This is a special article translating the interview with Akabane, a WIXOSS illustrator. Special thanks to Illumis for translating the article for us~
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Interview with Illustrator: Akabane-sensei
During the Osaka tournament, something bordering a miracle actually happened. That is...
ILLUSTRATOR AKABANE-SENSEI JOINS THE BATTLE
Although Akabane-sensei, who is in charge of WIXOSS illustrations, came to the Osaka venue for the signing event at the Yellow Submarine booth, he actually participated in the selector battles! Amazing!
Such an announcement was made during the WIXOSS cup...
Yellow Submarine-san: "Ah... A notice to everyone at the competition venue. Akabane-sensei, who was scheduled for the sign event... WILL BE PARTICIPATING IN THE FINALS."
Everyone: "WOAAAAAH"
We've managed to get Akabane-sensei's cooperation in an interview after he finished splendidly in second place!
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Q: Firstly, please give us your thoughts on winning the runners-up position!
A: Thank you for the question! Usually, it's standard practice for competitors to turn up on-site on the day itself. However, this time, I turned up yesterday with an acquaintance to adjust my deck.
I was lost in the dilemma regarding whether Odd Guzuko or Even Guzuko would be more suited for the tournament environment up till the eleventh hour.
Though I picked Odd Guzuko in the end, a great contributing factor was not meeting up with the bad matchups within the key selection environment. It was really lucky that I didn't encounter any bad matchups.
This is actually my first time at such a large event, so I'm really happy about it! It still doesn't feel very real (laughing)
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Q: Please tell us your reason for using Even Guzuko at this competition.
A: The first reason would be that there is more art of Even-leveled signi drawn by me! (J Ripper, Party Bazooka, Ulith Key, Heart Queen, Congratulations L0 Guzuko, etc)
No matter whether it's Even or Odd, most of the cards I've drawn play a big part in the mid-to-late-game as main attackers, so having the endgame board be filled with cards I've drawn gives me a happiness that cannot be matched. It's especially fun when fighting with cards you've drawn!
Up till now, Odd Guzuko had to cough up 1 slot for Vanilla Scramble, which could be used both for consistency in earlygame by searching for L1 signi, as well as for use as a defensive Arts. However, with Select Happy 5, Yuki Key can be used in conjunction with Select Happy 5 to search for earlygame signi, ascertain your life bursts while searching the deck, and be used for defense in a similar manner to Soui Key.
The general-use Select Happy 5 has been used to replace the similarly general-use arts "Innocent Defense", due to the proliferation of Yuzuki, Tama and Yuki who are able to open lanes without the use of banishes, so I made the choice in favour of Even Guzuko as I thought that Direct would be easier to land.
One other reason is the fact that, rather than play short, offensive decks, I prefer playing the more stable control-type decks.
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Q: By the way, who is your favourite LRIG?
A: In terms of gameplay, it would be Ulith. I like thinking about my opponent's counterplay on their turn during battle, much like the control-style Guzuko deck I've used in the competition.
In terms of looks, it would be either Aya and Remember.
If it's about selectors, my favourite is Rio-chan (ry
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Q: This question is regarding Unlimited Selector, which will be released in February. What do you think of Gilles de Rais, the Ulith-limited signi which was revealed recently?
A: Gilles de Rais was commissioned as a Level 5 signi, so while I was drawing her I was curious about her effect.
"Considering that stopping at Scattering Petals Ulith is the meta in All Stars, and both level 5 Uliths have really picky effects, what could the signi's ability be?"
It actually exceeded my expectations, in a positive way. I think it'll be part of a new Ulith build along with the L4 Ulith revealed with it.
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Q: Are there anything you look out for when doing wixoss illustrations?
A: This is the usual, but if an SR is commissioned, the art should make the player want to use it instinctively, and the illustration should make the card stand out on the board.
I'd like the cards to be gorgeous and cool to play, so I draw highly detailed illustrations.
Also, I think signi with strong effects should really have strong-looking art to match (laughing)
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Q: What sort of deck will you be constructing after February?
A: Definitely an Ulith deck! Outside of that, I'm also interested in Remember.
The LRIG and support cards should be able to deal with Spinner and Nanashi, which are currently top of the All-Stars Format.
I also drew the L0 Wedding Remember for the Ceremony (laughing).
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Q: Last question! Please tell us what you'd like to say to WIXOSS fans!
A: I've played since the 1st expansion, and I really think that the charm of WIXOSS is the fact that LRIGs are strengthened in a manner that respects their different playstyles, leading to a feeling that you're battling with your partner that you know the ins and outs of.
To those who haven't started playing WIXOSS yet, Key Selection features regulations that are easy to understand, so please try your hand at this amazing Bishoujo TCG with its gorgeous art and fun battles!
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