Moonlight Meow In-Depth with Bambi & Roland
by Shannon Fay
Playboy Gabe Solo was living the high life until he spurned the wrong women. Now he's under a curse that turns him into a black cat at night, putting a damper on his womanizing ways.
The team behind Moonlight Meow was kind enough to talk Gomanga about the upcoming series. First we caught up with Moonlight Meow's writer, Bambi Eloriaga.
Part I: Bambi Eloriaga
Thanks for doing this interview. Please tell us about Moonlight Meow and how you came to write the series for Seven Seas.
BE: Now about Moonlight Meow, lessee... would you believe that the story development for that series was a process that took roughly 2 years! Which just goes to show that Seven Seas only releases and wants nothing but the best and most entertaining books. ;)
So back to Moonlight Meow... at first, I was asked by Jason to do a manga adaptation of The Tale of Genji, it's supposedly the first novel ever written and is about a prince who's like a Japanese Casanova. We were thinking of giving The Tale of Genji a vampire twist so I came up with a story about a womanizing vampire, the series was then called Ladykiller. However, we didn't want just another vampire story (the vampire thing has been done over and over), so I gave the story a little humor and more of a supernatural flavor by having the lead character cursed into becoming a cat. So now, we had too much elements in the story. Haha. But after a little more tweaking, adding and subtracting, we finally ended up with the series that we have now. And Ladykiller transformed into "Moonlight Meow."
Moonlight Meow's main character is a randy British playboy who loves chasing the ladies. One day, he meets up with the wrong one and you know what they say, "hell hath no fury like a woman scorned." Our hero, Gabe, has actually spurned the affections of an Indian feline goddess and in her wrath, she curses him. The curse turns him into a black cat every night. Later, he sets up a restaurant -- actually a curry shop -- in California, and finds out that there's a whole subculture of other shapeshifters just like him. And a secret organization that governs their actions... and this is where the fun begins.
Could you tell us about your past writing jobs? I know yaoi fans may recognize you as the editor for Only the Ring Finger Knows. Did that experience help you in writing manga of your own?
BE: I was the editor-in-chief of Questor Magazine, a local anime magazine, and during my stint there, the management was gracious enough to give me my first break as a manga writer. I first tried my hand at scriptwriting with one-shots for series like Kaidan: Nopperabo and Gokitomo. Then the training wheels came off and I got to write my own manga series called Occhio del Dio, it's about a girl who has the "eye of God" which enables her to see demons and monsters otherwise naked to the average human eye. Incidentally, for that series, I collaborated with artist Jennyson Rosero -- who now does NML -- and he was the one who introduced me to Jason and Seven Seas.
About Ring Finger, gosh! This was my first manga editing job and my skills were lacking then so I'm kinda embarrassed that this has been brought up. Hehe. However, yes, editing books like Ring Finger certainly does help with my writing. Any chance one gets to get more exposure and have a better feel for the medium, I find helpful with my writing. Through it, I get to know what readers are expecting to find in a series or story, what conventions and styles are used or are not used any more, what stories are out there, how manga has evolved throughout the years... all that stuff that I find important in helping me come up with a story that readers would find entertaining and hopefully, enjoy reading over and over again.
It seems you've worked in a lot of genres. Is there a favorite one you like to write? How would you classify Moonlight Meow?
BE: No, I don't have any favorites. Rather, I like to explore things or story topics which I find interesting, whatever genre it may fall under. However, I find it easier to write comedy rather than the more serious stuff. Though, whether people find it funny or not... that's the question! Still, I don't want to box myself into a specific genre, so as much as possible, I explore and try out new things.
Moonlight Meow, like most manga series nowadays, is hard to classify because it involves a lot of different elements... it has humor, it's got a love story, it has a little drama, it's got mystery, it even has a bit of science fiction in it! It's crazy! :)
What about reading manga? What are some of your favorite titles?
BE: My manga collection includes Blade of the Immortal, X/1999, Inu-yasha... I actually took a break from reading manga for a few years, after work got hectic. So I'm not familiar with some of the newer titles. But now, I've found a renewed interest in manga -- and in anime, too -- so I'm looking to jumpstart my manga and anime collecting habits. Teehee. I also used to collect Western comics like the X-titles, Spiderman, Fantastic Four... I'm reacquainting myself with Western comics as well, but primarily through graphic novels. I've found that manga and comics have evolved quite a bit during the time that I stopped reading them.
