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UQ Holder! Drawing Contest
Presented by Kodansha & Wacom
On November 7, 2017, Kodansha Comics announced a brand new contest themed around UQ Holder. This promotion was sponsored by both Kodansha and Wacom, a Japanese company that specializes in pen tablets and the like. Something that made this particular contest stand out was the fact it was opened to fans outside of Japan, something that was rarely the case for the series.
The contest itself was simple: design an original UQ Holder member, accounting for their type of immortality, strength, etc.
The top three entries would not only win physical prizes, but their characters would also appear in the back of UQ Holder! volume 13.
Entries were to be submitted to [email protected] or on Twitter/Instagram by tagging your character with the #UQHOLDERContest hashtag.
The contest ran through November 6, 2017 and November 26, 2017.
The contest itself was simple: design an original UQ Holder member, accounting for their type of immortality, strength, etc.
The top three entries would not only win physical prizes, but their characters would also appear in the back of UQ Holder! volume 13.
Entries were to be submitted to [email protected] or on Twitter/Instagram by tagging your character with the #UQHOLDERContest hashtag.
The contest ran through November 6, 2017 and November 26, 2017.
Prizes:
- Third place was awarded a Wacom Intuos Comic Small Tablet and the first volume of UQ Holder's manga
- Second place received a Wacom Intuos Pro Medium Tablet and issues one-through-six of UQ Holder
- First place won the grand prize, which consisted of a Wacom Intuos Pro Paper Tablet and volumes 1-12 of UQ Holder's manga, which at the time, was the complete set.
Winners:
Danilo Baleva
by Juno Lastimosa
Character Info:
The newly-hired chef of the Senkyōkan, and the latest member of UQ HOLDER!
Before the grand opening, unemployed Danilo Baleva won the chance to be one of the first few people to climb the Orbital Station. Upon arriving at the top, an incident occurred, shattering the barrier between them and space. This had caused a nearly fatal open injury on the upper right side of Danilo’s body, and a parasite entered his body.
The parasite is the only one of its kind, and its powers include a healing/regeneration ability, defense mechanism (it produces spikes when Danilo’s heart rate increases), and adaptability to the cold. The parasite likes Yukihime because of her ice magic, but also hates her because she’s a blood-sucking vampire.
Comment from Ken Akamatsu:
He became immortal when microorganisms entered his body through injuries after an accident. That concept is outstanding and awesome. Plus, the parasite doesn’t like high temperatures and is attracted to the ice-wielding Yukihime, so high points for the romantic comedy setup. And the character design is good, too.
by Juno Lastimosa
Character Info:
The newly-hired chef of the Senkyōkan, and the latest member of UQ HOLDER!
Before the grand opening, unemployed Danilo Baleva won the chance to be one of the first few people to climb the Orbital Station. Upon arriving at the top, an incident occurred, shattering the barrier between them and space. This had caused a nearly fatal open injury on the upper right side of Danilo’s body, and a parasite entered his body.
The parasite is the only one of its kind, and its powers include a healing/regeneration ability, defense mechanism (it produces spikes when Danilo’s heart rate increases), and adaptability to the cold. The parasite likes Yukihime because of her ice magic, but also hates her because she’s a blood-sucking vampire.
Comment from Ken Akamatsu:
He became immortal when microorganisms entered his body through injuries after an accident. That concept is outstanding and awesome. Plus, the parasite doesn’t like high temperatures and is attracted to the ice-wielding Yukihime, so high points for the romantic comedy setup. And the character design is good, too.
Crimson Freyer
by Kagetsu-13
Character Info:
Known as the “Corpse Collector” in the underworld, Crimson is a zombie who roams the ruins of battles in search of “fresh corpses” to replace rotting body parts. As a zombie, he has the ability to control any severed body part through a thread linking to his main body.
Crimson couldn’t care less about human lives or emotions, and all he needs is to satisfy his eternal longing for fresh body parts. But what if he found a body that could never rot? An immortal body that would last forever and and wouldn’t have to be replaced, like Tōta’s… what would happen if these two ever met?
