Small-town Horror: Interview with The Summer Hikaru Died Creator Mokumokuren

Comic Creator Mokumokuren Have a good time. Their first comics hikaru died in summer It was recently filmed for an anime adaptation, but before multiple entries were made on the list of top comics in the United States and Japan. Drop with summer sticky dripping, hikaru died in summer Focusing on the introverted protagonist Yoshiki and his frictions living in a Japanese countryside. Already struggling with a tough family life, things will only get more complicated when his best friend Hikaru dies, just come back other.

We’ll talk to it Mokumokuren The emotional themes about the story and how they soared their artistic careers.

If you are a Japanese reader, click here to read the Japanese interview.

Congratulations on your recent nomination for Best Writer/Artist and Best International Materials in America – Asia. How do you feel when you first hear about the nomination?

Mokumokuren: I am honored to hear that I was nominated for such a prestigious award. I’m glad to know that my job is recognized not only in Japan but overseas.

What is your experience from sharing art on social media to selling nearly 250,000 copies of your first published comics? Is your artistic journey long and arduous, or does it feel like a success overnight?

Mokumokuren: It was such a short time from the time the publisher contacted me to when I wasn’t really stuck in a dilemma. I’m very happy, but I feel a lot of pressure. I have no experience in drawing comics, so it takes a lot of work. But I’m also lucky, I don’t know about the standard procedures.

hikaru died in summer Taken in a rural town in Japan. What’s the environment that attracts you? Do you have personal experience growing up in a small town? Do you think rural life is easier to lend to comics’ horror elements?

Mokumokuren: The country towns in Japan are the classic setting for horror stories. I love horror stories, so I chose this environment because I wanted to incorporate traditional horror visuals out of respect. I grew up in this city, but my grandparents lived in the countryside. So my experiences there helped me portray it. All the stories I heard from my parents about the countryside were useful for my work, too.

Part of hikaru died in summer The emotional vulnerability of the characters is so interesting. What do you think is the emotional core of Yoshiki and “Hikaru” and their relationship?

Mokumokuren: We tend to have preconceived ideas when we interact with people who are different from us. We incorporate them into our existing values ​​and ignore their true nature. Yoshiki is the same. At the beginning of the story, he interacts with the monster “hikaru” with many preconceptions. But as the story progresses, he realizes that his preconceptions are wrong and that he needs to see the true nature of things.

The non-human “hikaru” is very different from the human hikaru. In fact, he does not understand the natural emotions and logic of human beings. When he interacts with “hikaru”, Yoshiki realizes his own inner pre-choice. The relationship between Yoshiki and Hikaru is very complicated. However, one of the main topics of this work is how to deal with complex things without being bothered by preconceptions. I don’t know if this is the answer to “emotional core”, but I think it’s an important topic in their relationship.

Most of the horror is also blended with the pornography between the two boys, such as Yoshiki feels inside “Hikaru”. Do these moments have deeper meanings?

Mokumokuren: I drew the scene where Yoshiki put his hand in Hikaru’s belly, thinking that some would find it erotic, while others would find it “disgusting” and uncomfortable. Both feelings are correct, exactly what the protagonist Yoshiki feels. I hope people’s feelings about the “unknown” are not only “terrible”, sometimes even sexual, sometimes unpleasant and very complex. In fact, we find it difficult to accept something, the sexier it is or fear it becomes, and awakens the original thing inside us.

How did the idea of ​​Doppelganger story come about first? Is there any folklore that inspired you or the media? Coincidentally, you’ve met John Carpenter matter?

Mokumokuren: I’ve never seen it “Swamp” thought experiment Since I first learned about it. In addition, there are many stories where monsters replace humans. But I want to read a story that focuses on the struggle of monsters, which is the starting point for the idea.

Do you see yourself reflected in any role or their experience?

Mokumokuren: Most of the stories are based on my imagination and research, but I added some of my own experiences to the psychological scenarios to make it more realistic. Unfortunately, I’ve never seen a ghost, so the horror scene is based on the Japanese city legend.

hikaru died in summer‘ Volume 5 is now available in Japan. What is the most important thing you have learned while working in this series so far?

Mokumokuren: In comic production, I understand that the balance between suspense and psychological description is important. I like both, but if both are hard to read. I tried to maintain a good balance between the two and stress the rhythm.

If you can give advice to teenagers who may have a Yoshiki-like feeling, what would you like to share?

Mokumokuren: Yoshiki grew up in a secluded rural town and had many difficulties in life. His mother is an outsider, his sister doesn’t go to school, his parents fight, and the way people around him look at him. He also worried about his gender. He is by no means a particularly unfortunate character, but a protagonist with problems. When Yoshiki faces a monster called “Hikaru”, he also has to face himself.

There was a time when almost every teenager, no matter where they were, had to face himself. They need to face the parts they don’t want to admit and the contradictions within themselves. I’m sure, so are adults. I don’t want Yoshiki to be an ideal hero, but a protagonist with real-life concerns.

What do you want to accomplish next after an active reception to this series?

Mokumokuren: I’m thinking about writing a fantasy story for my next work, but I’m still deciding. I love stories from all kinds of genres, so I want to face many new challenges.

The series also recently announced an anime adaptation. Do you have any comments about the upcoming anime?

Mokumokuren: As the original author, I am involved in the production of the anime and exchanging ideas with the production team. I will try my best to create improved anime without changing any important elements of the original work. Hope you can look forward to it.

The translation of this interview was provided by Ken Iikura-Gross.

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