The Journey of the First Hebridean Manga Creator
Manga Artist Eira Richards Interview: Join OCAST hosts Calum MacDonald and Kathleen for an exclusive and engaging discussion with the incredibly talented independent artist, Eira Richards. This comprehensive Manga Artist Eira Richards Interview explores her journey. Recognized as the creator of the first-ever Hebridean manga, Eira has become a familiar and much-loved face within the Scottish geek and convention scene, including at the renowned OH!CON event. This episode delves deep into her personal journey, the technicalities of her craft, and her passion for integrating Scottish and Welsh culture into the world of Japanese-style comics.
Eira candidly discusses her earliest inspirations, tracing her creative path back to the global phenomenon that is Sailor Moon. She explains how the groundbreaking inclusivity and strong female characters of that series profoundly influenced her desire to become a storyteller. This passion for the medium led her to develop a unique voice in the burgeoning Western manga landscape. Eira shares her perspective on the significant rise of manga and anime in the West, and how the art form has moved from niche hobby to mainstream cultural powerhouse, providing immense opportunities for independent creators like herself.
From ‘Chemical Blue’ to ‘Between Storms’: The Creative Process
The conversation naturally turns to Eira’s published works. She outlines the evolution of her writing style, starting with her debut two-part graphic novel series, ‘Chemical Blue’. This slice-of-life comedy, published by Swear Drop Studios, was partially inspired by her professional experiences as an educator, injecting a realistic yet humorous angle into the school setting.
The hosts then explore her latest and most ambitious project, ‘Between Storms’. This groundbreaking Celtic mythology manga is a fusion of manga aesthetic with deep cultural roots, drawing heavily on folklore from both Scotland and Wales. Eira details the extensive research that went into the book, including taking an online course at the University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI) on Scottish folklore to ensure accuracy and depth. She even recounts visiting ancient sites like the Callanish Standing Stones on the Isle of Lewis to capture the authentic atmosphere for her story.
For aspiring artists and writers, Eira offers invaluable insight into her manga creative process. She explains her method of working one chapter at a time, creating the script and thumbnails simultaneously. This highly visual approach allows her to carefully choreograph the page layout, panel flow, and the integration of dialogue and sound effects, making the story as dynamic as possible for the reader.
Gaelic Translation and Community Support
A major highlight of this Manga Artist Eira Richards Interview is the discussion of the groundbreaking translation project for ‘Between Storms’. Eira shares the excitement of having the translation completed after successfully securing funding from the Gaelic Book Council. This endeavor is not only a personal milestone but a significant moment for the preservation and promotion of the Gaelic language within a contemporary art form. She mentions the ongoing effort to secure the remaining funding necessary to publish the fully translated book.
Eira also praises her long-term publisher, Swear Drop Studios, an independent publisher that has been a supportive home for manga creators since 2001. She highlights the positive, collaborative environment they foster, emphasizing the collective support for editing, coloring, and navigating the often challenging world of independent publishing.
Finally, the hosts offer an exciting update for the local community, detailing some of the early program announcements for the upcoming OH!CON 2025 event, a festival Eira is closely associated with.
This conversation is a must-listen for anyone interested in graphic novels, independent publishing, Celtic folklore, or the art of manga storytelling. Tune in to this extensive Manga Artist Eira Richards Interview to hear what it truly takes to be a manga artist from one of the most exciting creators working in the Scottish scene today.
Full Transcript Outline (Quick Jumps)
00:00 Introduction to OCAST and Guests
00:56 Eira Richards: Journey into Manga
03:48 The Evolution of Manga in the West
06:58 Teaching Art and Illustration
09:39 The Creative Process Behind Comics
13:39 The Role of Small Press Publishers
16:34 Inspiration from Folklore and Mythology
19:34 Research and Development of Stories
23:38 Event Planning and Excitement
25:49 Translation and Cultural Significance
28:04 Welsh Folklore and Future Projects
29:44 Comics, Manga, and Storytelling
32:49 Addressing Stigmas in Comics
35:08 The Impact of Comics in Education
38:01 Diverse Styles in Comics and Poetry
40:13 Creative Workshops and Community Engagement
41:23 Exploring Swear Drop Studios and Their Publications
42:19 The Artistic Process: From Paper to Digital
43:33 Visualizing Stories: The Creative Mind of Eira Richards
45:10 Community Reception and Engagement
47:04 Merging Cultures: Manga and Celtic Mythology
50:16 The Boundless World of Comics
52:28 Visual Learning: The Power of Comics in Education
55:11 Global Influence: Comics Beyond Borders