Since the turn of 2025, I have made a commitment to creating my first official one-shot manga, titled Love from Al Khadhimiya. This project is incredibly close to my heart, as it dives into a story about resilience, faith, and identity—themes that resonate deeply with me. The idea was adapted from a story I wrote, inspired by a compelling BBC piece. Bringing it to life as a manga has been both challenging and rewarding in ways I couldn’t have fully anticipated.
The Story Behind Love from Al Khadhimiya
At its core, Love from Al Khadhimiya tells the story of a divorced Muslim woman in Iraq who is forced into the lifestyle of Muktah marriage to support herself. For those unfamiliar, Muktah marriages, also known as temporary marriages, are a controversial and often stigmatized practice within certain Islamic communities. This lifestyle begins to take a toll on her emotionally, physically, and spiritually as she tries to navigate her Islamic faith and reconcile it with the societal and economic pressures that lead her into these arrangements. The protagonist’s journey is one of struggle and strength as she strives to reclaim her sense of self and find balance in a life that constantly challenges her beliefs.
This story touches on sensitive and complex themes, which I hope to approach with nuance and respect. Adapting such a layered narrative into manga format is no small feat, but it’s a challenge I’m deeply committed to undertaking. I want readers to connect with the protagonist’s struggles and triumphs, to see her humanity, and to reflect on the broader societal issues that her story represents.
The Artistic Journey
One of the most exciting aspects of this project has been witnessing my growth as an artist. Over the past year, I’ve worked tirelessly to improve my drawing skills, from anatomy and perspective to expressions and panel composition. However, creating a manga isn’t just about drawing—it’s about storytelling through art, which requires a whole new level of discipline and creativity.
A major transition for me has been moving away from Photoshop, which had been my go-to tool for years. Unfortunately, the cost of Photoshop became unsustainable, and I’ve had to explore more affordable alternatives. This shift has been both a challenge and a learning opportunity. Currently, I’m working back and forth between free, open-source software like GIMP and trial versions of Affinity products.
GIMP: A Powerful Free Tool
GIMP has been my primary software for creating screentones and making panel edits. While it doesn’t have all the bells and whistles of Photoshop, it’s incredibly versatile, and I’ve come to appreciate its capabilities. Creating screentones manually has been especially rewarding. Pre-made screentones can be costly, and making my own allows me to add a personal touch to the art. It’s also taught me a lot about texture and shading, skills that have greatly improved my overall technique.
Affinity Products: A Game-Changer for Layouts
On the other hand, Affinity Designer and Affinity Photo have been lifesavers when it comes to layout design. The clean interface and robust features make it easier to arrange panels and text in a professional, polished way. I’m currently using trial versions, but I’m already planning to purchase the perpetual licenses in the future. The affordability and one-time payment model make Affinity a great long-term investment for indie creators like myself.
Exploring New Tools: Clip Studio Paint and Krita
As I continue to refine my process, I’m also experimenting with Clip Studio Paint and Krita. Clip Studio Paint, in particular, is renowned for its manga-specific features, and I’m eager to see how it can streamline my workflow. Krita, another free tool, has been great for painting and digital illustration, and I’m planning to incorporate it more as I transition to creating color art in the future.
The Challenges of Switching Software
Switching between programs has been an adjustment. Each software has its quirks and learning curves, and jumping back and forth can sometimes feel disjointed. For example, GIMP’s interface is quite different from Affinity’s, and it takes time to adapt to the different shortcuts and tools. However, this experience has also made me more versatile as an artist. I’ve learned to be resourceful and to maximize the potential of each program, even if it’s not perfect.
The Future of Love from Al Khadhimiya
As I move forward with this project, my ambitions are growing. While the initial one-shot will be in black-and-white, I’m already envisioning a future where I can create color art to bring the world of Love from Al Khadhimiya to life in new and vibrant ways. Color adds another layer of emotion and depth, and I’m excited to explore its possibilities.
In addition to improving the artistic side of the manga, I’m also focusing on the narrative. I want to ensure that the story remains authentic and impactful. This means conducting thorough research to portray the cultural and religious aspects accurately and consulting with individuals who have firsthand knowledge of the issues depicted in the story. My goal is to create a work that is not only engaging but also meaningful.
Lessons Learned
This journey has taught me several valuable lessons:
Adaptability is Key: When one door closes (like losing access to Photoshop), another one opens. Exploring new tools and techniques has expanded my skill set and made me a more well-rounded creator.
Resourcefulness Pays Off: Making my own screentones and finding affordable software solutions have saved money and added a unique touch to my work.
Patience and Perseverance: Manga creation is a labor-intensive process. From drafting and inking to adding screentones and arranging panels, every step requires time and effort. Staying patient and persistent has been crucial.
Community Support Matters: Sharing my progress with fellow artists and receiving feedback has been incredibly motivating. The mangaka community is full of talented, supportive individuals who inspire me to keep pushing forward.
Looking Ahead
As 2025 unfolds, I’m committed to completing Love from Al Khadhimiya and sharing it with the world. This project is more than just a manga to me; it’s a testament to growth, resilience, and the power of storytelling. I hope that readers will connect with the story and that it will spark meaningful conversations about the issues it addresses.
In the meantime, I’ll continue refining my skills, exploring new tools, and embracing the challenges that come with being an indie mangaka. Creating manga is not an easy path, but it’s one that fills me with passion and purpose. Thank you for joining me on this journey, and I can’t wait to share more updates as Love from Al Khadhimiya comes to life.
Stay tuned for sneak peeks, behind-the-scenes insights, and more as I work toward bringing this story to fruition. Here’s to a year of creativity, growth, and making dreams a reality!
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