Screentones Tutorial

Screentone is very useful in manga because it can save manga-ka time and it also improve the quality of manga. Doujinshi-ka can also use screentones to make an interesting artwork. Screentones can be divided into line action, special effect, shading, and background. Line action is the screentone that can be use to make effect and impact from the movement of character or object in manga. While special effect is use for effect like cloth’s texture, emotion effect, exploding effect and many more. Shading is use to make a shadow effect or to make a dark surrounding like at sunset or night. While background is use to make a complex background and repeating background. Screentone can be bought from bookstore but its price is expensive. If doujinshi-ka know how to use graphic software, it can be made using Adobe Photoshop.

Steps to make simple screentones using Adobe Photoshop

1. Open a new file in Adobe Photoshop with size of 8x8 pixel in JPEG/JPG format and white background. Don’t use bitmap/bmp format because we will use the Layer function in the next step.

2. Zoom in to the maximum available.

3. Then go to the Tool Bar and choose Pencil Tool. Next, right click on Paintbrush Tool, Pencil Tool is below the category.

4. After that, open a new Layer. Use Pencil Tool to draw 2 point on your file. Both point must be aligned at 45 degree. To ease your work, think like this:

Your file size is 8x8 pixel. If your first point coordinate is (3,3) then your second coordinate should be located at (7,7).

5. Next, open a new Layer and repeat step 4. But this time redraw both points on the same position, and make them bigger and reshape it according to yourself. Repeat this step until you get a variety of shape in different sizes.

6. Now go to Select > Select All, then choose the first layer that has points on them (not the empty layer). Go to Edit > Define Pattern and name your screentone.

Repeat this step for every Layer. All Layer that have been saved will exist in Pattern category for your use.

Congratulations! Now your screentones have being made successfully.

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Gun X Sword

Year: 2005
Studio: AIC A.S.T.A.
Total anime episodes: 26


In a planet called Endless Illusion, there are many fighters and warriors live and dangerous criminals also exist. The civilazation are like the western-style and they also have a high mechanical technology. They also have war machines that were called Armors. The story begins when Van’s wife, Helena was killed by a man called Clawman on their wedding day. In his wedding cloth, Van go on a journey to hunt the killer without realizing that his target is a dangerous person.


Van- Tall and always show spiritless expression, but when he is angry or when fighting he will be a serious man. He is an expert swordsmen and the pilot of Armors called Dann of Thursday.


Wendy Garret- She joined Van on journey and hoping to meet her brother. She thought that her brother was kidnapped by Clawman. But the truth was her brother was consent to join the Clawman.


Priscilla- A girl that was very energetic and aggressive. Met Van in an Armors duel and she admire him. She pilots an Armors called Brownie that is very quick.


Carmen99- A special agent who works as an informer and ever work with Van.

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Naruto

Year: 2002
Studio: Studio Pierrot
Total anime episodes: 220

This anime is about Uzumaki Naruto who dreams to be a skilfull ninja in his village, ‘The hidden leaf village’. But the 4^th Hokage had sealed a demon wolf into his body since he was young. Therefore there are not a single villager who loves Naruto. To reach his ambition, Naruto has trained with his best friend, Haruno Sakura and Uchiha Sasuke by his teacher, Hatake Kakashi.

Naruto



Naruto has a powerful chakra. His ambition is to be the 5^th Hokage.

Sasuke

A shy guy. His power came from his bloodline, Sharingan. His main ambition is to kill his elder brother, Uchiha Itachi who had killed all the villagers including their parent.

Haruno Sakura



Very expert in using chakra. She loves Sasuke although she knew that Naruto loves her. Her main enemy is Ino because both of them love Sasuke.

Hatake Kakashi



Naruto’s teacher and also Sasuke and Sakura’s teacher. He was promoted to Jounin rank when he was 6 years old. He has a Sharingan technique that can copy enemy’s movement.

Gaara



When he was born, his father had sealed a sand creature, Shukaku into his body. He can uses sand to attack and defending.

Orochimaru



He was a legend and is about 50 years old. He was trained by the 3^rd Hokage, but after he was not appointed as the 4^th Hokage, he learned many forbidden juutsu to get revenge.

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Planning the plot for doujinshi

1. Pre-sketching

First, determine the story that will be made, such as adventures, romances, friendships, or others. Then analyse the plot theme and the messages that want to be delivered. Next, determine the location/setting plot and the characters that will be involved. Make the sketching for location images and the characters. Finally, begin to plan the plot structure in details. This step is so important to distribute the share of pages and to determine the overall balancing of doujinshi that will be made.