Comment from Ken Akamatsu:
The “zombie” thing makes him sound more like an enemy character, but with his ability to control his body parts using string and trade out rotten parts, it’s just begging to be made into a manga, which is fantastic. Story ideas are coming to me just from looking at your character illustration.
by Kagetsu-13
Character Info:
Known as the “Corpse Collector” in the underworld, Crimson is a zombie who roams the ruins of battles in search of “fresh corpses” to replace rotting body parts. As a zombie, he has the ability to control any severed body part through a thread linking to his main body.
Crimson couldn’t care less about human lives or emotions, and all he needs is to satisfy his eternal longing for fresh body parts. But what if he found a body that could never rot? An immortal body that would last forever and and wouldn’t have to be replaced, like Tōta’s… what would happen if these two ever met?
Comment from Ken Akamatsu:
The “zombie” thing makes him sound more like an enemy character, but with his ability to control his body parts using string and trade out rotten parts, it’s just begging to be made into a manga, which is fantastic. Story ideas are coming to me just from looking at your character illustration.
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Hoshimiya Yumeko
by Neida Cabrera Character Info: UQ HOLDER #77. She is born from an American mother and Japanese father (previously a member of the Magic Association). Yumeko is currently living in Kyoto as a part time magician for children, but is tasked to be a spy for Yukihime. She is not the strongest member of UQ HOLDER, but her immortality, combined with her clairvoyant abilities and quick healing abilities (Dream Restore) keep her in the Top 100 UQ HOLDERs. She is strong enough to defeat Tōta, but has a long way to go to beat Negi. Comment from Ken Akamatsu: Yumeko-chan gets third place because she’s adorable (ha ha). Characters that take supportive roles because they aren’t the strongest fighters are in high demand in manga, and are often more popular than those power players. Smart approach. |
Entries:
Interviews:
Were there differences between what was printed about the character and your original submission?
This is what I submitted to Kodansha.
Name : Danilo Baleva
Age : 27 y.o. (in appearance only)
Birthday : November 22
The newly-hired chef of the Senkyokan Inn and the latest member of the UQ Holder!
History : Before the grand opening, unemployed Danilo Baleva luckily won the chance to be one of the first few to climb the Orbital Elevator. Upon arriving at the top, an incident occurred, shattering the barrier between them and space. This had caused a nearly fatal open injury on the upper right side of Danilo’s body, suddenly knocking him out senselessly and by fate, an infinitesimal organism made its way to the host’s body through the open wound whilst he being in the state of unconsciousness . One month had passed after the event; there had been a change of body feature and temperature with Danilo’s body, an indication of the full adaptation and growth of the parasite within him. Unbeknownst to him, he would soon become an immortal.
The Parasite :
- Unknown
- Undiscovered
- The parasite is the only one of its kind in Cerberus Jungle, Mundus Magicus.
- The only person knows of it is Asuna Kagurazaka of Negima.
- The parasite was erased of its existence caused by the Cosmo Entelecheia and was soon recreated by Asuna from the surface of the Mars atmosphere during the concluded battle of Ala Alba versus Cosmo Entelecheia. (Yue Ayase could not get the information from her artifact).
Danilo/ Parasite’s Abilities :
- Healing/Regeneration Ability (<10 min.)
- Temporary Limb Replacement if limb is missing
- Defense Mechanism (Spikes appear when heart rate increases)
- Cold Adaptability
Immortality’s Weaknesses :
- High heat temperature (Temporary Nullifies the Parasite’s activities)
- Low Blood to Complete Blood Loss (Parasite’s Food Supply from the heart)
- Complete Removal of Parasite from host AND Complete Annihilation of Parasite.
Fun Fact : The Parasite likes Yukihime because of her ice magic but also hates her because she’s a Blood-sucking Vampire. XD
How did you come up with the concept of the character? Was it inspired by anyone in the series?
After knowing about the the contest, I figured that I would have to include something original in my character's immortality that wouldn't have similar features as Ken Akamatsu's characters.
