A girl witnesses a mysterious figure appear before her. It's a Shinigami (grim reaper), who wants to become an angel.
First, I would like to dedicate this comic to a friend who died in an accident last year. People say she was an angel going back to the place where she belonged. The incident made me start thinking about life and death. These thoughts lead me to reflect upon issues of fate, and how helpless human beings are over their fate and destiny. All these thoughts deeply influence the themes and ideas in this entry.
When I heard I won second prize I couldn’t believe my ears and my hands started shaking with extreme joy. It was like my dreams came true because I never thought I would win a contest like this. Aside from how fun creating can be, artists in general strive to have their work appreciated and accepted.
To my family, friends, and all who have taken an interest in me and my work, I would like to say thanks for helping me with this achievement. The kindness of these people inspired me to take my time drawing, and develop my characters more. I would also like to thank Kodansha’s Morning magazine department for giving me the opportunity to share a few of the precious thoughts behind my comic.
The heavy use black in this entry initially gives an impression that "Shinigami" is a horror comic. Surprisingly, the story is quite heartwarming; depicting the interaction between a girl and a Shinigami (grim reaper) who wishes to become an angel. Throughout the comic, the artist attempts to draw in readers through enchanting imagery like his stunning full-page close-up of the Shinigami and the panel where the Shinigami wears an angel costume. The story is designed in a thoughtful manner; whereas scenes from when the Shinigami first met the girl are linked with her present life to illustrate his gentle nature. The originality manifested in this entry impressed us so much that we anxiously await reading Lin's next comic.