might change, but that's for the fans to find out as they continue to read this story!
(laughs)
Q9: Are the Fairy Tail characters based on people in real life? Is there a character in
Fairy Tail that is most like you?
Hiro Mashima: Definitely Natsu. He's like me in junior high! (laughs) All the other
characters are based on my friends, my editors, people I know through work.
Q10: I really enjoy Natsu -- he's really fun, energetic and likeable. But one thing that's
unusual about him is that despite being really powerful, his weakness is his motion
sickness. Do you get motion sickness yourself?
Hiro Mashima: I'm actually afraid of heights and airplanes, but I don't have motion
sickness. A friend of mine has that. When we take taxi together, he just gets sick. On
one hand, it’s bad for him, but on the other hand, it's kind of hilarious. (laughs)
Q11: How many assistants do you have? Have they ever given you ideas that you've used
in Fairy Tail?
Hiro Mashima: I currently have six assistants. The storyline is basically fleshed out
between me and my editor, but I appreciate how my assistants help me do my work.
Q12: One Thing that crossed over from
Rave Master is Plue. Is there a reason why
he appears over and over again?
Hiro Mashima: In my mind Plue is
everywhere. He could actually exist in this
world as well. He's my personal pet!
(Laughs)