Chapter 006: The Author of "The Ring" Who Likes to Brag

It is said that the newly appointed president aims to elevate Urashima Publishing to the top position in Japan, which is why this logo, resembling an isolated peak emerging from the sea, was designed

If any random horror comic could scare an editor into a seizure, a heart attack, or sudden death... then this industry might have to carry more than ten people to the morgue every day, and there wouldn't be enough deaths to go around

Koharu Hosokawa was talking to herself over here, and the male editor beside her also turned to glance at the note in her hand, then chuckled and spoke up cheerfully

This is just a joke

Perhaps this teacher Higashino is the same way as well

The author of "The Ring" over there politely said a few words, and then hung up the phone

If you really want to indulge in some motivational talk, you might as well hire a courier, as running up and down every day is quite exhausting

Alright, see you then, Editor Hosokawa

This can also be considered as part of Hosokawa Koharu's work. Although she is a new editor, she still places considerable importance on these new contributors.

However, she found it inappropriate to inquire about the age... After all, this is not a matter of household registration; her task was merely to engage in conversation with Higashino Keigo regarding the questions about "The Ring".

However, it is still necessary to continue watching

She is about to start reviewing these manuscripts

After confirming that the person over there was the author of "Ring," Koha Hosokawa did not hesitate and straightforwardly introduced herself: "Hello, Teacher Higashino, I am Koha Hosokawa, an editor of the manga magazine 'Ekan' published by Urashima Publishing."

The Asian financial crisis of 1997 had just passed, and the Japanese economy suffered a heavy blow. In such a situation where everything was in disarray, having a job was already quite commendable

After exchanging pleasantries with the senior colleagues, and having greeted them, Kobayashi Koharu began to rub her temples and started to take out the manga manuscripts she had received, one by one, from the document bag

It may not be appropriate to say this, but most authors of horror comics are middle-aged comic creators in their thirties, who have some life experiences

Even so, despite having been employed for a month, Hosokawa Koharu is still empty-handed; she has not been responsible for any works, not even the two or three pages of short comics sandwiched in the magazine.

Um ... ...

However, it is indeed quite useful; after he mentioned it, I really do feel a bit curious to see it.

Koharu Hosokawa looked at the television in front of her, which was bound by a large iron chain, and cleared her throat twice

Recently, the comic industry has been experiencing a downturn, and many comic artists have resorted to working on construction sites, becoming long-term workers

I will probably have time tomorrow afternoon around 4 o'clock

She shook her head

Hello, Editor Hosokawa, I am Tsuji Higashino

Just as Hosokawa Koharu was about to speak, she realized that it was not just the male editor staring at her, but all the remaining editors were also gazing at her with shining eyes

Next to each computer is a landline phone, used to connect with the comic authors through the front desk. On the wall not far from the office area, there are colorful posters from the former magazine "Eerie", along with a television set for the editors to watch news reports during their leisure time

Koharu Hosokawa couldn't help but smile as she watched.

The title of this comic is quite straightforward and easy to understand

Although this is the case, in reality, Hosokawa Koharu does not hold any expectations, as the comics sent by mail are generally not of good quality. Experienced veteran authors usually negotiate directly with editors before finalizing their drafts. Only completely inexperienced newcomers would submit their works to the editorial department by mail.

Koharu Hosokawa truly finds herself at a loss as to whether she should cry or laugh

What is this again

Editors with a history of heart disease or epilepsy should refrain from reviewing ... ...

She plans to take a look at the comic that is not suitable for viewing, titled 'History of Heart Disease and Epilepsy'

Koharu Hosokawa entered the editorial department carrying the original manuscript of her comic.

If there are promising talents, as an editorial reviewer, Kosukawa Koharu can proactively reach out to the authors and serve as the editorial supervisor for their manga

Is there any work at around 4 PM?

Moreover, she has never lacked enthusiasm for work, so she feels that such motivational platitudes are not worth her time.

However, these passionate legends did not evoke much feeling in Hosokawa Koharu

I have roughly gone through Teacher Higashino's comic "The Ring at Midnight". May I ask if you can spare some time recently? I would like to meet you in person to discuss matters related to "The Ring at Midnight".

