Mark Crilley was raised in Detroit and currently lives in Michigan. Formerly an English teacher overseas, he lived in Taiwan and Japan for five years and is fluent in Chinese and Japanese. His first published work, the graphic novel AKIKO ON THE PLANET SMOO, was nominated for an Eisner as well as the Russ Manning Award for 1995. The AKIKO monthly series, published by Sirius Entertainment, was nominated for four Eisners in 1996, including Best Continuing Series and Best Writer/Artist (Humor). Mark's critical acclaim has continued into 1998, with four more 1997 Eisner nominations for Akiko, including Best Continuing Series, Best Serialized Story, Best Title for a Younger Audience, and Best Cover Artist. In 1998 he received one more Eisner nomination. He was also named by ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY as one of "The 100 Most Creative People in Entertainment" in 1998.