What is SHOBA?（ショバ）
In a paradoxical move for somebody who publicly declares his real name, SHOBA is Alpha's pen name and the name of his small business that sells artwork. Defined by a logo consisting of a set of three rings surrounding an intricate and geometric pattern of spikes, SHOBA asserts a sharp but soft tone.
Always the contrarian, unlike every other aspect of Alpha's meaning-laden work, the word SHOBA was chosen as the name of the brand for its absolute lack of any meaning whatsoever. (Although one who thinks about it for two seconds will realise that SHOBA is just a portmanteau of Alpha's high school online alias, Shonen Bag, and one who thinks about it for three seconds will realise that SHOBA is just basho （場所）backwards, which is Japanese for place - the depiction of which is a core pillar in Alpha's visual style) In other words, it is an empty vessel for Alpha to pour meaning into, and for better or worse, he intends to do just that.
SHOBA's works are dedicated to exploring life as a nerdy second generation Asian immigrant in all of its aspects and what it means to exist in transitory spaces - or perhaps that's just pretext for drawing cool anime girls. You decide.
Alpha selling art in 2023
Telling art with Story.
Alpha Yu, also known as SHOBA, is a Vancouver-based illustrator who seeks to use illustration in order to tell meaningful and provocative stories. The child of Asian immigrants, the primary focus of his work is making original Canadian-made manga. His work often explores themes of displaced diasporas, struggle, and ultimately the triumph of life, love, and liberty in the face of adversity. Boasting a catalogue of series and one-shots, he strives to continually improve his craft. Additionally, Alpha is a freelance illustrator with a plethora of illustration experience and a professional attitude, more than happy to lend his skills to your project.
In addition, Alpha is a newcomer to the Vancouver art market scene, selling art at small markets all around the city. He updates his next event appearances on this website's homepage and on his instagram.
Alpha started drawing seriously in middle school. Always fascinated by art that tells a story, he strives to pay forward the deep feelings that being in contact with art created within him. This website is a living chronicle, constantly changing as it evolves with his artistic development.
No part of Alpha's works are created with the assistance of any generative AI.
Alpha is currently posting his illustrations to Instagram. You can buy them from Etsy. You can read his manga on Tapas and Webtoon.