A magna titled “Short Remedy” by a manga artist/mangaka by Kamito Anok (Noklem N. Walem) published by PenThrill Publication House was released Tuesday at Juni Book Café, Dimapur.
Kamito Anok, is a digital illustrator and writer, who is currently enrolled as a student at Wandering Minds Fine Art Institute (WMFAI) Dimapur. He draws his artistic creations and inspiration from Japanese manga. The “Short Remedy” also marks the 86th release of the PenThrill Publication House.
Speaking at the release programme as the special guest, WMFAI Dimapur principal, Lanutemsu, acknowledged the risk involved in embracing new genres, particularly manga within the state. Commending the gathering, predominantly comprising young individuals, he emphasised the courage needed to explore new endeavours.
Highlighting the essence of authenticity in Anok’s work, he noted the artist’s willingness to reveal vulnerabilities through his work. Lanutemsu also extended support for Anok’s journey as an emerging “author”, recognising the significance of nurturing new voices in literature.
Publisher Vishu Rita Krocha said the “Short Remedy” marked the “several firsts” of a different genre being published by the PenThrill Publication House.
She highlighted the significance of publishing manga in Nagaland, noting its growing popularity and influence worldwide. Recognising manga’s evolution from children’s entertainment to a literary form worthy of critical evaluation, Krocha underscored its potential to appeal to diverse audiences and promote reading culture.
Krocha also commended the author for his groundbreaking work, “Short Remedy,” which she described as a blend of storytelling and illustration. Sharing his personal journey in writing “Short Remedy”, Kamito Anok revealed how the story emerged from a moment of contemplation about isolation and the difficulty of opening up to others. He described grappling with themes of loneliness and vulnerability, acknowledging the emotional toll it took on him. Anok expressed gratitude for the support of friends and family throughout the writing process.
In an interaction with Nagaland Post, his brother introduced him to manga when he was a child, and later became deeply engaged with the works of other manga authors, finding solace in manga stories to calm down.
Regarding his pen name “Kamito Anok”, he said it serves as a means for manga authors to have a second name for privacy. When asked about the themes in his works, Anok described them as slices of life with a pinch of fantasy, terming them as “supernatural elements luring in the mundane”.
While “Short Remedy” marks Kamito Anok’s first physical publication, his digital archives are accessible through “mangapluscreator” and can be reached at “Kamito Anok_” on Instagram.
The formal session was moderated by Lanutoshi, the dedicatory prayer was said by Beltezzar Thong, and a close friend of the artist, Longlenthung Y. O, also shared Anok’s journey as an “author”. The program concluded with a “book signing session and meet the author”.