Ah, a Marvel fan. Have you ever written an 'American' style comic? What are comics like style wise in the Philippines? It seems like there's a lot of promising manga-ka are coming out of there (and onto Seven Sea's roaster of artists and writers). Do they represent the norm where you are, or is manga and anime more of a sub-culture like it is in North America?
BE: Sadly, no. I haven't had the opportunity to write an American style comic yet.
About the Philippine comics style... I believe there isn't a truly definitive Filipino style yet. It is still evolving. We still haven't gotten to that stage where you'll see a copy on the stands and you'll go... "hey that's a manga!" or "hey, it's a Chinese comic book!" etc. Even Malaysian comics are more recognizable than ours courtesy of Datuk Lat. Filipino comics... it's still trying to establish an identity. There used to be a strong komiks (that's our term for it) culture back in the 70s, almost anyone from any social class read komiks and were familiar with the komiks characters. And it seemed like we were developing our own style courtesy of artists like Larry Alcala and Nonoy Marcelo. But then, our artists got influenced by Marvel and DC and our comics style started to look Western; then came the 90s and the early 2000s when anime became popular and suddenly, you see the manga influence everywhere. Right now, the Filipino comics style is a combination of influences from both manga and Western comics. But sadly, nothing that's recognizable as truly Filipino. At least, not yet.
Yes, manga and anime -- and Western comics, as well -- are part of a subculture. Mainly because mainstream audiences still regard animation and comics as "kid" stuff. It's either that or people view anime and manga fans as "geeks." Even writers and artists like us are still regarded as not having a serious job, people think we're just playing around. :)
What I find really interesting about OEL manga is how truly global it is. There are people teaming up from all around the world now to produce manga. When you're writing Moonlight Meow, do you ever think about what readers in North America (or Europe, or the UK) would think of it?
BE: Constantly.
I always think about how readers will react to what I write but there is an added pressure with Moonlight Meow, since I'm writing for an international audience. Think about it... Roland, the artist, and I are both Philippine-born and bred, making a manga where the lead character is an Englishman living in LA and our primary target readers are North Americans! There is tremendous pressure on us to come up with a book that will click with an American, or international, audience. Especially since Philippine culture is different from American and European culture. We've been doing a lot of research, well, about a lot of stuff. For example, I have to take care that the characters sound American enough -- or in the lead character's case, that he sounds English enough. Filipinos, Americans, the English... while we all can speak English, they're all different types of English! So I have to make sure the characters sound authentic. Then, I also research about fads, food, just about every aspect of the culture. On Roland's part, he has to research about American landmarks, architecture, clothing... since he hasn't been to LA yet.
But it's important for us to give it an extra effort. To make your book click with a particular audience, one has to speak and think like your target audience to a certain degree. If I did my job good enough then readers will like what they read and Moonlight Meow will be a hit. I really, really hope so! :) *crossing my fingers*
What do you think it is about manga that attracts readers from all over the world? What attracts you to it as a writer?
BE: Speaking as a manga fan, what attracted me to read manga -- and watch anime as well -- is that no matter how absurd or ridiculous the characters, the scenes and/or the stories get, it's that the life situations the characters face are very realistic. Almost anyone can relate to the situations and experiences the characters face. For example, when I watched Kare Kano, I was like "that's so totally how I was like in high school!" Heeheehee... whoops, sorry to go all fan-girl there.
Plus, there seems to be a manga about everything! From baking bread to alien robots. So no matter how old you are, what you do, where you are... there's a manga series for you.
Speaking as a writer, this is also the same reason why I got into writing manga. There seems to be no limitations. As a manga writer, you can explore any story, any situation... whatever genre you choose to write it in.
How do you and artist Roland Amago work together to create Moonlight Meow?
BE: I guess being involved in a relationship with him has its advantages since it enables us to work closely together on this project. Hahaha. Seriously, we've been exchanging ideas since the planning stage. When I created the characters, I'd describe them to him -- their personalities, mannerisms, etc. -- so he'll have a good idea on how to design the look of the characters. He also gives his own input and ideas regarding the plot. Of course, I don't always use them in the story. Harharhar... just kidding.
After I write the script, he reads it over and comes up with a storyboard. The storyboard has thumbnails of the pages. We discuss this and decide which page is fine and which should be redone. We also discuss how to break the script up into specific chapters. After that, he pencils the pages... of course, I still give my input regarding certain scenes, panel and page layout, etc. It's basically a very close and equal work relationship and it's fun!
Alright, just for fun, say Moonlight Meow gets made into a movie. Who would you cast for the main characters?
