For years I’ve been developing the Mango the Dragon comic. I finished writing the full story, the lore, the “what to do” and “what not to do” all the way back in 2022.
But I still couldn’t start drawing the comic… because one crucial piece of the jigsaw puzzle was missing: The Projection of the Artist.
Aka, me! XD
When an artist creates something, they always put a piece of themselves into the work.
Wuffle was the project I made to escape the chaotic world I was in at the time. The boring job, the boring life, etc. So I built a world where I could feel relaxed, safe, and just have fun.
Hank was created so I could show the other side of Wuffle. A project where I could let my crazier, wilder side run free and have even more fun.
Oat was the project I made (besides the excuse to strip him bare) to explore the class system in that world. Oat represents the privileged class, the ones who think everything can be solved if everyone just does things their way. But not everyone lives the same life, and I wanted to dive into that topic.
Kati and Pingo were me talking to my younger self about digging up dinosaurs.
Kroko was about my own experiences with my ex and the different ways people chase their dreams (that one still needs revisiting someday!).
And the list goes on…
So what is Mango for me?
I had no idea XD
I’ve been struggling since the beginning. I could think up endless stories for him, the struggles he’d face, the missions, the goals, the lore… but I still didn’t know who Mango really is or what part of me I needed to pour into him to make him feel alive.
Other than being an eye-candy himbo that’s ridiculously fun to draw… there was nothing.
And that’s exactly what stopped me from drawing his comic for years.
Until last night, after I watched Witch Hat Atelier anime.
I won’t spoil anything, but the story in the first episode reminded me of one simple thing:Don’t overcomplicate it! XD
I got genuinely upset with myself and thought, “If I want to tell a story about a girl who wants to explore and learn magic… I’ll just let her go explore and learn magic!” No silly setups or forced detours! Just the pure, simple need that starts the character’s journey.
That’s when Mango’s Will finally kicked in.
What I see in Mango isn’t myself.
He’s more like Wuffle.
Mango will be the one I look upon to. I'll let him lead me the way I drawing. I want him to drag us into adventures far away, show us monsters and cryptids we never knew existed. He will take me, you, and everyone else on a journey to explore worlds of wonder. He’ll be the guide we follow, the one who opens up endless possibilities, new wonderful adventures, and threats that can be defeated together.
An adventure with found family… where we’re kind to each other!💪✨
And that’s how I finally discovered who Mango is and what I want to do with him ❤️
I can finally see the path to drawing a comic that does him justice and I can’t wait to start somewhere soon!
Hugs y’all!
- Piti Yindee