Eric J. Moreels
Jan 30, 2002, 07:28 am
{Originally posted at X-Fan v3.0 on December 20, 2001}
<a href="http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/previews/umtu11.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/previews/umtu11t.jpg" align=left alt="Ultimate Marvel Team-Up #11 preview"></a>Best known for her Oni Press series Blue Monday, Chynna Clugston-Major is about to have the mainstream spotlight shone on her artistic talents in the upcoming Ultimate Marvel Team-Up #11 featuring the Ultimate versions of Spider-Man and the X-Men.
X-Fan contributor <a href="mailto:gweedos@bellsouth.net">Anthony Lucynski</a> recently caught up with Clugston-Major to find out more about the artist and her work.
X-FAN: Breaking into mainstream Marvel by taking on both of their biggest franchises with the Ultimate versions of Spider-Man and the X-Men has got to be pretty intimidating. Are you nervous? And how did you land this dream opportunity?
CHYNNA CLUGSTON-MAJOR: If I had grown up reading Marvel books I might have been really nervous with this gig. Since I didn't, however, I wasn't very intimidated by it. I was just really surprised Marvel agreed with Brian [Michael Bendis, Ultimate Team-Up writer] when he tossed the idea of having me draw it in their direction. I know I've been given a once in a lifetime sort of opportunity (in my case, anyway) to draw characters that people really love and know well, and I'm really happy about that. I don't know how I got the job. I just know Brian is cool and for some reason digs my stuff, and succeeded in convincing the Marvel guys to let me do it. I'm sure fanboys will be snarling about it for ages, but I don't mind. It was a good experience.
X-FAN: Who are your inspirations, both American and Manga?
CCM: To name a few, (there's dozens, really - and add English in there) Evan Dorkin, Rumiko Takahashi, Philip Bond, Jamie Hewlett, Hidenori Hara, Adam Warren, Nabiel Kanan, Masakazu Katsura, The Hernandez Bros., Mike Allred, Dan Clowes, Naoki Yamamoto, Andi Watson, etc., etc., etc.
X-FAN: Speaking of American and Manga, you recently received high praise at the AFO this year. To sum it up, it was said that if not known better, one would think just by viewing your art that you were not indeed American. How do you feel about that kind of praise?
CCM: I think they're just being nice to me. From Otaku that is a very big compliment. Personally I think I'm sloppy and unorganized in every sense of the word, and am often cringing at how slovenly my work looks compared to most Manga. I'm trying to become a better artist, but it's a slow process. I think that my work has a sort of organic feel to it, which to me is a more American trait than Japanese, so I am always baffled when someone points out that they see my stuff as non-American. Basically, it just leaves me sort of bewildered and I don't know what to make of it.
X-FAN: What are your thoughts on the "American Manga" being produced today. Is it good or bad representation? The major concern that it's not an accurate representation of the original art form. Is that an accurate portrayal, or do you see it differently?
CCM: I think rules were made to be broken. All art styles are wonderful, mixed or not. It's the diversity that I enjoy. I think it's great that eastern and western styles are merging. I know I'm not definitely of one or the other. My whole idea was to blend them and have fun with it. There shouldn't be any concern about the loss of an accurate portrayal at all. People who are purists can rest assured there will always be someone drawing by the book, and others who won't. It's nothing to lose sleep over. If you don't like it, don't buy it, don't read it. Pretty simple.
X-FAN: Can you give us any insights to the actual story in Ultimate Team-Up #11, without giving too much away?
CCM: It's not what anyone is expecting, that's for sure.
X-FAN: Who has been your favorite character to work with? Spider-Man? One of the X-Men? And why?
CCM: I would say Beast or Peter. For me, both are fun to draw, simply because of their facial expressions. Beast always seems to look sort of wary all the time, and Peter, well... you'll see.
X-FAN: In a recent online column, you gave a history of sorts as to how you came into comics. In that column, you stated your initial dislike of super-heroes and how you relate more towards characterization, human interaction, and such. Bendis is known for his dialogue and of course, his characterization. Has this warmed you up a little bit towards the other side of the comic book spectrum?
CCM: No, it's made me a snob. Now I'll only read what he writes. ;)
<a href="http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/previews/bmab.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/previews/bmab-t.jpg" align=right alt="Blue Monday: Absolute Beginners"></a>X-FAN: How has your experience being a comic creator been so far? You've had a very busy year or so. Blue Monday took off like a rocket, you landed every Marvel Zombie's dream, and you're heading into another creator owned project with Scooter Girl...
CCM: Pretty damn groovy. I'm having an ace time. I hope it lasts!
X-FAN: The collaborative experience with yourself, Bendis, the editors at Marvel... good experience? Can we expect another project from you through the "House of Ideas" in the future? Have they (or any other companies) asked you for more?
