Language: English, Chinese
Publisher: Gala Unggul Resources Sdn. Bhd.
Cartoonist: Redcode, Michael Chuah, Kenny Chua, Ageha, Jo, Clay, Zint, Ho Seng Hui, Scho, Tan Eng Huat
Category : Drawing

If you’re an anime fan, chances are you’ve ever dreamed of one day drawing a popular hit comic and becoming a renowned mangaka (anime author) in the likes of Akira Toriyama, Kishimoto Masashi and CLAMP. However, being a great mangaka doesn’t just mean having a fantastic story in your head; you also have to learn how to perfect the art of drawing cute cuddly anime.

Unfortunately, learning how to draw anime isn’t an easy feat here in local shores. Aside from learning the trade on your own, there’s very little in options to help you mark up your drawing skills aside from taking expensive art classes, which more often than not require years of experience. The stronger US dollar isn’t helping much either, as many self-help manga books published in the States cost a hefty stone here – some books sell for as much as RM 60.00 to RM 70.00 – on average.

Fortunately, our very own band of local mangaka have identified this need, and together have produced Comic Classroom, a revolutionary manga teaching guide in its own league. Marrying the concepts of affordability and quality, the end result is a simple, average comic book-sized print which teaches us (ahem) not-so-good manga lovers how to perfect the trade.

Comic Classroom comes in two flavors, which are the Chinese language and the English language. Basically, what it presents are hints and tips from a collection of local authors, with reputable names such as Kaoru, Keith and Kenny Chua contributing their share of talent. Some of you may recognize their works such as Helios Eclipse and the cute bunny robot mascot of Gempakz which we’ve all come to know and love.

Language: Chinese
Publisher: Gala Unggul Resources Sdn. Bhd.
Cartoonist: Xanseviera, Slaium, Keith, Oga, Zuan, Santa Claus, Puyuh, Puppeteer, Kaoru, Nizam Bachok
Category : Drawing

The books open with an introduction of the respective author, giving a brief biodata which give readers an insight into their favorite mangaka. For instance, did you know that Keith has been honored for his work in Hong Kong and Japan? He also recently co-authored a comic chronicling the ups and downs of our very own local radio celebrities of the Chinese radio station 988, K6.

The guide continues with a detailed step-by-step guide on how to draw manga, briefing readers with tips on drawing, such as starting with the foreground before giving attention to the background. Readers will also be exposed to the expert computer software mangakas use to give life and color to their subjects, some of which include ComicStudio EX and Painter 9.0. Last but not least, there’s a host of finished comics and trial examples to keep readers entertained throughout the read.

Ratings: 4.3 out of 5

Comic Classroom brings a huge range of content and teaching techniques which I personally find hard to disappoint. The way the comic brings the authors together allow readers to compare the various drawing styles from the individual mangakas so they get the whole package. Plus, the books are relatively affordable, so practically anyone can pick up a book from a store to catch a glimpse into manga drawing.

Helios Eclipse Series – Quintet, Septenary, Epilogue

Today, I’ll be introducing you to a series which has captured my attention with its snazzy art and endearing storyline. The series in question here is Helios Eclipse, which some of you may remember from one of my reviews awhile back. At the time, I just gave a brief overview of what the first book was like, but I’ve had a chance to look through some of the other books in the series, and have received a little more insight.

Helios Eclipse is written by a Malaysian writer, who goes by the pen name Kaoru. She was born and bred in Perak, so it’s not surprising to find that her style suits the tastes of Malaysians around. Her story revolves around the central character, Helios, the ruler of the Realms of Magic, and Mineko, a hapless teenage girl who just happened to get sucked into this fantasy world. As luck would have it, the Shadow Realm is bent on destroying all that they have and love, and Mineko and Helios have to cooperate to fight it back with all they have.

Helios Eclipse Quintet

Language: English
Publisher: Gala Unggul Resources Sdn. Bhd.
Cartoonist: Kaoru
Category : Seinen

The fourth book in the series, aptly named Quintet, starts with a rough battle between Mineko, her friend Evillina and an unknown enemy. Surprisingly, the enemy possesses an element, the most powerful magic in the world. Mineko’s life is in peril, and it is unknown if she will survive the fight.

The book also delves deeper into the relationship between Diamond and Mineko, providing Diamond’s answer against her blame towards Mineko for failing to save Luna, her former master. The introduction on Louis, a new character, further adds to the excitement of the plot.

Helios Eclipse Septenary

Language: English
Publisher: Gala Unggul Resources Sdn. Bhd.
Cartoonist: Kaoru
Category : Seinen

Helios Eclipse “Septenary” is the seventh book in the series, and here the storyline begins to get a little thicker. Countessa, Helios’ childhood friend and the Ruler of the Realms of Water, forms a political alliance with Helios by marrying him. The newly crowned King of the Realms of the Wood, Draven, and his friend the King of the Realms of the Air, Armand, arrive to lend a helping hand to Helios in his quest against the Shadow Realms. Unbeknownst to Helios, Countessa and the two other leaders of the Realms are planning the ultimate betrayal by selling Helios out to the Shadow Realm, in an effort to claim the throne for themselves.

The recent disappearance of the King of the Realm of Earth, and Helios’ inability to contact him, adds to the mystery. In addition, readers will get to see the appearance of a new character, one who despite the nearing end of the series, still remains shrouded in mystery. Mineko’s role in her arrival to the Magic Realms is also given a sneak peek here.

Helios Eclipse Epilogue

Language: English
Publisher: Gala Unggul Resources Sdn. Bhd.
Cartoonist: Kaoru
Category : Seinen

Finally, we come to the final book of the series, Helios Eclipse “Epilogue”. Readers who have been clamoring for Kaoru’s finishing release will finally be able to understand the full meanings of the scattered-jigsaw-puzzle-like plot of the previous seven books, as the author wraps up the story with a fulfilling finish. Among some of the illuminating questions which are answered her include the sudden appearance of Louis, Mineko’s childhood friend, the identity of the mysterious stranger in the seventh book, Septernary, and the revelation of the hidden artifact, the Phoenix.

Ratings:

Helios Eclipse

Quintet: 3.4 out of 5

Septenary: 3.2 out of 5

Epilogue: 4.5 out of 5

Helios Eclipse really is a series you should look out for. In contrast with our local expectations of Malaysian comic book artists, Kaoru has proven exceptionally refreshing in her venture with Helios Eclipse. You get the feeling that this is her labor of love, as not only is the story well-though out, but the characters are given a lot of time to really flesh out. The artwork is very decent at worst, and to add to the spice, every inch of the series is given a full color treatment, without holding back. The series wraps up nicely, tying up all the loose ends and yet leaving the reader satisfied at the same time. Plus, despite the satisfactory ending, there seems to be room for more in the plot. Perhaps we will see Helios Eclipse, “Sequel”?