First Comics News: Have you ever watched the Space Ghost cartoon, and if so, what did you think of it?
Jonathan Lau: I remember watching some short Space Ghost episodes, like watching the rest of the other cartoons from my youth; it’s way at the back of my memory bank, a little scene here and there, but not enough to make a whole episode. What I remember, though, is his macho voice. And add to that, his costume is cool; no redesign or updating is necessary. I think those are the reasons why Space Ghost stuck with me compared to other superheroes back then.
1st: On your version of Space Ghost, how do you bring out his tough side in your art?
Jonathan: That’s easy; just show a growling mouth under the mask. I try to think of Judge Dredd when I’m drawing the lower part of his face. Additionally, I’ll make the inks heavy to make it look dark regardless of his white and yellow costume.
1st: Which of Space Ghost’s villains do you have the most fun drawing?
Jonathan: I enjoyed drawing Metallus. Actually, any character that can physically brawl with Space Ghost would be high up on my list of favorites. I just love drawing huge fight scenes. And I’m glad that writer David Pepose’s one-shot storytelling style forces action into each issue. I believe that’s the winning style right there.
1st: Jan and Jace are illustrated as competent members of Space Ghost’s team rather than just kids. Is this intentional?
Jonathan: Initially, I was afraid of the usual trope of sidekicks outshining the main character. But I’m glad it’s not the case here; David still made it balanced. I hope this doesn’t change, and Space Ghost remains the champion of his own book.
1st: Space Ghost is drawn with an intensity that has not been seen before. Does this aspect make you proud of your work?
Jonathan: Yes, it certainly does. And I’m glad he’s more of a brawler than a simple projectile-tagging superhero. I might also add that I’ve been working so long on other comic titles that are super-hero-y, so this is something of an outlet for me to finally show some superpowered action.
1st: Is Blip a challenge to draw to show he has intelligence?
Jonathan: Not really. Much like a human’s face, a monkey can show expression much more easily than, let’s say, a dog. On a side note, I’m glad there’s a small non-verbal character in the team that I can use as a composition aid, art-wise.
1st: When drawing villains such as Zorak, what makes them stand out as a villain in your art alone?
Jonathan: It’s all about the character’s posture. Redesigning characters, on the other hand, is more challenging. You want the characters to still be recognizable; however, the original designs given are very flat and simplistic. So I’m trying to infuse some 3D elements into their costumes.
1st: What are your thoughts on Mulan Kato compared to Hayashi Kato?
Jonathan: They’re both cool in their own right. This is very sudden, but now that you brought them up, I wish Green Hornet, Thunderbolt, etc., were still around. DE could make a long-running team book, like to Justice League or the other Avengers, in a DE universe. I know the intellectual property rights can be an obstacle; I just wish it were still ongoing.
1st: Do you still remember your time working on Battlestar Galactica, and if so, how was it?
Jonathan: Yes, II’d It’s my first job at DE. Sci-fi drama helped me a lot artistically. When the comic is mostly talking heads, you’ll be forced to think of ways to make the pages interesting to look at. Actually, this question made me reminisce about my old work routine, my old room, my old materials, etc. Thanks a lot!
1st: You do a lot of cover work, do you prefer it to interiors?
Jonathan: I always love doing covers, so I’m a bit sad that I’m having less and less cover work. There are a lot of DE titles out there, like Thundercats, Silverhawks, etc., that one time I actually verbally blurted out: I want to do that cover!
1st: You have worked on both Vampirella and Red Sonja, which one would you pick to win in a fight?
Jonathan: Actually, I drew their fight in Red Sonja: The Superpowers #5. That was a fun issue to draw. So much action! As much as I want my girl Red Sonja to win, I’d give it to Vampi.
1st: What is your next project you will be working on?
Jonathan: For now, I’m still with Space Ghost, and I hope this will go on like forever. I rarely get to do a superhero comic. Here’s hoping my next project will be another knock-out, drag-out, royal rumble brawl of a series.
1st: Which of Space Ghost’s suits, powers, or abilities would you most like to have?
Jonathan: Flight, of course.
1st: What would you like to say to the many fans of your work?
Jonathan: Thank you, guys, and many more comics to come!
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