A., There’s a bizarre story behind these pages. Two years ago the artist, one Naoko Hirano, pitched a terribly compelling manga series. She included pints of half a chapter, and the publisher was so intrigued that they immediately made an offer. They never heard back. She was reported missing the next day. Police found nothing.… Continue reading Framing Device 1

I., So she’s running to school and climbing walls, with a fresh gunshot wound, all within days of her father’s murder? This is a bit much, don’t you think? -A. P.S. I already know what you’re going to say — “Does this mean you don’t want to see the next chapter?” Don’t be silly. Of… Continue reading Framing Device 2

A., You can’t expect the heroine to be perfectly realistic. This is a manga, after all. Nice stationary, by the way. Are you actually in Asia, or just near a fancy paper factor? –I. P.S. Lunch sounds lovely. The usual place? Or shall I drop by (wherever you are)?

I., Surely this heroine is impressive enough without giving her superhuman healing powers? The artwork grows more and more depressing. Especially when contrasted with the finished samples. And yet, there’s a freshness in some of these poses, a splash of such energy. It makes one wonder what heights the artist might have reached if not… Continue reading Framing Device 4

A., Volume I ends here. We’re trying to mock up a classy cover for Vol. 2. I’ll send along some of the artist’s bonus illustrations in the meantime. -I. P.S. Oh, you’re on an island. Looked up the tide tables. I’ll expect you Friday. P.P.S. Flattery will get you nowhere.

I., Hard to believe it’s only been a month since lunch. Every moment without you feels like another cold, lonely eternity… (Don’t mock me. I know you eat this stuff up. At least, if your performance that night is any indication.) The point is, if there’s no decent fanservice in this chapter, I may have… Continue reading Framing Device 6

A., I trust you can fill in your own fanservice after that. -I. A., Hi there! Sneaking this into the letter before it gets sent. (Don’t tell I.!) Cna’t we get some merchandise made for real? Even after the artist’s “mysterious disappearance,” someone must own the rights, right? Think on it. We would totally buy… Continue reading Framing Device 7

I., You’re interrupting the action with a side story? And a soppy one at that? You’re going soft in your old age. …by which I mean that the “mysteriously disappeared artist” is going soft, of course. -A. P.S. Tell V. she’s a narcissist.

A., Someone will die in the next chapter. Hold your demon-horses. (I am rather sorry I didn’t have time to draw this up properly, b ut I had been living in one place much too long already.) -I. A., Don’t listen to her. She loves leaving mysterious legends behind. Have you been to Lloydminster lately?… Continue reading Framing Device 9