Update: 2025-09-15 New title "Double Trouble" added to the List of Titles below.
Welcome to the World of Ubi and Kayu!
Slice-of-life Manga Told in Yonkoma
Meet Ubi and Kayu, the twin protagonists of this delightful slice-of-life yonkoma series. Through the lens of daily adventures and sibling dynamics, it captures moments that are both heartwarming and humorous.
Table of Contents:
- Manga Characters
- Comic Structure
- Posting Schedule
- List of Titles
- Behind the Scene
- Characters Development
- Setting Consideration
- Poetic Narrative
- Onomatopoeic Quirks
- Tools
- Why You'll Love Ubi and Kayu
Manga Characters
Personality:
Extroverted, gutsy, and impulsive
Physical Traits:
Three spiky hairs that stand out
Outfit:
Tank top and shorts
Quirks:
Agility, often blurts out his "signature" onomatopoeic interjection waku-waku when excited in anticipation
Habits:
Impulsive decisions, often driven by a sense of adventure and curiosity
Personality:
Introverted, intelligent, laid-back, and contemplative
Physical Traits:
Two curly hairs that rest flat against his sculp
Outfit:
Cross-back overall shorts
Quirks:
Deep thinker, who has an uncontrollable "signature" onomatopoeic stomach growling goro-goro when resisting temptation
Habits:
Prefers taking a step back and analyzing situations before acting
Comic Structure
Each comic strip follows a whimsical and engaging format:
- Narrative Style:
- Described using the lighthearted rhyming limerick in compact haiku form
- Conclusion:
- Each title wraps up with a nugget of wisdom, providing thoughtful reflections and life lessons
Yonkoma Posting Schedule
New comic strips are posted around the beginning and the middle of each month, bringing regular doses of joy and reflection.
List of Titles
Delight in the yonkoma slice-of-life tales of Ubi and Kayu, each title brimming with quirky charm:
Behind the Scene: Breathing Life into Ubi and Kayu
Character Development
Crafting the protagonist began as a journey through vivid imagination—a female street dancer in a summer kimono, complete with a straw hat and wooden clogs. Opposing her was a scruffy hippy antagonist, rich in quirks and mystery.
To diversify the supporting cast, characters from various cultural backgrounds were explored. Their names, sounds, writings, and deeper meanings became threads weaving a vibrant narrative tapestry.
Even animals joined the brainstorming frenzy: a tapir, a crow, and even a mischievous pair of apes became contenders.
As the process progressed, it was the personality traits that took center stage. Inspiration came from studying MBTI personality types, balancing introversion and extroversion to design contrasting yet complementary characters.
Facial expressions were thoughtfully brainstormed to match each name and personality, giving physical attributes a unique vibrancy.
The twin apes, Ubi and Kayu, emerged from this creative chaos as siblings with distinct quirks.
The names Ubi (pronounced 'oo-bee') and Kayu (pronounced 'car-you'), come from a Malay collocation 'ubi kayu' for cassava, a kind of yam. Yam as name seems to complement quirkiness.
Their personalities were shaped by Japanese onomatopoeia—Ubi’s “waku-waku” embodies cheerful excitement, while Kayu’s “goro-goro” reflects his endearing laziness. Thus, these dynamic twins came to life, ready to charm readers in this yonkoma manga!
Setting Consideration
The initial idea drew inspiration from vernacular architecture around the world, imagining these culturally rich structures as backdrops. The interplay of negative and white space was also explored to give the visuals breathing room. While these elements may not feature in the twins’ debut, they could find their way into future stories.
Poetic Narrative
Ubi and Kayu’s lighthearted slice-of-life tales are presented in the short punchy four-panel format of yonkoma manga. Their narration feels at home with playful limericks and compact haikus, merging rhymes and brevity to bring a unique poetic rhythm to their adventures. Balancing these two styles is an ongoing quest, ensuring the storytelling remains both fun and evocative.
Onomatopoeic Quirks
Finding a signature touch for each character extended beyond their appearances. Japanese onomatopoeia, rich in charm and resonance, provided inspiration. Ubi’s playful “waku-waku” chant perfectly captures his excitement, while Kayu’s “goro-goro” stomach grumbles add a relatable and humorous touch. These quirks breathe life into their personalities and make them unforgettable.
Tools of the Trade
The magic begins with simple tools: four pens, each with a unique point size, and a sketchbook. These humble instruments have birthed a vivid world filled with laughter, quirks, and heartfelt moments.
Why You'll Love This Quirky Twins Slice-of-Life Stories
Whether you're drawn to Ubi's spirited adventures or Kayu's thoughtful musings, there's something for everyone in this whimsical world. Through their quirks and habits, let's explore themes of adventures, life lessons, personal growth, and more!
