If you know anything about me, you know I love comics. Like many people, I grew up on the superhero genre. But as I matured, I started to branch out into other genres based upon recommendations of friends, attractive art or a story hook that caught my attention. Releasing November 6th, I’m expecting Alex + Ada by Jonathan Luna and Sarah Vaughn to hit both of my tickle spots with amazing art and a captivating story.
Let’s wet your whistle a moment. Alex + Ada is a near-future tale where Alex is attempting to recover from a setback in his life and return to normal when Ada, a Tanaka X5 companion android, enters his life.
Hooked yet? Thought so.
We had a chance to talk with Jonathan and Sarah about the book and the creative collaboration behind it. Check it out!
SeagateCreative: Tell us a little about Alex + Ada – how did this story come about?
Sarah Vaughn: Jon and I have been friends for years. He had hinted a couple times about working together but never outright asked, and I knew if it was meant to be that it would happen in its own time. Then, earlier this year, he invited me to dinner, saying he’d like to talk to me. We hadn’t seen each other in a while, so we caught up, had burgers and spiked milkshakes. Then he let me know he wanted to do another comic, and wanted me to join the project. I had seen it coming, but it was still thrilling to hear.
SeagateCreative: What was it about this project that drew the two of you together?
Jonathan: I’ve always been fascinated with futuristic sci-fi stories and androids. And I’m naturally drawn to drama and social commentary, so I thought it would be fun to mix it all together into something. It’s an idea that just became stronger and stronger in my mind over the past couple years. I was looking for a writer, and Sarah was a huge help for me on Star Bright and the Looking Glass, so I asked her.
SeagateCreative: What has the creative collaboration experience been like for both of you?
SV: It’s been really fascinating and rewarding, a huge learning experience. We’re both passionate people, with strong ideas and opinions. But we also communicate, thank God.
JL: The work is challenging, but I’m very proud of what we’re coming up with.
SeagateCreative: What is your creative process like? Do you have any particular “rituals” you perform to get into the creative mindset?
SV: I keep my shoes on. It doesn’t get me into the creative mindset, per say, but it does keep me on task. It’s very hard to get cozy with a pair of boots laced up. I’ve tried, believe me.
JL: I forgot about that! What an interesting technique.
I work in my pajamas.
Seriously though, I don’t really have a specific creative process. Not one that I’m aware of, at least. I’m just constantly thinking and working. I figure out what my message is, and I try my best to communicate it as interestingly as possible.
SeagateCreative: From both a story and artistic standpoint, was there a particular tone or look and feel you were going for when starting this project? And how close was the final version to that original tone?
JL: I pretty much always go for a grounded look and feel. Like it could be happening today, but there’s an x-factor. Something is off that makes it surreal or luring. And I always strive for a cinematic look.
SeagateCreative: What do you find to be the primary differences creatively working on Alex + Ada compared to your past projects (Ultra, Girls, The Sword, Sparkshooter)?
JL: It’s a pretty similar process, still very cooperative. I am working completely digitally this time though, which is a lot of fun. Before, I used pencil and ink on Bristol boards, then scanned those in to color in Photoshop. Hopefully, my work is a bit tighter. I’m always trying to improve.
SV: There are definitely major differences between Sparkshooter and Alex + Ada, not even counting the workflow and deadlines. I was the artist for the web comic, and I had no hand in the writing. Now it’s pretty much the complete opposite.
SeagateCreative: What is one piece of advice you’d give to an aspiring artist or writer who’s looking to break into comics?
JL: Never stop reading, viewing art, writing, and making art.
SV: Keep your shoes on!
Keep up with Jonathan and Sarah on these channels:
Jonathan Luna:
jonathanluna.com
www.twitter.com/jonathanlunacom
www.facebook.com/jonathanlunacom
Sarah Vaughn:
Sparkshooter
www.savivi.com
www.twitter.com/sarahvictoriav
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