SABRINA" TANIA DEL RIO ON MAKING MANGA MAGIC

[MattBrady]

As announced earlier, in June, Archie Comics’ Sabrina will get a manga facelift courtesy of Tania del Rio. Get that again, slower – Sabrina the Teenage Witch, one of the central characters of the Archie canon is being handed over to a newcomer to mainstream comics, who will give her a full-on revamp in a manga style by both writing and drawing the series.

Yeah.

We caught up with de Rio for a little bit of a meet and greet.

Newsarama: Let’s start off with the usual – what’s your past like in regards to comics and manga?

Tania del Rio: It feels like I’ve always been a fan of comics. Ever since I was about three years old, my love for comics and animation went hand-in-hand. At that age I couldn’t even read the comics my mom bought me, but she would read them to me in bed. My first exposure to the Japanese anime/manga art style actually came from an old animated show I remember fondly from the early ‘80s: The Mysterious Cities of Gold.

NRAMA: When did you discover manga in particular?

TdR: I discovered manga in the early 90’s. I was already a fan of American comics – both mainstream and independent. I managed to get my hands on one copy of the comic Ranma ½ and I was hooked - that same issue was later stolen, by the way. Apparently I wasn’t the only one interested at my school! But it was very difficult to find manga where I lived. I read ElfQuest which is clearly inspired by the Japanese style, and Ninja High School by Ben Dunn.

It was around this time I started drawing in the manga style - or at least made the effort to. Most of my art from that period was a hybrid between the Disney style and the manga look as I was still very interested in animation.

NRAMA: And it wasn’t a passing thing between you and manga – you’ve self-published several stories before this - what is it about manga that has such a hold on you?

TdR: What I love about manga, above all else, is the stories. I find the stories to be much more entertaining than many American comics. Manga seems to tackle more interesting and mature themes and I love how characters change over a series. In my opinion, most American characters seem to stay the same over a long period of time. They sort of become icons, like the Simpsons - which I love, by the way. But the biggest thing that I love about manga is that it is made for every kind of person – young boys, teenage girls, business men, housewives. You just don’t see a lot of comics in the States aimed at girls. This is why I started to self-publish my own stories. I wanted to create a girl character who was strong and smart, but whose clothes weren’t being ripped off every time she got into a scrape.

NRAMA: How much had you done before entering the Tokyopop Rising Stars of Manga contest?

TdR: “Lovesketch” was my first entry to the Rising Stars contest and my first attempt to make something that really resembled shojo manga. Previously my art, such as in my self-published comic, Realm Denizen, had definite Japanese influences, but was still very American. The same is true for the animations I did in college – I wanted to create something that resembled anime, but was still my own style.

NRAMA: So describe “Lovesketch” then – how does it incorporate the themes and ingredients you just mentioned?

TdR: I wanted to make a shojo comic for several reasons. Firstly, I love reading shojo and I wanted to try my own. Secondly, I love shojo simply because it is aimed at real girls with situations they can relate to. It’s always been my wish that more American girls would start reading comics.

To those ends, I based “Lovesketch” off my own experience of going to a small, expeditionary High School in Colorado. My class was close-knit and there always seemed to be a lot of drama on our various camping trips and outings. I wanted to tell an American shojo story, although I think the feelings, situations and characterization found in manga transcend cultural boundaries.

NRAMA: So “Lovesketch” won the Rising Stars contest, was published in the collection…and then what? How long did it take for Archie to get in touch with you?

TdR: After an article was published about my work in a local paper, Archie contacted me. They asked if I might be interested in helping out with a Sabrina makeover. I was thrilled and honored that they thought to call me and was excited to help out, regardless of what role I was given in the transformation.

NRAMA: Archie had been thinking of developing their own manga-esque character, but ultimately went with Sabrina to be “mangafied.” What was the draw for you for the character?

TdR: Sabrina, like the other Archie characters, in just a very recognizable character in our American culture, so I was certainly familiar with her. When I was younger, I watched the live action TV series and, being a fan of animation, I always thought the animated show was well done and entertaining.

As for Sabrina herself, there couldn’t be a more perfect character for this makeover. Not only does she lend herself perfectly to the shojo style, being a school girl with various love interests and challenges with schoolwork, friends and rivals, but she is also a magical character which adds an exciting element to the mix. I feel she is the perfect character to attract female readers.

NRAMA: As you said, Sabrina is a part of American culture – and you’re giving her a full-on makeover. Do you still have “pinch me” moments?

TdR: I still pinch myself every day! I really feel Sabrina is a great character to try out the manga style. There is no shortage of magical school-girl characters in Japan, so it obviously a popular and appealing type of character. And yet, Sabrina will be unique because instead of using her powers to save the world, her magic will simply be a part of who she is as she deals with situations that real girls can relate to. Her magic will definitely play a role in her stories, but it won’t be the ruling factor. Sabrina’s own personality and choices will make the stories what they are. She is still an all-American girl at heart! As for me, I couldn't be more honored to have this opportunity.

