Kamito Anok, a digital illustrator, writer and a student of Wandering Minds Institute of Fine Arts, made his debut as an author with “Short Remedy”, a manga on May 7.

Formally released by Lanutemsu, Principal of Wandering Minds Institute of Fine Arts at Juni Book Cafe, Dimapur, the book is published by PenThrill Publication House, marking its 86th publication.

Addressing the launch, Lanutemsu lauded the young author for the courage to do something new. Relating his experience of reading the book, he said that the first word that came to mind was “detachment”. He elaborated further on this and said that it is about people feeling detached not only from the society but from themselves.

Pointing out that the risk of being an author is “giving away too much of ourselves”, he further remarked, “We undress, and show ourselves to people. We give bread crumbs and sometimes the whole bread. It’s a very big deal for someone to write because you are giving yourself away.”

Highlighting that the book is “mellow” and will speak to readers very quietly, Lanutemsu added, “If you want to find the optimism in this book, you will find it.”

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In her publisher’s note, Vishü Rita Krocha noted that manga has seen phenomenal success, not only in Japan where it originated but is also growing in popularity and influence even in the state of Nagaland.

Pointing out that it encompasses an enormous variety of things wherein many themes are explored and illustrated and also depict a wide range of emotions, Krocha said, “While it might have started as children’s entertainment, manga is now considered a literary form worthy of serious critical evaluation.”

She further stated that it has the potential to appeal more people across gender, race and age as it allows people to enjoy a media that is both visually and intellectually appealing.

Observing that the youth of today are so drawn to the Japanese culture such as the cosplay, the Publisher exuded hope that manga would allow people who are reluctant to read to also have a literary source that is not text heavy, but still promotes the culture of reading.