I got the parasitic immortality idea from my medical course experience. Unlike Orochimaru from Naruto who enters and manipulates his victim, mine is just a parasite that goes to the human body to survive making Danilo immortal due to the parasite's benefits. For the name, Baleva is from my Mother's maiden name while Danilo (meaning "For God is my Judge") is one of the common names in my country. Storywise, it just flows into my head together with my previous knowledge of Negima! and UQ Holder. Design-wise, I based it on the parasite I made to make Danilo's hair. 😆
Does your OC have an additional backstory?
Actually, there is. I was suppose to add more for his story but Kodansha wanted a short summary for the entry. 😅
If I were to add more:
Danilo, after being discharged from the hospital, went to New Tokyo in search of a job to repay his hospital debts and for a ticket back to his country in hope of reuniting with his family. Years past but to no avail, Danilo was unable to find a steady job and has been living in the Slums ever since. Until one day, a job opening was held by Mikan Kasuga at the Senkyokan Inn and as soon as Danilo heard the news, he immediately applied for it. Upon arriving at the Inn, Danilo was interviewed by Makabe but his application was denied for he lacked certain requirements. Leaving the Inn, he found himself caught in a fight between Touta and Karin. Danilo thought he had died but fortunately, his fatal injury healed on its own and Touta, together with Karin and Kuroumaru, saw everything. Karin then informs Yukihime of the new Immortal Holder who had recently set foot in the Senkyokan Inn. (Yes, Danilo just recently knew of his immortality by that incident. 😆 )
Where do you think your OC would place in the numbers in terms of strength? What do you think his relationship would be with the other members of UQ Holder?
Hmm... he may not be the strongest in terms of strength if you compare the UQ Holder ranks. He's practically an ordinary guy but he is still learning from them (Haha!). You can even imagine what he would do when he's in the kitchen "struggling" to cook hot meals (Poor him). As for the parasite, recreated by Kagurazaka Asuna herself, is actually strong depending on Danilo's body response and resolution. His full potential has not yet been reached (He might even perform the Parasite's "Final Form" in a desperate battle). For now, he is positioned to defend the Senkyoukan Inn if any threat befalls to it.
As for relationships:
Danilo/Parasite has a love/hate relationship with Yukihime since Yukihime possesses Ice magic and he loves staying near to her but he still gives a slight distance away from her since Yukihime might drink his blood if she gets a little annoyed or punishes him. XD
Pretty much the rest of the UQ Holder members will get along with him very well since he's carefree and the obedient-type.
What does it mean placing first in this contest? Were you at all surprised?
Winning the contest means a lot to me and is a tremendous honor. My sole purpose in participating the contest was for my idol and inspiration, Ken Akamatsu, to recognize my work. That, is my greatest dream and achievement. :')
Actually, I never expected to win First place, especially after seeing a number of awesome submissions via social media and never thought I stood a chance against them. I literally shouted after hearing the news shared by Graham Draper (One of the Honorable Mentions).
Anything else you'd like to add?
Throughout my experience from the contest, I learned to never belittle myself from my lack of confidence. We all have the potential to attain our goals as our imagination is vast and limitless. Just keep on drawing.
This is what I submitted to Kodansha.
Name : Danilo Baleva
Age : 27 y.o. (in appearance only)
Birthday : November 22
The newly-hired chef of the Senkyokan Inn and the latest member of the UQ Holder!
History : Before the grand opening, unemployed Danilo Baleva luckily won the chance to be one of the first few to climb the Orbital Elevator. Upon arriving at the top, an incident occurred, shattering the barrier between them and space. This had caused a nearly fatal open injury on the upper right side of Danilo’s body, suddenly knocking him out senselessly and by fate, an infinitesimal organism made its way to the host’s body through the open wound whilst he being in the state of unconsciousness . One month had passed after the event; there had been a change of body feature and temperature with Danilo’s body, an indication of the full adaptation and growth of the parasite within him. Unbeknownst to him, he would soon become an immortal.
The Parasite :
- Unknown
- Undiscovered
- The parasite is the only one of its kind in Cerberus Jungle, Mundus Magicus.
- The only person knows of it is Asuna Kagurazaka of Negima.
- The parasite was erased of its existence caused by the Cosmo Entelecheia and was soon recreated by Asuna from the surface of the Mars atmosphere during the concluded battle of Ala Alba versus Cosmo Entelecheia. (Yue Ayase could not get the information from her artifact).
