RIGHT way. Are you willing to work all the thankless hours it takes to make a truly good manga? Are you willing to get one or more jobs to support yourself while you manga gets off the ground? If you said no to any of these stay in the states.

For those who want to make it here in the states

First off. Tokyo Pop is a FUCKING JOKE, all they want to do is make money off suckers who think they have a good idea. Most (not all) TP originals are pure shit. The have trite art and dull as dirt storylines. I've only seen a three TP originals that are even worht picking up. Besides once people tire of magna most of these people will be out of a job and out of luck.

Two, you will more than likley NOT be able to live off your earnings. Most comics artist can't live off their works they have to take other jobs to make ends meet. Those that can took YEARS to get that way, and there is no guaranty that it will last.

Three, get your own style, even the guys and gals at DC and Marvel each have their own unique style. This goes for manga-ka's too. They would not have made it big if they all drew "Naturo" or "Inyasha" so if you really wanna make it in the comic world have more to offer than just the same old fanart style. This goes for stories too.

Four, take some REAL art lessons, buy at least one book on human anatomy it will do you wonders and help you improve vastly. Buy books on and try diffrent mediums. Don't limit yourself to just markers, there's a whole world of mediums out there to be explored.

Fifth, Manga is not all there is to life. Look into other styles of comics and art. Most true manga-ka have more than just manga as an inspration and can draw more than just manga. Look beyond "Bleach" and "Naturo" you will find that art world is huge indeed.

That's all I have to say. If you really want to make in the comic world you have to put fourth the effort and show that you are not just another fankid with silly dreams.