NRAMA: While much of the attention has focused so far on the look you’ll be giving to Sabrina, you’re writing the series as well. In your opinion, what kind of adventures is she suited for, as a character?

TdR: I’m making the stories much more romance-oriented, although there will still be moments with action and comedy to keep things interesting. I really want to make Sabrina a character that girls can relate to. Even though she has magical powers, it doesn’t mean she can make all her problems disappear. I don’t want Sabrina to be perfect – she’ll make mistakes. Sometimes she’ll be moody or selfish. In other words, she’ll be more like a real girl. She’ll be intelligent but that doesn’t mean she’ll always use her brain. She’s a pretty girl but she doesn’t always feel secure with who she is. I use my own memories of what it was like to be a teenage girl and try to add a sense of realism to Sabrina’s character.

NRAMA: Overall, how would you categorize the tone of the series as you’re writing and drawing it? Is it more akin to the television series, the animated series, the original comic, or leaning more towards manga in its approach?

TdR: The tone is definitely more like what you would find in a shojo manga. It has its moments of action and humor, but it is more about the characters. As a result, Sabrina will be maybe a little more of a serious character than she was in her past forms. Of course, she’s still lively and social, but she will more absorbed in her own problems. Her friends will all take on more important roles as well. Rather than just being “friends” or sidekicks, each person she interacts with will have their own thoughts, goals and personality.

NRAMA: How’s the working relationship been with the Archie folks?

TdR: I couldn’t ask for a better group of people to work with. They’re making a big change to one of their oldest characters and that takes a lot of guts. But they’re giving me a lot of freedom and are very supportive and encouraging. I think everyone is as excited as I am to unveil the new Sabrina!

NRAMA: What kind of feedback have you been hearing? After all, as you said, this is a cultural icon you’re tweaking…

TdR: I understand there are going to be people who are wary of any kind of change but, for the most part, I get the feeling that people are curious, interested and excited about Sabrina’s new look. Archie isn’t just “jumping on the bandwagon” as some people have put it. They, just like I do, want to make a comic that girls will enjoy reading in a style that is modern and fresh. I’m putting my heart into this character; I already feel like Sabrina’s closest friend and confidante. I’m not just trying to copy the manga style because it happens to be popular. I’m doing this because I respect the form and I want to create something for American girls that they can enjoy and relate to.

NRAMA: Finally then, you’ve undoubtedly been part of some of the back and forth on the influence of manga on the American comics market. Any thoughts as to the effect it’s having as well as who its bringing in to the larger comic book hobby?

TdR: I think it’s great that so many American comics have been experimenting with different styles and that our culture is so open to new things. Art is something that evolves and is different for each person who creates it, so the more we can all share ideas and influences, the better. I’m happy that manga is so popular because it is bringing in more readers that maybe would never have picked up an issue of an American comic otherwise. I see more and more girls sitting in the aisles of bookstores, flipping through manga books and I couldn’t be happier. Comics are a wonderful art form and it is just as worthy and influential as any other art form. I hope more and more people start to realize this.

del Rio’s first issue of Sabrina is #58, on sale in June.

[Bullwinkle]

This is really, really great! I applaud the chance that Archie Comics are taking here and wish all the best for Tania in her efforts .... I'm so much behind it, in fact, that I'm putting my money where my mouth is and adding the book to my monthly order. I've been waiting for months since I first heard about this and saw some previews, so it can't come soon enough. I'm starting buying with issue 56 because I believe that Tania is doing covers from then onwards, but can anyone confirm that for me?!

To be honest, I haven't been a big Sabrina fan, but I've had a fondness for Archie Comics since childhood and I really love the whole 'magic-girl' stuff from Japan. One of the first pure animes I saw was Nurse Angel Ririka and I absolutely loved it! I've still got some episodes on video, but a DVD collection of that series would rock! Are there any other Ririka fans here?! Anyway, best of luck to Tania - I'll be there cheering on the sidelines, and hoping that this grand experiment leads to more like them ....

- Chris

P.S. Is there a Sabrina board or a place to talk this stuff once this issues come out?! That kind of interaction would be interesting and fun!

[zamuel]

It looks like this is a good move. I wish Tania the best of luck in this new venture.

[OM]

...So, if the industry appears to be dead set on turning American comics into Manga knockoffs, can we take our US artists over to Japan and turn their phone books into US knockoffs?

...Howabout John Byrne on Akira? Liefeld on Grey? Alex Ross on Lum? Coleen Doran on Nausicaa? Walt Simonson on Grey? Steve Dillon on Astro Boy? P. Craig Russell on Dragonball Z? Hell, even throw in a resurrected Bob Stevens to do a There I Was... take on Area 88, just to *really* piss off the Manga fans!

On the other hand, we could give them Oliver Coipel...

