When Old Works Reach New Audiences: An Interview with Kenichi Sonoda of “Bubblegum Crisis”

Sonoda KenichiJapanese cartoonist and character designer bubblegum crisisReturning to the United States for San Diego Comic-Con 2024. Udon Entertainment Invite him as a guest to celebrate bubblegum crisis Full profilewhich includes extensive artwork from the 1987 animated series. While at SDCC, Comic-Con International honored him with the Inkpot Award, which honors outstanding professionals who have contributed to popular culture. Translation added Kanemitsu’s sonSonoda-sensei talked about what he had been busy with.

Can you introduce yourself?

Sonoda Kenichi: I’m done Bullet Wizard exist every afternoon About 10 years ago. I haven’t drawn any comics since. I’ve been working on different projects, such as providing materials for crowdfunding reprints of old anime Animation Eigo It’s been going on. So, this is my latest contribution.

Is this your first time attending San Diego Comic-Con?

Sonoda: I think this is my first time going to SDCC, but I’m not sure.

Can you talk to the fans? bubblegum crisis and gunsmith cat?

Sonoda: Yes, I had the opportunity to talk to a lot of fans at San Diego Comic-Con and had a great time.

bubblegum crisis Now 37 years old. There was a design era turn Cute Style, now people are nostalgic for more retro designs. What do you think of this shift in taste?

Sonoda: I think from a young person’s perspective, the older material might just be new and refreshing to them. Therefore, choosing a new art style – retro, is not necessarily retro, but just one of the many different types of self-expression available. It’s not necessarily old; it’s just a different style. Another thing to keep in mind is that many artists, cartoonists, and character designers are incredibly accomplished in their drawing abilities. Even materials created by veterans, e.g. Hengshan Glory (Who drew it? three kingdoms comics) and Ozawa Satoru (Who drew Submarine 707) has been re-energized by young creators. They redesigned the design in a new style. This opens up new areas of expression.

During your time in the animation industry, you also ran a family business. For people who want to get into animation but have other responsibilities, what would you say to them based on your own experience?

Sonoda: I’d say it’s probably healthier both financially and physically to retain employment in non-homebody industries. However, for some of us who are very creative and have to pursue a route in this career, just do it. Once you get into this industry, you have to navigate it as best you can. This is not an easy road to take. You have to make sure you are willing to take that dedication to the next level.

You drew new art for the release of Udon bubblegum crisis Full profile. How does it feel to revisit character design again?

Sonoda: If this was something I had done a long time ago, to be honest, I would have forgotten. Revisiting a design I created many, many years ago, I had to go back and look at references. It was a refreshing process and I discovered something new about their designs. Even today, when I sketch for different people, I have to use my smartphone to look at different reference points because I tend to forget some details over the years.

Do you still primarily paint traditionally, or have you now moved towards more digital tools?

Sonoda: Overall, I’m still a Sim. I still draw with my hands, still on paper. But for color work, I use Coolbiker markers to draw these illustrations. Most often, on cel-style art with solid colors, such as animated cels, I’ll draw the line, scan it, and then have an assistant color it based on instructions I provide. Even though computer processes are used now, it’s not that different. This breakdown of labor between line art, shading instructions, and physical shading is not unlike the way cel work has been used for years.

dark horse Announcement gunsmith catfans are very happy because old versions are hard to find. What do you think about the fact that there are still so many die-hard fans? gunsmith cat?

Sonoda: I’m delighted that this has allowed my work to reach new audiences. Additionally, hopefully it will provide some light comfort for long-time fans.

Having said that, technology has definitely changed gunsmith cat Originally published 33 years ago. Do you think rallying will renew her taste in cars? Can she drive an electric car?

Sonoda: I’m one of those people who doesn’t really believe in how electric cars work. That’s my belief, but in an American action movie series, the main character feels more suited to driving a muscle car. I like cars with V8 engines.

If Rally could buy a new car, what car do you think she would buy?

Sonoda: I imagine she might buy a relatively new Ford Mustang, Dodge Charger, Dodge Challenger, or Chevy Camaro.

Interestingly, the hero in the Marvel movies drives an Audi car, while Bruce Wayne drives a Mercedes Benz. I know it’s like a marketing ploy.

Sonoda: Surprisingly this is an American movie series but why don’t they drive American cars?

I think most American cars are fast and Furious Franchise.

Sonoda: Japanese people tend to be very fascinated by American action movies. I look forward to American action movies continuing to impress audiences with their extraordinary car action and gunfire sequences. America’s fascination with fancy cars of all kinds may be influenced in part by: speed racer. As far as we know, this is where conscience first took hold.

As a special treat, Sonoda-sensei brought a bag from his family’s candy store, Sonoda-ya. He is the 19th head of the family business. He drew a picture Amabi (amabiエ) as a promotion. The character was a sea creature who appeared to fishermen and said, “When the plague strikes, draw an illustration on me and the plague will disappear.” He also had other artists provide illustrations for the flyers. If you’re in Kumamoto, feel free to pop in and try some traditional selections plum.