Congratulations on winning 2nd place in our first manga contest! We can't wait to see all the winning titles become available on KOMODO Manga & Comics!

Q1. Before we discuss the winning titles, would you mind telling us what brought you all together back in 2011? What has been driving you along the journey, and how would you describe Light Comic Studio today?

Back in 2011, Light Comic began with a shared love for comics and a simple desire to create stories together. At the time, we were a small group of young artists who believed that comics could be more than just something we enjoyed reading, they could also be a way for us to express ourselves, connect with others, and tell stories that might stay with readers.

What has kept us going throughout the years is, above all, the people and the stories. The comic industry has changed tremendously since we started, and so have we. There have been difficult periods, projects that challenged us, and many things we had to learn along the way. But every time we see a story come to life, or see a reader connect with something we have created, it reminds us why we started in the first place.

Today, Light Comic Studio has grown into a team of around 20 artists. We have had the opportunity to work on a wide range of projects with creators and partners from different countries, while continuing to develop our own original works. Many of the projects we have contributed to have gone on to be officially published, while some have also received major awards and recognition in the international comics community.

More than anything, we see Light Comic today as a place where artists can come together to turn ideas into stories. We are still learning and growing, but the spirit that brought us together in 2011 remains the same: a love for comics and the desire to create something meaningful together.

Q2. Light Comic Studio doesn't just create original manga — you also offer a range of services to industry professionals. Can you tell us more about how creators can collaborate with you?

Absolutely. While developing our own original manga, Light Comic Studio also works with creators, publishers, and other industry professionals who are looking for a reliable art production partner.

Depending on the project, we can support different stages of the production process, including storyboarding, sketching, line art, backgrounds, coloring, lettering and effects. We also offer character design and script writing services, so creators don't necessarily need to have every detail figured out before reaching out to us. Whether you already have a complete script and visual direction, or simply have an idea that you would like to develop further, we can discuss how our team can help turn it into a finished comic.

For creators who are interested in working with us, the best first step is simply to reach out and share some information about the project (please feel free to contact Light Comic Studio at lightcomics.vn@gmail.com). We can then discuss the requirements, review the materials, and find the most suitable way for Light Comic to support the production.

Q3. Would it be fair to say that Light Comic Studio specialises in Western Manga, Manga, and Web Manga? How are these styles viewed or received differently in Vietnam compared to the other regions Light Comic Studio is currently engaged with?

Yes, we think it would be fair to describe Light Comic Studio as having experience across Manga, Western Manga, and Web Comic.

In Vietnam, Manga and Japanese-inspired comics have a particularly strong and long-standing readership. Many Vietnamese readers grew up with Japanese manga, so elements such as expressive characters, dynamic action, and detailed visual storytelling are already very familiar to them. At the same time, the webtoon format has become increasingly popular, especially among younger readers, with its vertical format and accessibility on mobile devices.

Western comics, however, are not as widely popular in Vietnam's mainstream comics market. While there are certainly readers and communities who enjoy Western comics, they have not had the same level of widespread cultural presence or readership as Japanese manga.

Rather than seeing these differences as limitations, we see them as an opportunity. One of Light Comic's strengths is our ability to work across different styles while adapting to the creator's vision and target audience. Ultimately, regardless of whether a project is intended for a Vietnamese, Japanese, Western, or international audience, we believe that strong characters and a compelling story are what allow a comic to connect with readers.

Q4. Apart from "Goodbye, Red-haired Long," your titles "Dream Diver" and "On the Hill" were also recognised in the manga contest. Could you tell us how they differ in terms of story, creative approach, and the creators behind them?

Goodbye, Red-haired Long combines dramatic action with a light and charming sense of humour. The story has plenty of unexpected situations and comedic moments alongside its more intense scenes, creating a balance between excitement and entertainment. We wanted readers to be able to enjoy the action while also having those “laugh-out-loud” moments that make the characters and their journey memorable.

Dream Diver, by contrast, takes a more imaginative approach. The story allows us to explore a different kind of world and visual language, giving the creators more room to experiment with ideas, atmosphere, and the relationship between reality and imagination. The creative process therefore placed more emphasis on building a distinctive visual world alongside the narrative.

On the Hill is different again. It is a special chapter from 13 AM, an original short-story series developed internally by Light Comic's artists. Set against the backdrop of the Vietnam War, the story follows the spirit of Vietnamese hero Phan Đình Giót after his death during the Battle of Him Lam. Through fragments of memory and scenes from the battlefield, the story gradually leads to the moment when he sacrifices himself to block an enemy firing position, before finally arriving at an image of peace.

What makes these three works especially meaningful to us is that they also represent different creators and different ways of telling a story. We don't want every work produced at Light Comic to look or feel the same. Each creator brings their own experiences, sensibilities, and artistic voice, and our role is to help that voice come through as clearly as possible.

Q5. This isn't the first time Light Comic Studio has made its presence felt in a manga contest. Tell us about some proud moments and milestones you've achieved around the world!

Among our proudest milestones, Bong Bong Bang Bang received the Silver Award at the 19th Japan International MANGA Award. We have also collaborated with overseas creators on projects that received the Grand Prize at the Kyoto International Creators Award Comic Contest.

Other recognitions include a Merit Award at the 14th Annual Manga Kingdom Tottori International Comic Art Contest, Finalist at the Jump's Universal Manga Contest, and Runner-up at the 4th Silent Manga Audition.

More recently, our one-shot BOW received the Silver Award in the Silent Manga category at the KADOKAWA WORLD MANGA CONTEST.

It has given us confidence that Vietnamese artists and studios can create work that stands alongside international creators and be recognised on an international stage. At the same time, every award reminds us that there is still a lot for us to learn and improve.

Q6. Can you share any upcoming plans Light Comic Studio has that manga lovers should keep an eye on?

We have several exciting projects in development, both original works and collaborations with creators from overseas. While we cannot reveal too much just yet, manga lovers can expect more original stories from Light Comic, as well as new projects across different genres and styles.

At the same time, we hope to participate in more international contests and collaborations, and continue connecting Vietnamese artists with creators and readers around the world.

There is definitely more to come, so we hope readers will stay tuned!