She efficiently took notes and then responded

Koharu Hosokawa picked it up and murmured the sentences written on it

Very real

This paper does not appear to be original manuscript paper, as the original manuscript paper for comics is typically very thick

This is not arrogance, but rather an accurate self-awareness

As she was flipping through, a piece of paper slipped from her hand

Koharu Hosokawa tried to muster her spirits, holding the thick manuscript paper of the comic and looking at it

After all, having some inexperienced young individuals create horror comics generally lacks the essence

Hmm

How is it? Editor Hosokawa? What does the author of "The Ring" say?

To speak frankly, which of the editors present has not read dozens or even hundreds of horror comics? We are all experts in horror comics, so what gives you, a newcomer, the right to act superior in front of us?

Koharu Hosokawa looked at the comic title on the brown envelope with a seal and muttered a phrase

Alas, upon reflection, there is again a lack of anticipation.

"The Ring" ... ...

Koharu Hosokawa could not help but let out a sigh of relief

Koharu Hosokawa is not particularly concerned; the manga industry has been sluggish recently, and some authors she knows have even taken up side jobs at construction sites

However, the name suggests it is a horror comic about a telephone theme that has already been overdone

At that time, Hosokawa Koharu had just brought the comic manuscript for this week's mailing and books from the mailroom downstairs into the editorial department

She is merely a novice editor, unlike the senior editors who have established comic authors seeking to submit their work to them. She can only get by each day by reviewing the submissions sent in by newcomers.

However, the level of wild newcomers ... ? ... this ... . ... everyone understands.

In the editorial department, she has the lowest qualifications and status, and each time she is tasked with going up and down the stairs to fetch comic manuscripts, thus encountering the 'island' sign five or six times a day

If a good manga is cultivated, it will particularly enhance the glow on the face of the editor-in-charge, Kobayashi Koharu, and she might even get her name featured in the manga magazine

As for whether one will truly be frightened by horror comics ... ...

Koharu Hosokawa turned to respond to the male editor, her fingers, which had been counting the comic manuscripts, came to a halt.

But it is also something that cannot be helped

As a colleague in the horror comic editorial department... being scared to this extent by horror comics... this seems a bit unreasonable, doesn't it

The male editor, who had been staring at her for a long time, suddenly asked eagerly

This voice sounds somewhat youthful... It resembles that of a young person who is not very old.

The author of "The Ring" has certainly exaggerated, ultimately underestimating the editing profession.

I understand, then is it acceptable to meet tomorrow at 4:30 PM at our editorial office

Koharu Hosokawa has even received drawings from elementary and middle school students—these do not resemble horror comics, but rather look like the science fiction comic "Alien"

There was even a former editor-in-chief who believed that the declining sales of "Ehan" were his fault. He felt guilty towards the founding president and even led all the editors to kneel in front of the sign to admit their mistakes, almost bowing their heads in apology.

Koharu Hosokawa felt a strange curiosity deep within her heart

However, I am not in a much better position myself

Two days ago

Having seen it all to the point of weariness, how can one still feel passionate about it

Hiss... Does this also come with a movie announcement reminder?

It seems that the person on the other end of the phone was saying something to someone next to them, and it took almost five seconds before they responded

It is as if one is staring at some rare curiosity

Going to the construction site is nothing more than moving bricks and transporting bricks, which is quite normal. Moreover, the wages are paid daily, making it very convenient, especially suitable for cartoonists

The author of this comic is quite interesting, having come up with such a playful gimmick of deception

The working environment of the Urashima Editorial Department is quite acceptable, with each editor equipped with a large desktop computer from 2003, although it is seldom used, only glanced at when compiling comic sales data

This is referred to as the settling period in the Japanese workplace. Hosokawa Koharu estimates that she will need to "settle" for another two to three months.

As I ascended the stairs, the logo of Urashima Publishing came into view—a light gray island rock

She shook her head and continued to revise the original manuscript

The current new comic authors are quite interesting, and they even include such notes. Is this intended to create a buzz

Finally, an agreement has been reached... and the process has been quite smooth...