CCM: Working with Marvel was really nice, actually. The editor, Ralph [Macchio], is probably one of the sweetest guys on the planet, and Brian was totally great. They told me what they had in mind, and that I should just go crazy and make it fun. I did, and they were happy. No plans for any other projects with them in the future at the moment. Right now I'm concentrating on my Oni projects and a little Dark Horse stuff.
X-FAN: Is this the first time you've been published in color?
CCM: No, I've had small stories published in color, in the Oni Summer Color Fun Special #1 & #2 (Jen Van Meter's Hopeless Savages story in the first, and Blue Monday in the latter.) This is however, my first full color book, and I'm a little freaked to see how it turns out.
X-FAN: How long does it take you to bless us with your pages?
CCM: Ha ha ha! Probably about 6-8 hours to pencil and ink. I have a hard time concentrating, so I often drag it out longer than that by wasting time online and dancing around my office to 60's R&B until I'm ready to sit down again.
X-FAN: If you were given the chance, is there any one book in the Marvel Universe that you would take over if they said "Chynna, it's yours... do what you want!" Or would you introduce a new book to the MU?
CCM: Oh, I think I'd probably like to do more Ultimate Spider-Man. I have so much fun drawing people in their age group, but I'd definitely need to practice on action scenes and so on.
X-FAN: With more publicity surrounding you now, are you getting requests from mainstream fans to illustrate/write some of their faves?
CCM: No, I still don't think they know who the hell I am. I haven't heard much from that side of the comic world yet.
X-FAN: Is it intimidating being a girl in comics? I met you at AFO, and you seem to take it in stride...
CCM: Intimidating? Is it supposed to be? My only thing is that I'm typically shy around strangers. I can be a real pain in the ass if upset, though, so I don't advise anyone to mess with me, especially if I've been drinking at a con. I don't think I can be intimidated by other artists, I see them as comrades, regardless of gender. Editors on the other hand... ha ha... they're like evil prosecutors with devil horns and cattle prods.
X-FAN: Do you get hit on a lot? ;)
CCM: If I get hit on I haven't noticed. I kind of hang out in a tight circle. I just get lots of lewd comments from my friends, really. I hear some stuff second hand about what a few fans have said, but that's about it. ;)
X-FAN: What cons are you attending next year? I know a lot of Florida residents who met you at AFO would love to see you return for MegaCon in February.
CCM: I think I'll be hitting the usuals, APE in San Francisco and San Diego's Comic Con International, and I should be returning for AFO in Florida. I may try to go to SPX next year as well. I dunno about MegaCon, I've never been to it. Oni will be there, though. We'll see!
<a href="http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/previews/umtu11.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/previews/umtu11t.jpg" align=left alt="Ultimate Marvel Team-Up #11 preview"></a>Best known for her Oni Press series Blue Monday, Chynna Clugston-Major is about to have the mainstream spotlight shone on her artistic talents in the upcoming Ultimate Marvel Team-Up #11 featuring the Ultimate versions of Spider-Man and the X-Men.
X-Fan contributor <a href="mailto:gweedos@bellsouth.net">Anthony Lucynski</a> recently caught up with Clugston-Major to find out more about the artist and her work.
X-FAN: Breaking into mainstream Marvel by taking on both of their biggest franchises with the Ultimate versions of Spider-Man and the X-Men has got to be pretty intimidating. Are you nervous? And how did you land this dream opportunity?
CHYNNA CLUGSTON-MAJOR: If I had grown up reading Marvel books I might have been really nervous with this gig. Since I didn't, however, I wasn't very intimidated by it. I was just really surprised Marvel agreed with Brian [Michael Bendis, Ultimate Team-Up writer] when he tossed the idea of having me draw it in their direction. I know I've been given a once in a lifetime sort of opportunity (in my case, anyway) to draw characters that people really love and know well, and I'm really happy about that. I don't know how I got the job. I just know Brian is cool and for some reason digs my stuff, and succeeded in convincing the Marvel guys to let me do it. I'm sure fanboys will be snarling about it for ages, but I don't mind. It was a good experience.
X-FAN: Who are your inspirations, both American and Manga?
CCM: To name a few, (there's dozens, really - and add English in there) Evan Dorkin, Rumiko Takahashi, Philip Bond, Jamie Hewlett, Hidenori Hara, Adam Warren, Nabiel Kanan, Masakazu Katsura, The Hernandez Bros., Mike Allred, Dan Clowes, Naoki Yamamoto, Andi Watson, etc., etc., etc.
X-FAN: Speaking of American and Manga, you recently received high praise at the AFO this year. To sum it up, it was said that if not known better, one would think just by viewing your art that you were not indeed American. How do you feel about that kind of praise?
CCM: I think they're just being nice to me. From Otaku that is a very big compliment. Personally I think I'm sloppy and unorganized in every sense of the word, and am often cringing at how slovenly my work looks compared to most Manga. I'm trying to become a better artist, but it's a slow process. I think that my work has a sort of organic feel to it, which to me is a more American trait than Japanese, so I am always baffled when someone points out that they see my stuff as non-American. Basically, it just leaves me sort of bewildered and I don't know what to make of it.
