A Full Service Interview with Bara Artist Mazjojo

After featuring Nakata Shunnpei, we’re talking to another bara artist.

Full Service is a visual novel about an overworked and underpaid bank employee who finds himself caught up in the erotic affairs of the Full Service Spa and its masseurs. If players make the right choices then they’ll leave feeling refreshed and with a lot more than just a “happy ending.”

Mazjojo was kind enough to answer fan questions about the game’s development, his career, and give advice to those wanting to start their own ventures drawing bara.

Walker: To start things off, why did you want to be a BL/Bara artist?

Mazjojo: When I started I did anime commissions on Deviantart. I used to draw a lot of things from any kind of anime. Later on, I found out that my watchers liked my male drawings more than my female drawings. One day I got a commission asking me to draw male pornographic art. I was in an emergency situation so I had to take it.

I did a lot of research when doing it since I wasn’t an expert. It intrigued me to learn more. When looking into BL I found only a few popular artists, which blew my mind. On my first try, the client liked it and then requests kept coming. I hadn’t realized I was “getting into it” for real, but it has lead to where I am today.

Yet, the main reason is that I want my career to be what I’m best at. Drawing BL is fun despite how people may look at me. I want to make a living from what I enjoy doing the most. ^^

Walker: That’s really incredible and inspiring to hear. I remember seeing some of your Naruto fanart on Deviantart in 2011. It was really eye-catching. Which brings us to my next question: How long have you been drawing?

Mazjojo: Ever since I was a kid. Professionally, I started studying anime and manga style since I was 18 (2002). I didn’t go to college, and it was really hard to study it at the time since Internet resources were limited back then.

Walker: How did you study back then?

Mazjojo: I found a few tutorials online and bought some basic “How to Draw Manga” books (lol). There were a few friends that shared their knowledge about making manga books. I learned many things about printing and resolution during it all when I wanted to submit my books to publishers. Making a tankoubon is one of the biggest dreams for any manga artist.

Walker: You’ve printed quite a few things! Doujins, some original work, art collections, etc. Is there a work you consider very special?

Mazjojo: There are many. One of them is my first book that was released by local publishers titled “4Hero.” It might not be that good based on my current experience (laughs). But the effort and accomplishment made me believe that if I dream something then I will achieve it so long as I don’t give up!

Mazjojo 4hero Cover — *4HERO* – Cover Art

Walker: You’ve proven that true several times, including now. Because we’re here to talk about your new game!

Title Card — Right to Left – Sota, Kovit, Rald, Remi

Walker: Congratulations on the release of Full Service! How does it feel to finally have it out?

Mazjojo: Haha! After many years of progress, it feels really great!! ^^ I know that it might be far from perfect, but our team (Herculion) is still doing their best to make the game more fun. We’re very proud of it!

Walker: Fans still seem really happy with it, too! You said, “still doing their best…” Are there more updates coming?

Mazjojo: Yes. There will be free updates for those who already purchased the game.

Walker: Several fans wanted to ask about Hisami. Is there any hope for Hisami getting more content?

Mazjojo: There is always room to improvise, but for now, Hisami’s own story is already complete.

Walker: Ahhhh. Poor Hisami. (cries) So more is planned! What would you say is the hardest part of developing a game like this?

Mazjojo: Many things! Haha. But one of the hardest parts is time management. None of us who worked on Full Service are in the same country! Sometimes we’d work 24-hour shifts. We’d be waiting for others to wake up, staying up late for them, etc. Our discord group never stopped ringing.

Walker: Our next question is also from a fan! Did any of the character’s designs change during development?

Mazjojo: Yes! I think they all changed a lot from the former designs. I’ll show you!

Mazjojo Full Service Concept Art — Left to Right – Sota, Remi, Kovit, Rald

Mazjojo Full Service Concept Art 2 — Left to Right – Hisami, Tomoki, Lady Thara

Mazjojo: Here are the former designs. I did these with zamius during our time in Black Monkey Pro. Among them all, only Kovit had a solid design compared to the others. There were only seven main characters before it expanded into a bigger project.

Walker: You later added Lenga and the twins. What inspired all these characters?

Mazjojo: Every character was inspired by traits of gay masculinity. We have the twink, the pretty boy, the manly adult, the musclehead, and even the f*ckboy. Each character represented a symbolic trait.

Walker: That’s really clever. So among them all, who is your favorite masseur in Full Service?

Mazjojo: THAT IS HARD! I LOVE THEM ALL. =))

Walker: You made them all so likable! >w>

Mazjojo: They all have their charm. Sota is young and fresh, and his story made him the most grown-up. Remi might be pretty (annoying) but the more you know him, the more you want to protect him. Kovit might be a perverted boy but he is also like a puppy. Rald could be seen as shallow, but who doesn’t want to sleep with him?! It’s really hard to choose!!

Big Squishy — The luckiest elephant alive.

Walker: Now, what do you think is a common misconception about bara and bara artists?

Mazjojo: I’d think it’s that “bara” doesn’t have to require muscles or hypermasculine art. It’s a media created by gay men for a gay male audience. Unlike yaoi that’s created by/for a female audience. Simply put, it’s like Shonen vs Shoujo. Even though the genres are segmented that doesn’t mean someone can’t enjoy both. It just makes categorization easier.

Walker: I think I understand. Anyone can enjoy either, but it’s important to acknowledge who the creators are, and who their intended audience is.

Mazjojo: Exactly.

Walker: What advice would you give anyone wanting to start drawing bara?

Mazjojo: Keep practicing, collect references, study tutorials. If you’re aiming for something then don’t ever give up. Even if it takes months or years, go for it! Love what you’re doing. ^^

Walker: You draw a lot! And a lot of fanart! What is your favorite series/character to draw?

Mazjojo: Professor Willow (Pokémon) and Ike (Fire Emblem: Radiant Dawn) <3 <3

Walker: Speaking of Pokémon, a little fun question I ask everyone is… If Pokémon were real, what six would you have on a team?

Mazjojo: Squirtle, Bulbasaur, Incineroar, Sirfetch’d, Psyduck, and Lycanroc. That’s a weird combination. =))))

Walker: Not really. When I asked Gai Mizuki he just said “six rowlets!” It’s cute. ^^

Mazjojo: Well, I wouldn’t mind six squirtles either. =))

Walker: Our last question is also a fun one I ask everyone! If you could have your ashes made into a record after death, what song would be on that record?

Mazjojo: “We Can Only Live Today” by Netsky