Queuing for a cab in Japan and Indonesia

Happened to me while I was waiting for a cab at my hotel in Jakarta. Would have chased that well-dressed office lady if not for my luggage...

Censorship of nudity in Singapore and Indonesia VS Japan

Actually I was wondering if I should remove the nipples in the first panel for fear that Facebook or Instagram might terminate my account. But if I removed it, the comic will not accurately portray the absence of censorship and freedom of artistic expression in Japan. So in order to preserve my message, I decided to upload this comic to my blog and my Patreon page only.


How publisher censored nudity in Indonesia

If you read my post earlier about my visit to Elex Media, my publisher in Indonesia, you would know that I was impressed with their "censorship" department. These guys actually replicate elements from the original drawings to cover up the sensitive areas: such as falling leaves, cans on the floor (to censor magazine covers next to the cans), or speech balloons. As you know, there is A LOT of nudity in Japanese manga, so there is actually quite an amount of work to do.


How publisher censored nudity in Singapore

Maybe because our market here is very small, so our publishers are also very small (actually our one and only manga publisher Chuangyi closed down last year).  Therefore the most efficient way was to simply make the nude wear something by drawing directly on top of the comic. It can be bra, swimsuits or black T-shirt. It is the most economical method because you can simply draw on top of the manuscripts. But of course, it does make you wonder why they are wearing lingerie while showering, or nipples simply gone from the breasts... What about genitals you might ask? If it involves too much explicit sexual activity (aka porn), needless to say, the whole series will not be allowed to be published by local publishers and banned for sale at local bookstores.


Nudity in Japan

Nude men and women (ok mostly women) can be found in many Japanese manga. You can also easily find porn manga and magazines in regular convenient stores! Although they restrict anybody below 20 to browse through them, you can still see the covers in full glory when you pass by or simply standing next to it, looking at regular fashion magazines.


As an artist, I do hope that I can express my idea freely without fear of somebody reporting me or removing my account. And I am wondering now if this comic could make it into my book compilation ... perhaps I have to censor away the nipples, depending on my publisher :/


Update:
And this is how Thailand censor nudes:

...with sound effects! (Image credit to my reader: Pruet Tangtrakul!)

Le Cricket 15-pcs Stainless Steel Cookware Set Clearance Sale

I am helping my friends advertise their Le Cricket 15 pcs stainless steel cookware set (cat not included).

This set is very good as housewarming gift, wedding gift or even as a Christmas present! It's designed in France and comes with innovative detachable handles. Handles come with 3 months warranty against manufacturing defects. It is detachable so you can just detach the pot and put inside the fridge (saves space)! #AuntieApproves

Here is a quick intro:

It is made of almost indestructible and durable stainless steel that can be cooked over gas stove, electric stove, induction or oven!

Set includes, 15 pieces:

• 3 pots : 18 x 9 cm pot, 20 x 10 cm pot, 24 x 14 cm pot
• 2 pans : 18 x 4.5 cm pan, 25 x 5.5 cm pan
• 5 Lids : 18 cm glass lid, 20 cm glass lid, 24 cm glass lid, 18 cm PE Lid, 20 cm PE Lid
• Spaghetti spoon, Soup Ladle, Slotted Turner
• Detachable Handle – 2pc

How to Order:

Retail price: SG$160 (SALE PRICE: $96 at 40% off!!!)

Self-pickup or pay additional $20 for local delivery.

Buy 2 at SG$192 and you can get FREE local delivery!

Self-pickup address:
Simplifi3D
20 Peck Seah Street #03-00
Singapore 079312
(Building name: Nanyang Khek Community Guild 南洋客属总会)
Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (5 mins walk away)

How we complain

Singaporean VS Japanese!

Evacomics to Jakarta for the first time

 And the first people I met was Wackymons and folks from Elex Media!

Visit to Elex Media, my Indonesian publisher

With my last bit of time before flying off, I went to visit Elex Media, my publisher, which was located 30mins away from the hotel (with jam included).
From left: Rena my future editor, Intan my promoter, Whindy my managing editor in charge of liaising with me.

The only publisher that I visited before was Chuang Yi, back in 1997 during their prime. They closed down last year, probably due to decreasing sales and high production cost in Singapore. I remember their office was very small and had less than 8 people in the office. So visiting a much bigger publisher was an eye opener.

Evacomics to Popcon Asia 2015 (7-9 Aug) in Jakarta

Thanks to Draw Slowly and Mark Koh, I was able to share booth with them to Popcon Asia!

Smoking on the streets

Just came back from Indonesia and realised that it's actually much worse than Singapore...
But other than the smoke and jam, I love Indonesia a lot! Indonesians are so helpful and friendly! Love the food and price too! Hope to go Indonesia again!!!

Monday Yoga Comics

Seriously, I love my new Manduka Eko mat a lot. It's made from rubber and has excellent grip when my palms and feet are both sweaty~

And I made a square one for instagram too:

Nevertheless, I still think it's muscles!

Which Wacom Cintiq should you get

Saved some money and ready to get your first Cintiq but don't know which model to get? Then my experience might help you.