A teenage artist’s take on Japanese art form “Manga”.

It just needs the right ambience and space of mind. Mannan Rana a fifteen something, grade XIth Lotus Valley International School, Gurugram is a gem in making. Having explored the canvas since the tender age of five his tryst with creativity started by creating his own fictious games on small bits of papers which became instant hits with his classmates. He consistently pushes the boundaries of creativity, his work experiments with new design concepts intensifying existing creative landscapes and encompassing all fields of design, "Manga" being one of his foremost interests.

He describes this art as being about how stories are depicted thru expressions rather than with words. The uniqueness of the art form lies in creating scenarios which draw the audience's attention to a particular moment, apart from the fact that it does not only use panels. Sometimes a whole page is used to express the scenario or a moment. Another merit of this art form is that -it many a times depicts several of the varied complex stories with decreased use of words and abundance of expression and environmental nuances. Like any art form the prime emphasis on vivifying the background and scenario building make its more captivating and lasting to the audience. The perspective or viewpoint of the characters is also well spoken for allowing us to see the world through their lenses.

According to him, sketching is therapeutic, especially character art and environment building. Manga can be an initial point or a magnum opus. Since it had existed for centuries now, so the choices are also abundant. His favorite character being "Miyamoto Mushashi" from the Vagabond.

He says that the Manga has captured the mind share of the younger generation, the reason being its timeless appeal. It has molded itself in the cultural tones of the times.

At this tender age, he has been recognized for his creativity, skill set and intellect. He has designed a design script for a corporate advertising firm. He has been an honorary delegate for the students at the Society of Automotive Manufacturers (SIAM) of India to participate in the automotive design conclave as a young design representative from student community. He has also published a story sketch book with Bribooks and is currently completing his first book. He runs his Instagram handle where he showcases his sketches and runs a blog which has story telling through sketches and caricatures. He looks forward to collaborating with fresh ideating povs.