J.G. Jones Gets Comic Booked!

By Jordamus Prime Interviews 04/30/2011

Recently I was lucky enough to meet acclaimed comic book artist J.G. Jones at a book signing at Philadelphia’s own Locust Moon Comics (check out the article here!). J.G. Jones has worked on numerous books over the years like Y: The Last Man, Marvel Boy, and Final Crisis; and was also the artist behind Mark Millar’s highly celebrated WANTED series. Luckily for all of you readers, J.G. was gracious enough to grant us an interview!

Jordamus Prime- So what made you want to get into comic books?

J.G. Jones- Unlike many comic artists, it was never a huge ambition of mine. I stopped reading comics when I went to college, and didn’t really pick them up again until I was in graduate school. Even then, I didn’t read regular titles, but just whatever looked interesting at the time. I sort of fell into the comic business backward.

Jordamus Prime- How did you go about getting into working in the industry?

J.G. Jones- I was working at a small newspaper in Brooklyn, and a reporter friend of mine, Jonathan Larsen, introduced me to a wider range of titles and graphic novels. When I found Mike Mignola’s stuff, I was hooked. Jonathan and I worked up a little story based on an idea I had, and I drew the first issue and took it to a comic convention in Manhattan. The first guy I showed it to offered me a job. That was Jim Shooter, and because I’d been out of the loop for so long, I had no idea who Jim was. I quit my newspaper job and Jim proceeded to teach me the ropes.

Jordamus Prime– How long have you been into drawing and artwork? Has it always been a passion of yours?

J.G. Jones– I’ve been drawing since I was a kid, and everyone always knew I’d end up being an artist. I sold my first watercolor paintings when I was in high school. They were illustrations from Lord Of The Rings, as I recall.

Jordamus Prime– Who would you say are your biggest inspirations?

J.G. Jones– That’s an impossible question, because there are so many names to drop, and I always forget someone. I love the old Baroque painters, though, and definitely love the classic illustrators from the from Howard Pyle and NC Wyeth, through Leyendecker, and Noel Sickles. Frazetta and the Hildebrant Brothers were huge during my formative years.

In comics, I love the old school guys, John Buscema, Toth, Frazetta, classic Kirby. The current crop of artists has so many incredibly talented guys working, it would be impossible to give you anything approaching a definitive list, but I will say that I love Adam Hughes, Ryan Sook, Lee Bermejo, Cliff Lee, Frank Quitely and dozens of others.

Jordamus Prime– What would you say is your favorite project that you’ve worked on to date?

J.G. Jones– It’s kind of hard to pick one favorite. It’s like asking which is your favorite child. I’ve been lucky to work with a number of really talented writers, though, on such things as Black Widow, Marvel Boy, Wonder Woman: The Hiketeia, Wanted, and Final Crisis.

Jordamus Prime– Is there a specific title you would like to work on at some point in your career? Or anyone in particular that you’d like to work with in the future?

J.G. Jones– I just got done writing six issues of Doc Savage, which was a sort of wish fulfillment for me. I was always such a huge fan of that series of novellas when I was a kid. There are also a number of good writers that I’d enjoy working with, but I’d really like to concentrate on writing my own material now, if I can get away with it.

Jordamus Prime– Do you have any upcoming projects that you’re excited about?

J.G. Jones- I’ve already talked up my graphic novel for a while now, but it’s still stuck in contract limbo, and I don’t know if the deal I’m being offered is something I can live with, so I’m not sure where that’s going to end up. I have been concentrating on covers while I wait for this to shake out. I did not want to commit to another penciling gig, not knowing if I would have to jump back and forth on the graphic novel. But I’m getting back to a number of writing projects that have been collecting dust for a while, as well as writing some new things for DC.

Jordamus Prime– Assuming that aside from drawing comics you actually read them as well, what are your favorite comics series to read?

J.G. Jones- I don’t read nearly as many comics as I used to. I just don’t have the time any more. That said, I never miss an issue of Hellboy or BPRD, and I’ve been catching up on Jeff Parker’s books at Marvel, as well as Matt Fraction’s stuff. I picked up the new FF recently, sans Human Torch, and it was well written and seems promising. I also read non-spandex stuff. I highly recommend the Parker graphic novels by Darwyn Cooke. Just great stuff. Don’t miss Asterios Polyp, by Dave Mazzucchelli.

Jordamus Prime- How was working with Mark Millar on ‘WANTED‘? Do you think we can expect to see the two of you working together again in the future?

J.G. Jones– The only writer I have ever worked with twice is Grant Morrison. I’m afraid that Mark has left me in the dust, now that he’s gone Hollywood. I doubt he’d have any interest in working with me again.

Jordamus Prime– How did you feel about the film adaptation of that series?

J.G. Jones- I was okay with it. I like Timur Bekmabetov’s films, and his adaptation of the material was incisive. He cut out all the digs at DC superheroes, and stuck with the main point of the story: office drone find his golden ticket and hidden ability, has and kills his father, and figures out life.

Jordamus Prime– One fan requested I ask if there was any word on what’s going on with Marvel Boy 2?

J.G. Jones- If that fan has heard anything about a second Marvel Boy, then he has more knowledge than I. There are no plans for a second Marvel Boy that include me. I do love that character, though, and I’m really proud of that book.

For all the latest info on J.G. Jones, be sure to check out his website! Stay tuned to Comic Booked for more interviews with some of the industries top creative talents!

J.G. Jones Gets Comic Booked!

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