Speaking of Akiko Higashimura, Seven Seas Entertainment is publishing her autobiographical manga 'Blank Canvas,' which tells the story of her journey as an artist, starting with the art lessons she took as a teenager from an eccentric local teacher. It's a good read for any age, but young artists in particular may find inspiration as well as humor in her story of going from manga-reading slacker to professional manga-ka. Two volumes are out so far. ($13.99)