Nemu*Nemu Creator and Full-Time Webcomic Artist to Release Fourth Book and New Nemu*Nemu Products at Kawaii-Kon
ANIME CONVENTION ON APRIL 16
HONOLULU – nemu*nemu (pronounced “Neh-moo”) co-creator and full-time webcomic artist Audra Furuichi is preparing for Hawaii's upcoming Kawaii-Kon convention. As usual, the local anime conference will be the platform to launch their latest nemu*nemu products as well as release the fourth printed volume in the ongoing series. This is also the third year that Furuichi has been able to work on the comic as a full-time artist.
Furuichi said “Being a webcomic artist full-time means you really have to think out of the box to make the business work. The industry can be very challenging, but we are fortunate that this one time hobby has developed such a dedicated fan base over the past few years that I am now able to pursue this profession entirely, without distraction, and with passion.”
Her co-founder and husband, Scott Yoshinaga plays a significant role maintaining the website and assisting with other supporting roles while working his full time job at Mid-Pac School. The two spend many late nights keeping up with the demands of a popular webcomic series and working on creative ideas to keep storylines fresh, fun and exciting for readers.
“It's a lot of work, but we especially enjoy the immediate interaction with our fans,” said Yoshinaga. “From the start we decided that we would strive to make it so that one day Audra could work on the webcomic full time and we are happy to have reached this milestone.”
Since developing the original story line, which follows the lives of two young girls – Anise Kurobu and Kana Mezurashi – and their two live “stuffed toy” pups, on April 1, 2006, the "anime-influenced" drawing style infused with island style culture and humor continues to gain followers and fans. The webcomic has also expanded its reach through Twitter, Facebook and it even has an iPhone application that makes it easier for fans to keep up on the latest strip.
This year nemu*nemu – will be releasing printed volume 4, a new stuffed plushie featuring a popular character in their ongoing storyline named Pollo, new T-shirt designs, and some new logo items at Kawaii-kon on April 16. Each new printed volume to date has debuted at Kawaii-kon, followed by availability at local anime trade stores such as Collector Maniacs in Kaimuki and other bookstores, but most easily accessible through the nemu*nemu website at www.nemu-nemu.com.
Nemu*nemu the webcomic is produced every Monday, Wednesday and Friday online, and exclusive nemu*nemu comic is also printed each month in the East Oahu Sun newspaper.
