This month’s issue of the subscription-based Aquila Children’s Magazine (May 2023) focuses on the world of manga, and includes an art tutorial with Aquila’s Japanese artist/illustrator, Takayo Akiyama, who also provided both its striking cover and other interior art.
Comics archivist and manga advocate Paul Gravett, author of Mangasia: The Definitive Guide to Asian Comics, has written two features for this special issue, introduce the comics form and explaining their origins.
Aquila is a subscription only title, and isn’t on sale in newsagents or supermarkets. It’s pitched as as perfect read for curious children aged 8-14, offering “Intelligent, thought-provoking articles, original fiction, mind-boggling puzzles and creative activities combine to keep inquisitive minds busy”.
“I’m buzzing to be part of this special issue of Aquila Children’s Magazine,” Paul enthuses. “Takayo Akiyama supplies a stylish front cover, interior illos and her second Manga Tutorial. And it’s great they have plugged and linked their readers to the Manga Jiman Competition (UK) – get set for lots of new entrants this year!”
Takayo Akiyama, a regular contributor to Aquila a London-based Japanese illustrator/cartoonist, with many years experience in illustration, map, comic, printmaking, T-shirt and textile design, who occasionally makes animations and videos. Her narrative, intricate illustrations are often fun, and a tiny bit mad.
Her work has been exhibited at various group and solo shows in London, Tokyo and France. Her comic books are published by Edition Cambourakis and Misma Editions in France and her illustrated books are published by Thames and Hudson in the UK.
Her work features in books such as So you want to be a Roman Soldier?, published in 2019, and So you want to be a Knight?, published in 2021.
- About the Author
- Latest Posts
The founder of downthetubes, which he established in 1998. John works as a comics and magazine editor, writer, and on promotional work for the Lakes International Comic Art Festival. He is currently editor of Star Trek Explorer, published by Titan – his third tour of duty on the title originally titled Star Trek Magazine.
Working in British comics publishing since the 1980s, his credits include editor of titles such as Doctor Who Magazine, Babylon 5 Magazine, and more. He also edited the comics anthology STRIP Magazine and edited several audio comics for ROK Comics. He has also edited several comic collections, including volumes of “Charley’s War” and “Dan Dare”.
He’s the writer of “Pilgrim: Secrets and Lies” for B7 Comics; “Crucible”, a creator-owned project with 2000AD artist Smuzz; and “Death Duty” and “Skow Dogs” with Dave Hailwood.
Categories: Comics, downthetubes Comics News, downthetubes News, Magazines, Other Worlds
Related Articles
-
Classic Doctor Who celebrated in latest Doctor Who Magazine, with massive interview with producer Philip Hinchliffe
-
DC Cinematic Universe book delight from DK, DC Heroes & Villains partwork news
-
Christmas comics and Doctor Who TV Comic rarities included in latest Phil-Comics auction
-
Sonic the Hedgehog magazine in the works from Story House Egmont and SEGA Europe