The Manga Memoirs Blogs!

"You ever wonder what happens to all the paper clips? The ones that get bent or fall behind your desk. Where do they go? Like so much of today's..."


Because, if there's any public figure that screams MANGA!---it's Andy Rooney of 60 Minutes fame. You can almost see the action lines! Dynamism!

Ahem.

Today, we'll be looking at the first of several interviews I did with the writers of each memoir that will be a part of the Manga Memoirs anthology. Each will follow roughly the same question set, with variations here or there.


First up, the writer of Heaven Revolution and A Walk In The Park---Holden Gold aka BigRed01.

What compelled you to tell this particular story?

Both A Walk in the Park and Heaven Revolution involve stories that took place during my first visit to Japan. The experience left a huge impression on me. It seemed to be the most logical choice for the Manga Memoirs contest.

What do you love about Manga or comics in general? (art,pacing etc.) What brought you to the medium in the first place?

For me personally, comics are a perfect creative drug. The rush is absolutely amazing. I think that comics are probably one of the best formats for any story.

I was a seriously crazy, hyperactive kid. Over time my parents discovered that comics acted as a pacifier, something that could hold my attention for hours at a time. There were always plenty of comics around after that.

What do you hope readers take away from your memoir?

With Heaven Revolution I hope that readers are able to take a look inside the world of professional Martial Arts competition. There's a lot of history and tradition involved with the sport? especially in Japan.

A Walk in the Park is somewhat more complex. Ultimately it's the story about two guys who deeply love their countries and enjoy telling stories about them. I hope readers pick up on that primary theme.


What is your ideal soundtrack for this story? (or did you soundtrack your writing process?)

A Walk in the Park - Nine Inch Nails,The Downward Spiral, The Fragile. Perhaps some Massive Attack.

Heaven Revolution- Tool, Ænima, Lateralus, maybe a smattering of Hatebreed and Lamb of God for good measure.

The Cliche` question: What is your favorite Manga of all time? (or comic)

Tough question. Hhhmmm, probably the Graphic Novel, Pride of Baghdad.


What is the first Manga/comic that you read?

I started reading comics regularly at age 5. I was a huge Joe Kubert fan--- G.I. Combat, Sgt.Rock, The Unknown Soldier, Weird War Tales, etc. What can I say, I wanted to be a soldier.

What do you find most challenging/satisfying about writing for this medium?

It's incredibly satisfying to watch your dreams come to life on the page. A powerfully rewarding experience.


What are your aspirations for your creative career? What do you wanna be when you grow up? (a spaceship, fire fighter, Superman etc.)

I'd like to eventually evolve into a Transmedia story teller. A producer working across multiple media platforms. Or maybe focus on becoming the leader of a Radical Outlaw Environmental organization. Perhaps both? Definitely something along those lines.

I'd like to thank Holden for taking the time to chat. Cheers!

Go Look:

mariathedreamer offers some insight into the memoirs.

Keep up with the production on the go! We Tweet!


Stay tuned for more interviews and updates (and navel gazing, by me!)



MorganJ
Editor-in-60 minutes