Focus on Fantasy
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We sat down with Titan Comics’ Group Editor, Jake Devine, to find out more about why fantasy translates so well to comics, and to get some recommended reads…
TITAN COMICS: WHAT DO YOU THINK MAKES FANTASY SO POPULAR?
Jake Devine: I think for me, fantasy is the ultimate escapist genre - pretty much everything is from the imagination. It’s an almost unlimited sandpit for creatives to play in, and I think there’s a draw for readers who like to let their imaginations run wild.
WHY DO YOU THINK THE FANTASY GENRE TRANSLATES SO WELL TO THE COMIC FORMAT?
Fantasy lends itself perfectly to this medium as it’s entirely creative, by which I mean characters and plot are devised by a writer, and the illustrious eye of an artist brings that world to life! It’s so easy to lose yourself in another world, and fantasy comics bring a unique reading experience with gorgeous colour palettes, and the way lettering can be used to evoke fantastical languages and creatures. There’s nothing else like it!
YOU’VE WORKED ON SOME BIG FANTASY SERIES SUCH AS DARK SOULS AND BLOODBORNE. HOW DO YOU THEY DIFFER FROM TITLES LIKE WIKA AND KNIGHTS OF HELIOPOLIS?
Working on fantasy titles like Bloodborne, you have to be very familiar with the source material, and be sure that what you’re producing is faithful to it. So when coming up with a plot, or choosing which interiors or cover artists are going to be on the project, you have to be aware of the impact they’ll make and if they align with the style of the IP. With original books like Wika and Knights, it’s pure imagination, and you get to experience something wholly from the author/artist which makes those books unique and a joy to read.
FOR FANS OF GAME OF THRONES OR LORD OF THE RINGS, WHICH TITLES DO YOU THINK THEY’D ENJOY?
Certainly for fans of LOTR I’d recommend picking up Wika, as the extravagant, highly-detailed artwork is reflective of Tolkein’s detailed storytelling, and the world is like an updated-steampunk middle-earth. Dark Souls and Michael Moorcock’s Elric are good starting points for GOT fans, as both delve deep into the Sword and Sorcery genre.
IS THERE ANYTHING DIFFERENT AS AN EDITIOR THAT YOU DO FOR FANTASY TITLES COMPARED TO OTHER GENRES?
I think the only difference really is gauging the right writer and artist for a fantasy project, just like you would any other genre. It’s best to have creators who are experienced in that area, particularly if you have an IP that requires a specific style (whether it’s traditional or a little bit out-there).
WHAT IS YOUR BEST ADVICE FOR BUDDING FANTASY COMIC WRITERS?
As with any comic writing, the best way to learn is to write! World-building is usually the sticking-point for fantasy as it is all down to you to bring the reader into your imagination, so working out how to draw them in without overwhelming them with complex mythology is something to watch out for.
Check out some of Jake’s recommendations here…
WIKA