2. Set up the plot plan

Plot is usually being made of four level:

a) Introduction

This level is to introduce the characters, especially the hero and heroin characters. The details for each characters like name, age, short description of their background and characteristic must be included so that reader will recognized them.

b) Conflict

Conflict is divided into two parts, the beginning conflict and the middle conflict.
The beginning conflict is usually the introduction of antagonis character. If there is no antagonis, then it will be the starting problem for the hero/heroin. This part is very important because if it was not arrange properly, it will disturb the overall plot. The details must be reveal carefully, don’t reveal all the important details in the beginning conflict. The middle conflict is the chapter where hero/heroin tries to solve the conflict. In this part, the hero/heroin will discover more details of the problems arise.

c) Climax

Climax is a critical moment where the hero will fight the antagonis leader and facing the most difficult problem. All questions wil be answered in this part.

d) Ending

Ending part will shows the scenario after the conflict had been solved, either it will be peace or sad. It will also be the clue for the next episode (for continue series).

Tips: The share of pages for one-shot (8-12 pages) usually use the 1:3:2:1 ratio (intro:conflict:climax:ending).

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Fullmetal Alchemist

Year: 2003
Studio: Bones
Total anime episodes: 51

Two brothers, Alphonse & Edward Elric had tried to revive their dead mother using alchemist. They have failed and thus causing Alphonse to lose all his body and Edward lose each of his hand and leg. At that time, Edward had saved his brother by putting his spirit into an armour suit. Until then, they must try to find the Philosopher stone that has the power to regain their bodies back.


Edward Elric – A nice guy who always take care of his brother. He can change his hand into a sharp weapon for fighting. His automail hand and leg was made by Winry Rockbell. The installation of them are very painful.


Alphonse- He is the younger brother, but peoples always mistaken him as the elder because of his physical appearance that are twice of his brother. He can also perform alchemist but he was not recognized as the National Alchemist. Al owe his life to Ed because Ed has saved his spirit.


Winry Rockbell- Ed and Al friend when they were young. She is the same age as Ed and she was also the creator of hand and leg equipments that was being used by Ed.


Roy Mustang- National alchemist who has the ability to use fire as alchemist. His rank in army is Liutenant Colonel.

Alex Louis Armstrong- He has a pair of strong hand. He was proud of his body muscle and always try to show it in front of peoples.

Maes Hughes- An army that works in investigation department. He loves his wife, Gracia and his daughter, Elicia very much.

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Fan Fiction

Fan fiction is a creative writing by fans that want to hail the anime, manga & games (AMG) that they love. Fanfic is a re-written story or an alternative story base on favourite characters in AMG. Normally, the plot in fanfic is same as the original plot. There are many categories in fanfic, below are some of them:

1. Alternative Universe

This fanfic uses an alternative story for an AMG series. In this fanfic, writer has the freedom to change the plot and characters according to themselves.

2. Continuation

This fanfic is the continuation of the original plot of AMG series that had been finished. Usually this fanfic is written using the original concept without any changes. Some writer may chose to develop some plot that are not been considered by the original maker.

3. Het

This fanfic focuses on love plot between the male and female characters. This fanfic is focusing on relationship among them and sometimes it will also include sexual relationship.

4. Alternative Pairing

This fanfic also focusing on relationship between characters like Het category, but this time it focusing on dream characters of the fans, not the original pair as it was in the original series.

5. Crossover

This fanfic is written using characters from two or more different AMG series, usually by the same creator of the series.

6. Slash

This fanfic is about homosex relationship between characters. Usually the characters were chosen by the writer or fans.

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Cosplay as a profession

There are not many choices in career base on cosplay because it is still not being recognized as a main occupation. But for those who are willing to try, below are some jobs related to cosplay.

1. Costume Designer

Costume designer are the expert in researching and the making of blueprint for cosplay costumes. They work by gathering all of information about costume’s character that being ordered by customers. Then they will make the sketching for the costume. The sketch is important as a reference for the tailor. Costume designer must have the ability to design an exact sketch of the original costume for the character.

2. Costume Tailor

Costume tailor is an expertise in sewing costume. In AMG, they are many complex design, so a good technique in sewing is a must have for costume tailor. Furthermore a good knowledge in fabric also important. Usually costume tailor will work together with costume designer, but there are also peoples who did both jobs at the same time.

