Harlequin Artist Interview
Manga by Shion Hanyu
Scandal: Unclaimed Love-Child
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Could you please introduce yourself?
I'm Shion Hanyu, and I write manga in Tokyo while looking after my two kids.
What made you want to become a manga artist? Have you always wanted to be one?
When I was in elementary school, I kind of wanted to become a Shojo manga artist, but I didn't have anything directly to do with manga until I was older. As an adult, I started to question myself about what I really wanted to do, and came to the conclusion that it had to be something expressive. I remembered how much I enjoyed manga as a kid, and eventually I started to draw.
How did you discover Harlequin?
I've known about Harlequin for a long time, but I only really got into it when an editor introduced me a job related to manga.
Who are your favorite Harlequin authors?
It has to be Abby Green.
What's your favorite Harlequin book?
"When Falcone's World Stops Turning" by Abby Green is my absolute favorite.
Which of your manga do you like most and why?
Of all the manga I've worked on, I love the work of Abby Green as I mentioned above. The intricacy and realism is second to none.
How long does it take you to draw a manga?
Harlequin manga takes me 1 or 2 months to complete.
Do you have any advice to give aspiring artists?
No matter what anyone else says, believe in yourself, and just keep drawing what you love.
How do you spend an average day?
I do my work during the day and late at night. In between I do housework and look after my kids.
Do you have any interests other than reading and manga?
I can't get enough of temples, watching foreign dramas and yoga. I've gotten into spirituality big time recently.