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Why not write original works?

I’m not adverse to them. I was a huge fan of the original comic I drew with my best friend years ago. I loved the story and the characters, and it had so many cool, funny, sad scenes I wanted to draw. I would love to work with someone again in the future when I feel ready and their story brings out those same feelings. I’m a big fangirl at heart.

There’s already so many stories that’d I would have love to tell that already exist. I’m enamored with the Yakuza Fiancé comic. In simple tropes, it’s a story of a tough lady protagonist (who is still relatable) and her psychotic, masochist finance who was chosen for her. There’s also other psychotic men who are enamored with her in one manner or another. There’s also ample cute/cool old men and their sub-plot as well. It’s packed-full of my favorite things brought to life in much more capable hands. I can’t think of anything I could improve or want to draw on my own. I already love these interesting characters.

Fan works gives me a chance to tell another side of characters I like. It gives me the chance to make a type of story about them in a way I interesting or challenging. It's fun to sprinkle in references—the smallest reference, hoping a fellow fan will nod their head and think “Yup, they get it.” Years ago, I remember someone mention fanfic is a way to tell a story without the pesky means of telling a backstory for the characters for they and the plot had already been established. For me, I suppose it's true. But I can't find the same excitement when creating my own characters. Like forcing myself to write, maybe it's something I can practice and learn as well.