Fishball's My Giant Nerd Boyfriend webtoon is one of the most popular games on the platform. Offering an in-depth look at her and her husband's often comedic endeavors, it also explores complex themes such as insecurity and loss, bringing a rather rare level of approach to the family unit. This close-knit family. This is currently the most popular series on WEBTOON US, with 73 million likes and just surpassed Lore Olympus to become the most popular title of all time on the platform. It was the first on a US platform to receive an animated series and recently passed the 1000 episode milestone earlier this year. Now she has a big goal that is rapidly approaching in her sights. In this exclusive interview with Anime Corner, Fishball looks back on her career and looks forward to new and fruitful experiences, such as her live appearance at MCM x EGX in London later this month.
Q: You'll be surrounded by a lot of creative work in Artist Alley at MCM x EGX this year. How does it feel to be in that scene with other creators, whether competitively or communally?
Fishball: Community of course! It would be fun to hang out and explore other creators and their work/stories! I can't wait to be there!
Q: With your work online and intimate in a sense, what do you feel fans are looking for from you at these events? What are you looking for in them?
Fishball: Perhaps it's like meeting an old friend who lives far away! I'm so excited to meet the fans in this part of the world.
Ask: Suppose a lost sheep attends these physical events in search of something new. How do you connect with them and thereby connect them to your story?
Fishball: Start a conversation, show them my prints and merchandise to get them interested in the characters and send them a link to the webcomic!
Q: Which workshops and events at MCM x EGX are you most looking forward to?
Fish ball: Oh, so much! Independent Publishing 101, Storytelling in Non-Traditional Media with the McElroys, Speculative Young Adult Fiction-there are so many exciting things going on! The voice cast of Baldur's Gate is also here, I hope we get a glimpse of them!
Image from EGX website © 2024 RX
Q: What do you think attracts people so much to My Giant Nerd Boyfriend?
Fish ball: I think it's because it's easy to read? Episodes start at 4 to 5 frames each, then gradually increase to about 15 to 20 frames, but it shouldn't take too long to read an episode. My content is also quite light-hearted (most of the time!) and close to everyday life, maybe that's why people find the stories entertaining and endearing.
Q: Have the concise chapters been a big hit with fans, was that a format you specifically chose to create the desired impact/effect?
Fishball: My Giant Nerd Boyfriend was originally created for myself, as a way of recording snippets of my daily life, accompanied by images and a bit of text. I guess that's where it gradually evolved into little comic strips! Sometimes I tell slightly longer stories, divided into a few chapters.
ALSO READ:
WEBTOON reveals the average salary of professional creators
Question: The series is autobiographical, but is there any difference between the webtoon and the real versions of you and your co-stars?
Fish balls: MGNB is made up of 70% reality and 30% other (Alternate universe, fantasy, etc) The height difference is definitely real, for sure! However, sometimes it's a bit exaggerated to make it funny.
Q: Very early on (Chapter 21), you did an episode where you showed the difference between your art style and your husband's to explain why. The latter will not be the ideal choice for your webtoon. What style choices do you personally make to best convey your life and the messages you want to express?
Fishball: My husband's art style is a bit more on the realistic side of art, and while I think it's cool, it's too time-consuming for a webcomic that updates 3 times a week! I keep my art style simple and concise so I can keep up with deadlines and write down ideas whenever possible so I can refer to them later.
Image from Fishball's X (formerly Twitter)
Q: How do you feel about crossing 1000 episodes and is it a testament to the efforts on your part, be it changes in plans, work arrangements, support systems, etc? How have you been able to stay consistent over such a long period of time?
Fishball: It feels unrealistic to do so many episodes! I never expected MGNB to exist for so long and still have new readers after all these years. It wouldn't have been possible without my readers' comments and encouragement, and I'm truly grateful to them.
Q: Is 1 billion views the next milestone you're aiming for or do you really care about that? Don't worry about that stuff?
Fishball: It would be great to reach the 1 billion milestone! There will definitely be celebration!
Trailer for the animated series My Giant Boyfriend Nerd
Q: In a sense, the series has gone through many developments, especially the 'unofficial' name changes of the webtoon itself. What would you describe as the biggest changes?
Fishball: I think one of the most notable changes happened after my father passed away. I used to write more serious/sad stories before he passed away, but after that, they seemed to carry a bit more weight? Especially when I reminisce about little stories about him.
What prompted the different art styles and drawings in recent chapters?
Fish balls: I've actually always been experimenting with storytelling/storyboarding with MGNB! After all, it's over a thousand episodes old. I think every once in a while my readers would appreciate something new and fresh as I love trying out new art styles/panels in MGNB! (Still consistent with the series, of course.)
Q: Some people might think of WEBTOON titles and think of longer, more plot-driven stories. Do you agree with that point of view? Was it a challenge to create your own space when first starting out?
Fishball: I would disagree, as there is a certain truth to that assumption, but there are also a number of shorts like mine on WEBTOON! Some of my favorites are Endangered Safety, Green Chair, and God's Adventure!
Safely endangeredGreen chairThe Adventures of God© NAVER WEBTOON Ltd.
Q: Are there any webcomics that you would like to see animated or live-action adaptations of?
Fishball: Oh, I'd love to see Hooky (by Míriam Bonastre Tur) being animated! Her world-building is amazing and her characters are truly adorable!
Q: With your work being online and intimate in a sense, what do you feel fans are looking for from you live at these events? What are you looking for in them?
Fishball: I've had readers tell me that meeting me at comic conventions feels like meeting an old friend, and from my perspective, it's like meeting a pen pal! Meeting different people from all walks of life, reading and relating to my own life stories was an amazing experience in itself.
Q: What was your most memorable experience at a physical event?
Fish balls: When people come from far away to an event just to see me! It was very, very touching, I almost felt undeserving of it. All I can do in return is create better stories!
Q: With MCM x EGX coming to the British capital, what are you most looking forward to about this city?
Fish ball: We're on the hunt for the best English breakfast place in town! And if time allows, visit a few museums, maybe even take a walk in Hyde Park. I heard that Fall is beautiful! Oh, and grab a bite to eat at Borough Market! I'm also open to suggestions on things to do in London!
Q: Now that you've been publishing stories for eight years, what do you wish you could have done in 2017? What can you do now? Is there anything you wish you could do now and hope to do in the future?
Fishball: It's been eight years already! Time passes quickly when you are busy with work. I'm currently happy with what I'm doing right now, making comics and going to comic conventions to meet new friends and fans. However, I hope to have the opportunity to tell other stories in the future!
I want to thank Fishball for the interview opportunity — You can check out My Huge Nerd Boyfriend on WEBTOON and follow her on X/Twitter and Instagram. As Fishball said, she in progress looking for advice for your time in London.
ALSO READ:
Interview: Mallorie Rodak of Frieren Embraces All Your Funny Nicknames & 'Special' Experience of Being an MC