[S_Robins]

Originally posted by OM
...Howabout John Byrne on Akira? Liefeld on Grey? Alex Ross on Lum? Coleen Doran on Nausicaa? Walt Simonson on Grey? Steve Dillon on Astro Boy? P. Craig Russell on Dragonball Z? Hell, even throw in a resurrected Bob Stevens to do a There I Was... take on Area 88, just to *really* piss off the Manga fans!

C'mon...there's a huge difference between what you're "proposing" and altering the look of a licensed company-owned character. You have to remember, even though popular manga does get licensed to the hilt, it's still ultimately owned by the creator making the Japanese business model closer to the true publishing model.

Scott
srobins@scholastic.ca

[Michael C Lorah]

The book is for kids. The kids dig the manga.

I don't see why this is a problem.
The art looks really nice, so the readers should enjoy it, the publisher should make a few extra dollars, and a new talent will get a great showcase.

It looks like a good move for everybody involved. I wish them the best of luck.

[Charles RB]

Originally posted by Michael C Lorah

The art looks really nice

Not really. The cat... that only vaguely looks like a cat. What the hell is going on there? The rest of the art is manga-ish, but it's hard to look at it when that hideously mutated thing is slouching across the page.

[mmbomber]

Oh my God! I was talking to Ben Dunn at San Diego Con last year where we discussed our mutual love and adoration for The Mysterious Cities of Gold! It's nice to see someone with such similar impeccable taste working in the manga style on Archie. I wish you the best of luck Tania.

Jace
(P.S. read NEOTOPIA by Rod Espinosa!)

[Erik K]

Originally posted by mmbomber
Oh my God! I was talking to Ben Dunn at San Diego Con last year where we discussed our mutual love and adoration for The Mysterious Cities of Gold! It's nice to see someone with such similar impeccable taste working in the manga style on Archie. I wish you the best of luck Tania.

Jace
(P.S. read NEOTOPIA by Rod Espinosa!)

It's a shame that Ben didn't get someone of Tania's calibre to take on NHS (no offense to Katie Bair, but her look isn't nearly as fun or polished as this). Boy, that book has really taken a dive in looks, especially for a book created by a guy claiming to be the pioneer of American Manga.

[Bullwinkle]

Originally posted by OM
...So, if the industry appears to be dead set on turning American comics into Manga knockoffs, can we take our US artists over to Japan and turn their phone books into US knockoffs?

Nope. All that would do is destroy the Japanese market, reduce their sales dramatically, and result in the first major wave of late books ever .... Can you imagine a weekly serial book like Shonen Jump being forced back to fortnightly, monthly, quarterly schedules, etc.?! That's your great US artists right there .... The only one who could churn them out on time would be John Byrne, but (on the flipside) everyone would just hate it anyway ....

- Chris

[Richard Werder]

Originally posted by OM
...So, if the industry appears to be dead set on turning American comics into Manga knockoffs, can we take our US artists over to Japan and turn their phone books into US knockoffs?

...Howabout John Byrne on Akira? Liefeld on Grey? Alex Ross on Lum? Coleen Doran on Nausicaa? Walt Simonson on Grey? Steve Dillon on Astro Boy? P. Craig Russell on Dragonball Z? Hell, even throw in a resurrected Bob Stevens to do a There I Was... take on Area 88, just to *really* piss off the Manga fans!

On the other hand, we could give them Oliver Coipel...

I'm not exactly sure why people who don't read Sabrina are bitching about this in the first place.

[Conor E]

Why are people always so compelled to bitch about things that don't affect them? When was the last time anyone here even read a Sabrina comic?

Edit: Bloody hell, you beat me by two minutes.

[beta-ray]

Originally posted by Richard Werder
I'm not exactly sure why people who don't read Sabrina are bitching about this in the first place.

Well, let's not assume. Perhaps he was hoping that Simonson would be doing the Sabrina comic so he could continue the collection?

[mmbomber]

Actually the pioneer of American Manga tag came out of a Pulp magazine article tracing the roots of american manga which included the Pinis and Adam Warren. Anyway, i agree Tania's work would be awesome on Ninja High School.

[bottleHeD]

Awesome!! Sabrina was one of my favourite character from Archie comix (after Jughead, ofcourse...)
This has got to be better than that god-awful tv series...

[belgand]

Originally posted by Michael C Lorah
The book is for kids. The kids dig the manga.

I honestly don't think so. I think the fact of the matter is that kids dig the licensed properities. Kid's oriented manga is selling because almost all of the kid-oriented animation these days either comes from manga or is cheap Japanese crap loaded with tie-in games and manga.

Back in the 80s when I was young I doubt I would have paused to think about the artisitic style of He-Man or Transformers comics. I just liked the property and would buy them as a result.

The manga boom is hollow and false. People are looking at exactly the wrong element (i.e. the art style, the format, etc) rather than the real reason this stuff is doing so well. If Yu-Gi-Oh (is that how it's spelled? Is it still popular? Was it ever?) comics were released instead as a American-style monthly comics with American-style comic art (which, admittedly, is a stretch as it likely wouldn't match the visual style of the show) the same sales would likely be in evidence.

I doubt this change in style really does anything for the book.