Volume 18

Manga, graphic novels, comics, cartoons...

We're all one big family, cut from the same cloth, and despite any minor differences, these things are something we all share. Something we're meant to share.

And yet, it seems to me that so much effort has been dedicated to subdivisions. Why not put that time and energy towards something else instead?

We ought to come together to enjoy everything that emerges from the realm of the comic arts, and maybe the industry needs a single umbrella term, A word to describe what we all do. Personally, the word I use is "toon."

But you're free to pick your own term, of course.

A single term would be proof that we're united and ready to take a step towards the future world.

These are the thoughts I had while staring at the footprints left by a pair of slippers that took me some great pains over a half day to obtain.

I received these sandals from Boichi Sensei! The treads on the bottom leave behind the exact footprints made by the first human on the moon.

Thank you!

And the quote inscribed on the sandals is what was said in that moment.

Working on a weekly series is tough, but all these little steps combine into one giant leap.

Pretty slick how I tied it all together like that, huh?