Danilo/ Parasite’s Abilities :
- Healing/Regeneration Ability (<10 min.)
- Temporary Limb Replacement if limb is missing
- Defense Mechanism (Spikes appear when heart rate increases)
- Cold Adaptability
Immortality’s Weaknesses :
- High heat temperature (Temporary Nullifies the Parasite’s activities)
- Low Blood to Complete Blood Loss (Parasite’s Food Supply from the heart)
- Complete Removal of Parasite from host AND Complete Annihilation of Parasite.
Fun Fact : The Parasite likes Yukihime because of her ice magic but also hates her because she’s a Blood-sucking Vampire. XD
How did you come up with the concept of the character? Was it inspired by anyone in the series?
After knowing about the the contest, I figured that I would have to include something original in my character's immortality that wouldn't have similar features as Ken Akamatsu's characters.
I got the parasitic immortality idea from my medical course experience. Unlike Orochimaru from Naruto who enters and manipulates his victim, mine is just a parasite that goes to the human body to survive making Danilo immortal due to the parasite's benefits. For the name, Baleva is from my Mother's maiden name while Danilo (meaning "For God is my Judge") is one of the common names in my country. Storywise, it just flows into my head together with my previous knowledge of Negima! and UQ Holder. Design-wise, I based it on the parasite I made to make Danilo's hair. 😆
Does your OC have an additional backstory?
Actually, there is. I was suppose to add more for his story but Kodansha wanted a short summary for the entry. 😅
If I were to add more:
Danilo, after being discharged from the hospital, went to New Tokyo in search of a job to repay his hospital debts and for a ticket back to his country in hope of reuniting with his family. Years past but to no avail, Danilo was unable to find a steady job and has been living in the Slums ever since. Until one day, a job opening was held by Mikan Kasuga at the Senkyokan Inn and as soon as Danilo heard the news, he immediately applied for it. Upon arriving at the Inn, Danilo was interviewed by Makabe but his application was denied for he lacked certain requirements. Leaving the Inn, he found himself caught in a fight between Touta and Karin. Danilo thought he had died but fortunately, his fatal injury healed on its own and Touta, together with Karin and Kuroumaru, saw everything. Karin then informs Yukihime of the new Immortal Holder who had recently set foot in the Senkyokan Inn. (Yes, Danilo just recently knew of his immortality by that incident. 😆 )
Where do you think your OC would place in the numbers in terms of strength? What do you think his relationship would be with the other members of UQ Holder?
Hmm... he may not be the strongest in terms of strength if you compare the UQ Holder ranks. He's practically an ordinary guy but he is still learning from them (Haha!). You can even imagine what he would do when he's in the kitchen "struggling" to cook hot meals (Poor him). As for the parasite, recreated by Kagurazaka Asuna herself, is actually strong depending on Danilo's body response and resolution. His full potential has not yet been reached (He might even perform the Parasite's "Final Form" in a desperate battle). For now, he is positioned to defend the Senkyoukan Inn if any threat befalls to it.
As for relationships:
Danilo/Parasite has a love/hate relationship with Yukihime since Yukihime possesses Ice magic and he loves staying near to her but he still gives a slight distance away from her since Yukihime might drink his blood if she gets a little annoyed or punishes him. XD
Pretty much the rest of the UQ Holder members will get along with him very well since he's carefree and the obedient-type.
What does it mean placing first in this contest? Were you at all surprised?
Winning the contest means a lot to me and is a tremendous honor. My sole purpose in participating the contest was for my idol and inspiration, Ken Akamatsu, to recognize my work. That, is my greatest dream and achievement. :')
Actually, I never expected to win First place, especially after seeing a number of awesome submissions via social media and never thought I stood a chance against them. I literally shouted after hearing the news shared by Graham Draper (One of the Honorable Mentions).
Anything else you'd like to add?
Throughout my experience from the contest, I learned to never belittle myself from my lack of confidence. We all have the potential to attain our goals as our imagination is vast and limitless. Just keep on drawing.