3. Prop designer

Prop designer has the same scope like costume designer, but they work on cosplay prop like weapons, equipments, and accessories. Prop designer must has knowledge in scale drawing, so that the equipment will be made using right scale.

4. Prop maker

Prop maker is the people responsible in making the cosplay equipments for cosplayers. Knowledge in carpenting or metal cutting are the main assets for a prop maker.

5. Make-up artist

Make up is one of the important elements in cosplay. For those who are expert in make-up can offer their service, but this will only happens during cosplay conference or cosplay photo shooting. So this job is not suitable to be chosen as a full-time job.

6. Stylist

Stylist is the expert in making hair style, either using original hair or wig. To become a stylist, a person must have skills in hair cutting, colouring and treatment.

7. Cosplay Shop

Cosplay shop is a dream job for a cosplayer who has capital to start a business. A cosplay shop usually offers services like costume/prop designing, costume/prop making, costume rental, make-up, hair styling and wig.

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Fate/ Stay Night

Year: 2006
Studio: STUDIO DEEN
Total anime episodes: 24

Fuyuki City was destined to become the place for the next Holy Grail war. The choosen magicians (master), have summon spiritual warriors (servant) to fight against each other in the war. The winner of the war will receive holy grail that will fulfil a wish for them.

Servants are divided into 7 categories: Saber, Archer, Berserker, Rider, Lance, Caster and Assasin. Every servant are not called by their real name to hide their identities, advantages and weaknesses. A master can only summons a servant to protect and fight with them. Even though a servant has their own advantages, but the strength of his/her master will reflect his/her’s strength.

This anime series was inspired by visual graphics game developed by Type-Moon in 2004. In 2005, Nishiwako Datto has adapted it into manga and was published in Shonen Ace Magazines. Then in 2006, the anime series was aired on Japan TV.

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Drawing Tools – Pencil

Pencil have four grades:

1. H Grade

H means hardness. It start from 2H to 9H. This grade has a hard graphite and make a clear tone. But it must be use softly to avoid marks being left on the paper.

2. F Grade

F means fine. It has a moderate graphite in hardness and tone. Usually it will be use to make a basic sketching in drawing.

3. HB Grade

HB means medium. It almost the same as the F Grade, but it is darker. This pencil usually being used as a writing pencil.

4. B Grade

B means blackness. It has a soft graphite and can make a darker tone. The more bigger the number, the more darker it will be; it start from 2B to 9B.

The most usual pencil being used by doujinshi-ka:

1. Grade B pencil

Grade B has a darker tone and easy to erase compare to Grade H. It’s suitable for pencil drawing that use a variety of tones.

2. Mechanical pencil

Usually mechanical pencil has 2 tip size, 0.5 & 0.7 and using special 2B graphite lead. The lead is refillable, so using only one pencil is enough. It can be use to a drawing that needs inking work because the line that has been made is soft and accurate.

3. Blue Pencil

Blue pencil is use in sketching because its marks can be erase easily and will not be seen after photostat or scanning process to a computer. It’s suitable for those who have untidy drawing style. Besides regular pencil, blue pencil is also available for mechanical pencil that use a special blue lead.

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Romeo X Juliet

Year: 2007
Studio: Gonzo animation



This anime is about a love story between Romeo and Juliet. After 14 years since Montague's rebellion, the politics scenario in Neo Verona still unstable. Peoples that were oppressed tried to find an alternative way to regain peace and freedom that they have in Capulet's era.

An appearance of Red Whirlwind, a hero in mask that opposing Montague's was welcomed by the people but it made the government become more strict to eliminate Red Whirlwind’s influence.
Meanwhile, Capulet’s supporter have arranged a plan to regain their power by using Juliet as their new backbone.

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Publishing a doujinshi

1. Digital Printing

Digital printing is a kind of publishing that needs a lot of money, depending on the pages of the doujinshi and the colour scheme that was choosen. The price will be more expensive if the printing is in colour. Black & White printing is less expensive. The advantage of digital printing is the printing quality is more clear. It will be wise to publish in a large quantity to get price discount.


2. Photostat

This kind of printing is more cheaper than the digital way. But it has some disadvantages. The quality is poor, usually depend on the type of machine that was used. If the machine use harblur toner, the printing will be easy to fade especially when in contact with water. Printing from machine that use liquid toner is more resistance from fading but the cost will be higher. Colour printing is more expensive using photostat machine and the quality is not as good as digital printing. So this kind of printing is suitable only for Black & White printing.