BE: Hmmm... lessee, HEATH LEDGER as our embattled hero Gabe; womanizing curry shop owner by day, cuddly cat by night. KATIE HOLMES as his lady love, Megan; the perfectionist chef. MATT DAMON as the nerdy and inept Secret Society of Therians Agent X44. HUGH JACKMAN as the confused Therian Hunter. BEN AFLECK as Danny, the obsessed Therian fan boy. ANGELINA JOLIE as Shasti, the sexy feline goddess pining for Gabe. And that dude who played Captain Nemo in The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen as Ashman, Gabe's Indian bodyguard... Or maybe THE UNDERTAKER, if they can make him look Indian. Oh, plus CG Animation for the cats. :)
Now, to find a producer who can afford all these big name stars. Hehehe...
What advice do you have for people who'd like to break into the manga business, especially writing manga?
BE: Five things:
1) read, read, read everything. not just manga, not just things that interest you. everything... fiction, non-fiction; from newspapers to food labels. everything.
2) write. write. write. keep honing your skills because there is always room for improvement.
3) be observant. the world is full of interesting things to write about, if you know where to look for them and to pay attention.
4) develop thick skin. listen to criticism, take them well and use whatever could improve your writing.
5) never give up. there will be times wherein your story ideas will get turned down. don't lose faith, somewhere out there is a publisher willing to put your work out... if you are patient enough to look for him/her and did an excellent writing job. :)
Part II: Roland Amago
Next we talked to Roland Amago, the artist in charge of drawing Gabe and co.'s antics.
Thank-you for taking the time to talk with Gomanga. How did you come to work on Moonlight Meow?
RA: Bambi and I worked together in Questor, a company that published anime magazines and manga-inspired comic book anthologies. We were given the chance to meet Mr. Jason De Angelis through our co-worker Jennyson Rosero. And we are very thankful for that. Jason wanted Bambi to develop a story he had in mind and asked her to find an artist that would be suitable for the job. I was fortunate enough to be the one chosen for the task. :)
How would you describe your style? Was there a certain look you were going for in Moonlight Meow (i.e. shounen or shoujo)?
RA: Honestly, I believe my style is still evolving. I'm continuously trying to develop it. We want Moonlight Meow to have a shoujo-ish feel. Minimal use of tones and a LOT of cute stuff. :)
How long have you been drawing for? Have you always drawn in a manga style?
RA: I started drawing even before I knew how to write properly! Hahaha. Back then, I was into drawing robots. Mazinger Z, Voltes V, Space Dimensional Fortess Macross and The Transformers were the shows that I was fond of. So I guess I have been influenced by manga at an early age but I have been influenced by Western style as well. I've admired the works of some very talented Marvel and DC Comics artists.
What made you decide to pursue manga over a more American art style?
RA: Ever since I was a fan of robot anime shows, I guess it kinda stuck. Hahaha. But seriously, I like how manga can be more comical compared to the more rigid, serious approach of the Western style. :)
Gabe's cat form looks pretty cute. Did you study the look of real cats to design it? Do you have any pet cats to use as inspiration?
RA: Thank you for the compliment. Sadly, I don't have one. Our landlady doesn't allow pets in the apartment. Although, there are a lot of stray cats in the neighborhood. Also, I do search the web and use some of my girlfriend's cat pictures as reference for the cat designs.
What's it like to be a manga artist in the Philippians?
RA: Financially, it's hard to be a manga artist here. The manga industry is still young and there are only a few companies that support it. It's sad because there are a lot of great talents here.
Do you ever have trouble explaining what you do for a living?
RA: Hahaha. Yes, I do explain to a lot of people why I chose the profession I am in now. Especially to those who know that I graduated from architecture school. There are still a lot, especially those from an older generation, who do not take the manga and anime industry seriously.
What's your process for drawing Moonlight Meow? How do you take it from script form to the final product?
RA: I start by reading the whole script to have a general idea of the story. Then I make page studies based on the script. I then show them to the writer and when she gives the go signal, I start working on the actual page. After inking the page, I scan it and make my final editing on the PC.
Drawing a manga is obviously a lot of work. What makes it worth it?
RA: For me, to be given even the littlest words of compliment for my work is reward enough. :)
Do you have any advice for manga artists?
RA: Never get frustrated if you feel that your work is not good enough or feel down after hearing some negative comments about your work. It will only slow down your creative development. Draw a lot, practice makes perfect. And most importantly, have fun with it.
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