Mark Crilley

Mark Crilley was born on May 21, 1966, in the United States. He is best known as the creator of the long-running comic series *Akiko*, which he wrote and illustrated from 1995 through 2016, as well as the manga-inspired graphic novel series *Miki Falls* and *Brody's Ghost*. Before entering comics, Crilley taught English in Fukushima, Japan, and Changhua, Taiwan, experiences that later informed his storytelling and artistic style. His work is characterized by a clean, expressive manga-influenced line and a focus on youthful adventure and emotional nuance. In addition to his comics, he has built a substantial following through his YouTube channel, where he produces instructional drawing videos covering a range of styles. Crilley’s major collaborations have largely been with himself, as he typically serves as writer, artist, colorist, and letterer on his projects. His notable co-creations include the character Akiko and the world of Planet Smoo, as well as the ghostly detective series *Brody’s Ghost*. Later in his career, he has continued to produce new graphic novels and teaching content, maintaining a steady presence in both the comics and online art communities. While he has not received major industry awards, his work has been recognized for its accessibility and influence on aspiring manga-style artists.