Alex Berggren | 2025 I.S. Symposium

Name: Alex Berggren
Title: DONBON: Manga Creation, History, Theory, and Importance
Major: Physics and Manga (self-designed)
Advisors: Jim Bonk; Cody Leary

This project is an exploration of the process, history, theory, and importance of manga and comics through the creation of my own manga called DONBON. DONBON is a shonen manga inspired by Toriyama Akira’s Dragon Ball as well as the history, stories, and ideas of East Asia. It is the story of the titular character, Donbon, a young orphan boy living in the remote mountains who meets a boy from a nearby city named Yomo. Donbon and Yomo embark on a mystical journey, encountering strange new lands, forming lifelong friendships, and defeating powerful enemies. DONBON’s mission is to uplift and inspire future generations with themes of passion, perseverance, determination, and altruism.

The project is divided into two components: the manga itself, and a written component that explores the necessary metatextual context in which DONBON exists, including the theories and processes by which manga is created as well as the themes and inspirations at the root of DONBON. The written component includes dissections of comic theory, grammar, the themes that comprise shonen manga (the largest demographic category of manga), and the rich intercultural history and traditions that shape manga creation. There is also a section on my experience traveling abroad to Taiwan and the influence it had on the project.

The overarching message of this project is understanding the power that the media we consume has to fundamentally shape who we are, and how this power can be used for good. Toriyama Akira knew this, and it has become my mission to carry on his legacy.

Posted in Symposium 2025 on May 1, 2025.