It’s already tough that it takes hundreds of hours to illustrate a single chapter for someone to devour in ten minutes, but seeing users boast about reading it for free on illegal sites is a real gut punch. The renowned adult content illustrator Manno broke his routine to publish a video reflecting on the huge impact piracy has on independent creators’ lives.

The author admitted that after uploading videos about his work under the circle Amagami Honpo, he was shocked to read messages from people openly admitting to consuming his releases via unofficial pages. For Manno, this situation is heart-wrenching, as each installment involves brutal days of up to fourteen hours of continuous drawing, causing intense back pain, shoulder stiffness, and constant migraines.

Unlike a typical office job, the illustrator’s mind never disconnects. The creator explained that even while eating, showering, or hanging out with friends, he continues thinking about scenes, positions, and audience reactions, with illness being the only time his mind rests. He also revealed with bitter laughter that he tells his mother he draws “romantic comedies” out of pure shame, and that professionally dedicating his life to this field ruined his ability to enjoy other erotic works as a regular fan, as he can now only analyze them technically.

Iribitari Gal ni Manko Tsukawasete Morau Hanashi is one of the most popular adult franchises in the independent scene in recent years. The work began at doujinshi events before moving to the commercial print market, selling over a million copies during its publication.

Manno started his professional career in the pages of COMIC Kairakuten magazine in 2021 and, thanks to the massive success of his stories with gyaru girls, managed to quit his traditional job to fully focus on illustration. Although the author clarified he isn’t trying to give speeches or speak for the entire industry, he made a sincere call for readers who enjoy his work to consider buying official versions, reminding them that every purchase is the reason he can keep drawing.

What do you think of the message shared by the author of this work?