Back in 2022, Koji Oishi, the author of “Lycopene The Tomatoy Poodle”, decided to take a break to … Play Elden Ring! Thus, without more. And although many might think that a “time to relax” was taking, Oishi made it very clear: it wasn't just by leisure. No sir, he was playing to improve his work!
In his statement, the author apologized deeply with his followers and explained that the pause had been to be able to perfect his manga and, of course, make readers happy. But the best of all was when he assured that despite the rumors that he was only “playing video games”, he had not forgotten his manga. Rather, he had been caught by perfecting his story, that he could not meet the deadlines. A classic of every creator who wants his work to be perfect!
There was also a moment to reflect on mangaka's life and the dangers of reducing sleep hours. Oishi recalled how, in his weekly serialization days, the lack of rest led him to very “colorful” experiences, such as his own “bleeding” ended on the pages, and his assistants had to correct it with “white.” What a sacrifice! Although, ironically, Oishi said that what should really be “white” is the terrible pace of work that mangakas have.
The most epic was when he talked about the “culture of effort” that existed, especially during the pandemic. He gave us a life lesson: as in Elden Ring, we must not hurry! In your case, at least not with manga or health. His advice: «Do not get into problems that you cannot handle, do not get in trouble as in the fight with a final boss, because then you eat an unnecessary blow».
And to stay busy while he was “in Elden Ring”, his editor decided that a short story that had made about artistic skating was published, to coincide with the winter Olympic Games. Of course, only when the work came out, the Olympic Games had already happened … But who cares, the intention is what counts! So nothing, Oishi took the opportunity to remind us that mental health is the first, and although the pause caused some noise, nothing prevented him from going back more desire than ever!
Fountain: Official Twitter account
© 大石 浩二 (著)/Shueisha 集英社
