For this week I’ve found a rather interesting case for analysis. We will be analyzing a webcomic that has been a huge success: MegaTokyo. This is not a mistake, this successful webcomic does fit into our criteria of lacking webcomics. Here is why:

WRITING: This is claimed to be MegaTokyo’s strongest feature. We can break this claim into 2 key points: It appeals to a specific audience and it puts a unique spin on a known genre.

These 2 points in favor of MegaTokyo refer to its story being similar to that of romantic visual novels. This cements it a clear reader base to target, but then it applies the hook of a unique spin on the familiar formula. Where most romantic visual novels present the protagonist with several possible love interests that the player can decide to pursue, MegaTokyo quickly pairs the protagonist with his love interest. This presents a unique story, as most visual novels build up to the relationship then end the game when it blossoms. MegaTokyo hits that blossom early and instead follows the couple’s relationship as they go through life, hitting various highs and lows.

The unique story situation aside, MegaTokyo’s writing is far from perfect, but those imperfections can be pinned more on the genre than the webcomic itself. The characters in MegaTokyo are shallow, the situations unbelievable, and the romance forced. However, all of these points can be pinned on the pandering nature of Romantic Visual Novels as a genre, where the target audience wants the story to pander to them.

(The setup of MegaTokyo)

So to surmise my views on the writing: I say if you like pandering romantic visual novels, you will likely enjoy MegaTokyo. Everyone else should steer clear.

ART: The art is the weakest point of MegaTokyo. It is a poor attempt at the anime/manga art style, mostly due to the fact that the creator has no artistic background. Proportions and perspective are terrible, though the art significantly improves as the series progresses. However, these significant improvements just progress the art from terrible to bad.

(The 1st panel of MegaTokyo)

(The latest panel of MegaTokyo at the time of this review)

Despite these negative points on the art, it should be noted that quality art is not a requirement for the genre this webcomic entails. Several, if not most, successful visual novels have terrible art, but can get away with it because the audience is not expecting high quality. So this webcomic does reach its target audience regardless of its poor art.

FORMAT: The site that hosts MegaTokyo is functional, but there are several glaring flaws in its design.

Firstly, there is no way to reach the archive for the comics when you are outside of the comic reader. You must be within comic viewer mode to even see an archive button. This makes navigating between other aspects of the site back into the comic a hassle.

Second, there is no clear button to get to the comic viewer. Instead, you must click on the site’s main banner to get to the comic viewer. You do start in the comic viewer by default, but should you navigate out of the comic viewer it is confusing to get back.

Finally, the overall aesthetic design of the site is very basic. There are no visual buttons so to speak (except for the next and previous comic buttons), instead everything is a simple text element within a large shared box that operates as a button. The argument that this could be done to avoid drawing attention away from the comic panels does not stand, as the main banner already draws attention away from the comic simply by featuring color. Instead, I believe this is just more inexperience on the part of the creator, as he neither has a background in art nor web design.

Despite these flaws, the site does function relatively smoothly. It features a comic viewer and even story arc summaries to catch up returning readers. The creator did put thought and effort into this site’s design, he just lacks the expertise to really make his vision shine.

OTHER: This is the most interesting thing to take away from analyzing MegaTokyo: Despite its many glaring flaws, it is successful enough to have been carried by DC COMICS and DARKHORSE COMICS! It hit its niche genre so perfectly that it warranted attention from two highly respectable names in the comic industry, before moving into self-publishing so the author could write the story at his own pace.

(THIS SELLS. PEOPLE BOUGHT THIS!)

This should serve a testament to the fact that confidence and courage can see an artist through. Great artists often say it is more important to get your work out into the public than to try and improve on your own, and this webcomic turned published graphic novel proves this. Despite all its shortcomings, MegaTokyo found its target audience and succeeded.

SURMISE: To conclude, MegaTokyo is lacking in several regards. The art is poor, as is the writing, and the website could use some improvement. However, these shortcomings pale in its successes. The story is still ongoing and updates weekly. I’d reccomend this webcomic to readers/players of romantic visual novels. Others should steer clear, but understand that this type of work does have a place in the world.

DISCLAIMER: All comic panels used in this review belong to MegaTokyo and can be found on MegaTokyo.com