First stride towards being a MANGAKA (manga artist)

Half way through this awesome summer break, which without doubt seems to be the best summer of my life, I took a few small steps towards becoming what I always wanted to be...an animator. Having said that, animation is a vague term and can be easily misunderstood. For me, animation is the power to create, create things/situations that are otherwise impossible or unimaginable in real life. This is the only place where imagination can fly high and is not withheld by logical boundaries. Plus, you don't have to be Einstein to animate, yeah you definitely need to undergo an expensive course and do need some toiling but that will bother you only if you are doing this without any primal interest.

Now, WHAT IS MANGA? Well,MANGA=JAPANESE COMICS. Why write manga and not just comic artist? Pretty simple, manga is very different than regular comics that you come across. This is due to their unique drawing style and pattern. Most distinguishing facts are that they are read from right to left and are mostly black and white, plus they are mostly drawn by hands and no computer imaginary is used. (Ironic to the fact that I am more into animation than hand made arts). Not going into further details as they can be found on the Internet.

Taking the lessons of the Internet, it was quite an experience drawing manga characters. I have always been a BLEACH fan and used to draw its characters quite often. However, oblivious to the fact that there is a particular way to draw them, my drawing didn't get the same touch. Not

saying that I have broken the ice now, but its satisfactory to begin with. Here I have uploaded the pics of my first attempt to an organised drawing of a factious manga character. The drawing is free-hand but its planned and I was not running the pencil everywhere. The initial parts did look a little absurd but as I was rubbing off the pencil dust, the final outcome was very delightful. Some improved shading skills would have definitely made it more appealing. But I am happy with this much insanity!!

Though one might think, its quite late to start taking animation seriously and once the college reopens, I might not get enough time for this. But future is uncertain. These might very much be my first and last steps towards being a mangaka but it can equally go the other way round. :)

Argentina gets their asses handed to them

Gearing up to watch this monolithic encounter, I had my doubts about the team I was supporting. Germany, my all time favourite, looked a little weak on paper. The highly jubilant Argentina seemed to be gunning for yet another all out victory. The German youth brigade did contain the firepower to pull off a stunner but it seemed improbable considering that they were up against the likes of Lionel Messi, Tavez and other blah blahs. But, good old uncertainty that rides every game of soccer. Germany annihilated Argentina 4-0.

The first shocker came in just 3 minutes into the game. A quick header from Thomas Mueller found its rightful place into the nets and thus Germany where 1-0 ahead in the game. Though ahead, it still seemed that Argentina would beat the lead to a victory. But alas, Argentina's power house failed to capitalize when it mattered the most. They were threatening throughout, no doubt about that, but threatening isn't enough. You need to score to win. The second goal, by Miroslav Klose at 68 minutes, made it even hard for the Argentinians. At this stage, it seemed it was all over for them. And it seemed right, coz just a mere six minutes later a third goal was scored against the "top contenders of the world cup", sealing the deal. A forth in the 89th minute just added an insult to the injury. Thus, GERMANY KICKS ARGENTINA OUT OF THE WORLD CUP 4-0.

I must say, I felt a little bad for the Argentinian fans and also their top guns, but putting your faith into a loud mouthier (Maradona), isn't going to give top notch results. Well, it was very pleasing to see, the big-mouthed coach, getting his ass whipped. Maybe if you had spent more time with planning than blustering off about your bench strength, results might have been in your favor, Mr. Diego Maradona. With all due respect, FUCK OFF!!!