3. Online Publishing

Using today technology, doujinshi-ka can sell their doujinshi with minimum costs by publishing them on the internet. Even though this method is still new, many doujinshi-ka have used this method to sell their artworks. There are two method to sell doujinshi using internet.
First by subscription; the doujinshi-ka has to get a web site that can support the subscription activities. This is to make sure that only subscribers can read the doujinshi. Besides that, the doujinshi-ka also needs to get Paypal account or online banking service to make customer’s payment become easy.
Second by previewing the artwork on the group’s web site first. After customer paid the payment, the doujinshi will be send to the customer by e-mail. This method also need a Paypal account or online banking service.

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Crossplay

The word crossplay was originated from the words cross-dressing and cosplay. It means cosplayers that act as characters of that opposite sex to themselves. Even though there are many cosplayer around the world, the amount of male cosplayers are less than the female cosplayers; only 30% of them are male. The small amount of male’s cosplayer had caused the shortage of male characters in Cosplay Conferences. This situation has stimulated the crossplay phenomenon; when female cosplayers took the role of male characters in order to balance the amount of female characters. Those peoples are called crossplayers.

At first most of crossplayers are female, but later on there are also male crossplayers appeared. Usually female crossplayers are looking good and were accepted by other cosplayers. But there were some negative impressions to male crossplayers as they were related to sensitive issues like homesexual and transexual. This was because some of the male crossplayers have chosen characters that were very contra to themselves. Their action was considered as over-acting and aiming to challenge the etiquette of cosplay. The different opinion being made between male and female crosslayers have made male crossplayers viewed this as a discrimination to them.

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Eye Shield 21 – Kobayakawa Sena

Sena was always being bullied by his friends because of his small physical, but he has his own ability. At that time, Hiruma, one of the American Football player was searching for a player for the school team. Then he choose Sena and Kurita as the new player and they have become the dangerous weapons in their team. He is coward and always try to run away, easy to cry when in sad situation. But when on the field he was a different person. He has good legs for running and he can make touchdown in a lightning quick.

Sena is afraid of Hiruma because of Hiruma’s appearance and pesonality. The most scary moment for Sena was when he was chased by Hiruma’s dog, Kerberos. Sena always try to avoid any injury risks when on field. It was Hiruma’s idea to make Sena as his team weapon and he called Sena as Eyeshield 21.

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Doujinshi : Amateur manga

What is doujinshi? Doujinshi is a manga that was made by amateur artists, either by using their original idea or by using materials from other popular anime, manga or games. The artwork result will depend on their credibility and drawing technique, some of them can even match the artwork of professional mangakas.Doujinshi is usually being made because of desire and not to make profit. All costs to produce doujinshi will be endured by doujinshi-ka themselves, and the selling price will depend on the producing cost. Because doujinshi was published in limited edition, the price usually will be higher than manga in market.

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Cosplay

Cosplay conference is like a holy place for cosplayers to show off the ideal cosplayer among them. Cosplay begun in Japan about 12 years ago when AMG (anime,manga&games) fanatics spread in Japan. Every year there are many cosplay conferences held around the world especially in Japan and United Satates of America. U.S. is the country that has the most cosplay’s conferences held because it has a lot of AMG fans.

Cosplay Event

One of the event that give cosplayers bonus marks in grouping cosplay competition is sketch/skit. This event is important because it is the only way to show the credibility of their group in effective manner. But it is not easy because it needs co-operation among the members. Cosplayers also need to write a suitable script so that all the member will have their chance to show their talents.

Tips and basic instructions for skit event

1. Make sure the cosplayers that act on the stage do not exceed the limit, usually between 6-10 peoples are allowed.
2. Don’t do dangerous actions on the stage. This is for safety.
3. Any filthy actions and words are not allowed. Cosplayers must be remind that the show is for public showing.
4. Don’t include sensitive issues like racist, religion or politics into the show.
5. The sketch must related to original anime or characters involved.
6. Cosplayer must stay to their character’s characteristic during the show.

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Shakugan no Shana

Year: 2005
Studio: J.C. STAFF
Total anime episodes: 24



Sakai Yujii is an ordinary student who has a normal life. But everything has changed when he has been attacked by Kuze no Togara, a monster from mysterious world called Crimsom World. A red-hair girl appeared at that critical moment to save him. But Yuuji was surprised when she said that he was dead.



In this anime, the world is in unbalance state when a syndicate called Crimson Comrades launched a secret plan that will disturbing human world. A flame haze girl, Shana and one of theCrimson World ruler, Alastor try to obstruct the plan.

