Interview: Tenchi

The creator behind the story Star Soldier Polaris, Tenchi

Kamipress: What do you think about when making a Kamishibai story?
Tenchi: "Well most of my Kamishibai stories started out as comics so I really don't think of brand new ideas, I just recycle old ones. I usually try to relate them to anime's or video games ((ex: Polaris is like a mix of Sailor Moon meets Star Wars)). "

Kamipress: What is the hardest part about making a Kamishibai story?
Tenchi: "Probably the images. They take the longest time to do, and if they have to look good because some people think images are the most important thing in a story. We don't like those people ^_^."

Kamipress: What's your favorite part of making a Kamishibai story?
Tenchi: " Writing the script and the music. If you find really good music for your Kami, it makes it so much better, and I want to become a professional writer, so anything that involves writing is good for me.^"

Kamipress: How did get into Kamishibai?
Tenchi: "Well I had been downloading Kiss for awhile when I decided to click on the Kamishibai section. I downloaded a couple and it really appealed to me because it'd be a chance to show a lot of people my stories."

Kamipress: What are some of the things that influenced Star Soldier Polaris?
Tenchi: "Well when I first made SSP, back in 6th grade I was really influenced by two things. First was Sailor Moon. In 6th grade Sailor Moon had just come on the air, and me and my friends were addicted. Polaris' first costume was a sailor outfit. The second was my best friend Mary, who does the voice of Polaris. She made a comic called "Silver Star" which I totally loved. I decided to make my own "Magical Star Girl" comic. Later down the road we combined the two and connected their stories. Mary is currently working on a Silver Star Kamishibai which should be out soon. I've seen some of it as well, and I think it'll be a good complementary piece to the Polaris series."

Kamipress:There been alot of talk recently about violance and swearing in kamishibai, how do you feel about this issuse?
Tenchi: "Well I think I'm the one who brought up that subject. I'm against censoring of any type. I figure if you want to swear and have violence, then be responsable to have a lil disclaimer in the beginning. If you watch anime then there is violence and swearing all over the place, and if we figure most Kami fans are Anime fans then they should be used to it. The world isn't perfect so we shouldn't make it out ot be so in Kamishibai."

Kamipress: Who are some of your favorite Kamishibai artists?
Tenchi: " Well for one I love Princess Quova. In fact I liked her art so much I convinced her to make a Kamishibai with me. It's called Dragonslayer Alpha and should be out soon. I also like Meg Chan's, Warpzone's, Kodachi Batchix's, Jennifer Diane Reitz's and Shael Gaelick's."

Kamipress: So what are some of the Kamishibai you're considering for the future?
Tenchi: "Well Dragonslayer Alpha and Death Valley are currently in production and should be out soon ((hopefully)). I'm considering a fanfic Kamishibai ((which is gunna be top secret cuz it's gunna be soooooo funny)). Also on my list in an artistic poem called "Unquestionably Melancholic" featuring my photography and various voice acting. I also have an idea for one called "Alternative" about these kids who hang out at a coffee shop. Imagine Ranma 1/2 meets Daria."

Kamipress: What are Dragonslayer Alpha and Death Valley about?
Tenchi: "Well Dragonslayer Alpha follows the adventures of Akeena Hishwon, who's destiny is to become the dragonslayer who will free the world from the reigns of the evil Dragon King. At first it'll look like another Magic Girl Kamishibai, but let me tell you, it's not. It's story is dark and twisting, and Akeena isn't to thrilled with having the task of slaying dragons. Death Valley is a huge complicated story which can't even be desicribed, you'd just have to see it for yourself. The one thing about it though is that it's drawn like an anime but the story seems more like something out of an american comic book."

Kamipress: What are your favorite animes?
Tenchi: "Sailor Moon, Dragonball Z, Pokemon, Magic Knight Rayearth, Tenchi Muyo, Devil Hunter Yoko, Iria Zeriam,Ranma 1/2 and Project A-ko."

Kamipress: So do you have any additional comments, concerns, or thoughts for us?
Tenchi: "I will leave you with a quote! 'Why is it so dark? In the beginning it is always dark...' ~The Neverending Story~"

Thanks for your time Tenchi.



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