X-FAN: What are your thoughts on the "American Manga" being produced today. Is it good or bad representation? The major concern that it's not an accurate representation of the original art form. Is that an accurate portrayal, or do you see it differently?
CCM: I think rules were made to be broken. All art styles are wonderful, mixed or not. It's the diversity that I enjoy. I think it's great that eastern and western styles are merging. I know I'm not definitely of one or the other. My whole idea was to blend them and have fun with it. There shouldn't be any concern about the loss of an accurate portrayal at all. People who are purists can rest assured there will always be someone drawing by the book, and others who won't. It's nothing to lose sleep over. If you don't like it, don't buy it, don't read it. Pretty simple.
X-FAN: Can you give us any insights to the actual story in Ultimate Team-Up #11, without giving too much away?
CCM: It's not what anyone is expecting, that's for sure.
X-FAN: Who has been your favorite character to work with? Spider-Man? One of the X-Men? And why?
CCM: I would say Beast or Peter. For me, both are fun to draw, simply because of their facial expressions. Beast always seems to look sort of wary all the time, and Peter, well... you'll see.
X-FAN: In a recent online column, you gave a history of sorts as to how you came into comics. In that column, you stated your initial dislike of super-heroes and how you relate more towards characterization, human interaction, and such. Bendis is known for his dialogue and of course, his characterization. Has this warmed you up a little bit towards the other side of the comic book spectrum?
CCM: No, it's made me a snob. Now I'll only read what he writes. ;)
<a href="http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/previews/bmab.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/previews/bmab-t.jpg" align=right alt="Blue Monday: Absolute Beginners"></a>X-FAN: How has your experience being a comic creator been so far? You've had a very busy year or so. Blue Monday took off like a rocket, you landed every Marvel Zombie's dream, and you're heading into another creator owned project with Scooter Girl...
CCM: Pretty damn groovy. I'm having an ace time. I hope it lasts!
X-FAN: The collaborative experience with yourself, Bendis, the editors at Marvel... good experience? Can we expect another project from you through the "House of Ideas" in the future? Have they (or any other companies) asked you for more?
CCM: Working with Marvel was really nice, actually. The editor, Ralph [Macchio], is probably one of the sweetest guys on the planet, and Brian was totally great. They told me what they had in mind, and that I should just go crazy and make it fun. I did, and they were happy. No plans for any other projects with them in the future at the moment. Right now I'm concentrating on my Oni projects and a little Dark Horse stuff.
X-FAN: Is this the first time you've been published in color?
CCM: No, I've had small stories published in color, in the Oni Summer Color Fun Special #1 & #2 (Jen Van Meter's Hopeless Savages story in the first, and Blue Monday in the latter.) This is however, my first full color book, and I'm a little freaked to see how it turns out.
X-FAN: How long does it take you to bless us with your pages?
CCM: Ha ha ha! Probably about 6-8 hours to pencil and ink. I have a hard time concentrating, so I often drag it out longer than that by wasting time online and dancing around my office to 60's R&B until I'm ready to sit down again.
X-FAN: If you were given the chance, is there any one book in the Marvel Universe that you would take over if they said "Chynna, it's yours... do what you want!" Or would you introduce a new book to the MU?
CCM: Oh, I think I'd probably like to do more Ultimate Spider-Man. I have so much fun drawing people in their age group, but I'd definitely need to practice on action scenes and so on.
X-FAN: With more publicity surrounding you now, are you getting requests from mainstream fans to illustrate/write some of their faves?
CCM: No, I still don't think they know who the hell I am. I haven't heard much from that side of the comic world yet.
X-FAN: Is it intimidating being a girl in comics? I met you at AFO, and you seem to take it in stride...
CCM: Intimidating? Is it supposed to be? My only thing is that I'm typically shy around strangers. I can be a real pain in the ass if upset, though, so I don't advise anyone to mess with me, especially if I've been drinking at a con. I don't think I can be intimidated by other artists, I see them as comrades, regardless of gender. Editors on the other hand... ha ha... they're like evil prosecutors with devil horns and cattle prods.
X-FAN: Do you get hit on a lot? ;)
CCM: If I get hit on I haven't noticed. I kind of hang out in a tight circle. I just get lots of lewd comments from my friends, really. I hear some stuff second hand about what a few fans have said, but that's about it. ;)
X-FAN: What cons are you attending next year? I know a lot of Florida residents who met you at AFO would love to see you return for MegaCon in February.
CCM: I think I'll be hitting the usuals, APE in San Francisco and San Diego's Comic Con International, and I should be returning for AFO in Florida. I may try to go to SPX next year as well. I dunno about MegaCon, I've never been to it. Oni will be there, though. We'll see!