Alastor and Shana try to save Yuuji, a human that was being attacked by a mysterious monster. But Yujii was killed in that incident. Then Shana has revived him in Torch/Torches form, a substitute life for human that was killed by mysterious monster. Torches are a form that will slowen the vanishing of humans so that it will not become a huge startled for their family. Even though Yuuji knew that he will vanish soon, he didn’t give up and try to make his life even better.

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Basic anime category

1.Genre: Shonen

Shonen is the most available anime in market. Publicly it was made for boys; shonen means boy in Japanese. The main plot usually is about adventures, battles, and friendships. Examples: Dragon Ball, Naruto & One Piece.

2.Genre: Shoujo

Shoujo is a genre that was made for girls. The main plot is about lives and loves. Examples: Paradise Kiss.

Sub-genre: Mahou Shoujo

Anime about girls that have magic power in order to save the world and contains love plot. Examples: Sailormoon & Cardcaptor Sakura.

3.Genre: Kodomo

Special anime for children. Usually the plot is about moral values. Examples: Doraemon & Shin Chan.

4.Genre: Moe

This anime has very cute characters and usually about humor. Examples: Di Gi Charat.

5.Genre: Mecha

This anime brings a heavy theme, usually it delivers anti-war messages. This anime also has mechanical machines/mecha that will be very important in overall plot. Examples: Gundam & Eureka 7.

6.Genre: Ecchi

This anime contains light sexual fun without any sex part being shown.

7.Genre: Hentai

Anime about sex.

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Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children

Year: 2005

Studio: Square Enix, Visual Works

Two years have passed since the last duel between Cloud and Sephiroth. The sacrifying of Aeries had savioured the world from destroying, but the death of Sephiroth had spreading a virus called Geostigma Syndrome. This virus has effected many peoples and made them suffered agony especially childrens. Rufus Shinra has ordered Turks to investigate Sephiroth’s death and find a way to cure the virus but he was obstructed by Kadaj and her allies that plan to make the Reunion Project.

This film is a must watch for Final Fantasy’s fans because it will answers many questions that rise after the end of Final Fantasy VII video game. It use a dominant technology in graphic that make a perfect world of Final Fantasy VII especially the Cathedral and the Forgotten Capital, the two most nostalgic places in Final Fantasy VII history.

The personality of each characters remain as they were in Final Fantasy VII although there were some changes to their clothes. The most amazing part in Final Fantasy Advent Children was the battle parts, they show the original battle technique, Limit Break, magics and summons like in the video game. But for those who didn’t play the game, it will be a bit difficult to understand because some terms that have been used are came from the game.

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Japan plans to take action against downloader

The Japanese government's Agency for Cultural Affairs will propose amending Japan's laws so copyright holders can request the prosecution of people who download without authorization.
Current law allows prosecution only to people who upload without authorization. But at the moment it is legal for peoples to download for private use.

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Takumi Fujiwara - Initial D

Takumi is a high school boy who help his father to run a tofu shop. Every dawn, he delivers tofu to the town by driving on mount Akina. In every single delivery, his father will give him a cup with water in it. His father told him to drive the car without spilling any drop of the water. Then he started to learn driving technique like drifting to maintain the water condition. He has been delivering tofu for five years without realising that his skill had improved. Actually Takumi doesn't like car. He also didn't had knowledge about car such as how the engine works, the suspension system or anything related to car. But after meeting with Ryousuke's brothers from Redsuns racing team, he slowly become interest to car and road racing.

Toyota AE86
Drive: F/R
Weight: 940 kg
Engine: 4-AGEU in-line 4
Displacement: 1587 cc
Max power:130 ps/6600 rpm

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D. Gray Man

Year: 2006
Total anime episodes: 52

This story happens at the end of 19^th century when Akuma’s threat widespread all over the world. A few peoples were chosen to become the members of Dark Religious Organization in order to destroy Akuma’s threat. Allen Walker and other exorcists were hunting Akuma to destroy Earl of Millennium’s plans to eliminate all of human being. With anti-akuma weapon and the power of Innocence, exorcists declare a war to Earl and his company, Noah’s family and Akuma.

Allen Walker - A british boy who was cursed on his left eye.
Lenalee Lee - A Chinese girl who has an innocence in her boot.
Daisya & Yuu Kanda
Supervisor Komui - Lenalee's brother
General Cross - Allen's master but no one know where he's gone.
Earl of Millennium - The antagonis. He wants to destroy the world.

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