We caught up with Sineko So to learn more about what inspired her creation of What the Muck: The end of the world.

Thanks for speaking with us! Can you tell us about your Grand Vision for this title, and what you want to achieve?

I'm aiming to resonate with everyone by describing things each person has to face, whether it's personal or a big issue like the end of the world. Just like the main character Muck, everyone needs an outlet for their emotions. I hope everyone can find themselves in life.

I'm also honored to have the opportunity to showcase Muck, a cute yet cynical character, through comics. I wish that whether you're happy or unhappy, you'll think of him. Even if just a little, Muck being a companion to your soul is the most satisfying thing for me.

What is your favorite scene?

I really love the final revelation in Muck's heart and the scenes when he meets everyone again. I hope everyone can find the courage to look ahead and hold onto their ideals, even when we must confront the challenges that come with every stage of life.

What inspired you to become a manga creator?

Since childhood, I have always enjoyed painting and art, and it was after reading comics that I harbored the dream of becoming a manga artist.

Compared to speaking, I find it simpler and more relaxing to express my unusual ideas through images (laughs).

What are some of your favorite manga or anime titles that have influenced your work, and why?

As a child, I was greatly influenced by the Japanese manga artist Atsushi Okubo’s "SOUL EATER," and I liked the Western-style world settings, where the characters always managed to be both cute and cool in a typical Japanese manga style.

Recently, I have really liked "Blue Period" by the Japanese manga artist Tsubasa Yamaguchi, and since studying art, I have adopted a more open attitude towards myself and my creations.

There were times when I felt lost and even thought about putting down my brush, and I am very thankful for the works of my teachers, which gave me the strength to start drawing again.

Describe the premises and themes of your manga.

The manga works are co-created with the screenwriter (Meron Lam).

Since "Hong Kong Comics Power" is a programme to promote local Hong Kong comics, our themes are based on our life and experiences working in Hong Kong.

There is also a contradictory sentiment: "If it's the end of the world, then there's no need to work," but "not having a job might also be another kind of apocalypse," I am hoping this will resonate with the readers.

What is your creative process like? For example, from brainstorming to researching to the final product.

I'm aiming for my illustration style to appeal to adults, so I didn't reference many current market comics. Instead, I drew inspiration from past and present art to emphasize the atmosphere. This required rethinking the layout to blend my own ideas and style.

What challenges have you faced when creating manga, and how did you overcome them?

This is my first time drawing a comic, and I faced many challenges. For example, I initially struggled with CSP and eventually switched to completing it in Procreate. It was also my first collaboration with a scriptwriter. Both of us are creators with our own ideas, and balancing the co-creation process wasn't easy. Fortunately, we allowed each other freedom and trusted each other's abilities. Every discussion led to great discoveries, which was a fascinating part of the process.

What tools and software do you use?

Procreate，Adobe Indesign，Adobe Illustrator

How do you develop the characters for your manga? Are they a reflection of yourself, friends, and family, etc?

I mostly drew character traits from life experiences, with appearances based on certain stereotypes. For instance, in Hong Kong, a "turtle" represents a cowardly person, which suited the portrayal of an annoying employee.

What are the key takeaways you hope readers could get from reading your manga?

The goal is to enjoy and have fun! Everyone has their own story, and if this provides you with any motivation or thought, that's an extra reward for us.

What advice would you give to aspiring manga creators looking to publish their work?

It's rare that we are living in a time when technology is so advanced, and at the same time, the world is more accepting of diversity. So, let's be bolder in expressing our thoughts to the world through comics. Publishing online can solve the issues of space and lack of funds that might prevent us from printing books.

Why publish on NIUHI?

I admire NIUHI's Bubble Tap concept, which allows people to enjoy the latest comics while fostering an interest in learning languages. It offers great interaction opportunities between authors and readers, enabling mutual growth.

About the Creators

Sineko So (Manga Artist)

• Engaged in graphic design and illustration,
• Founded the brand "MUCK, the melon duck" in 2022,
• And was selected in 2023 for the "Hong Kong Comics Power 3 Support Programme", debuted as a new manga artist with the manga What the Muck: the end of the world.
• Follow Sineko's Instagram!

Meron Lam (Writer)

• Began photography in 2012, later participating in roles such as art direction, directing, and screenwriting,
• Photography works have been exhibited in Hong Kong, Dongguan, and Kyoto,
• Screenwriting works were also selected for the Hong Kong Radio New Directors Scheme.
• Founded the brand "MUCK, the melon duck" in 2022.
• In 2023, participated as a writer for the manga What the Muck: the end of the world.
• Follow Meron's Facebook!