Then I read his work in Jetta: Tales of the Toshigawa. I was hooked.
If you haven't met him and entered the world of the Toshigawa Universe, you don't know what you're missing.
Tell us a bit about your latest work.
I've recently been working on expanding my universe of characters called the Toshigawa Universe. The universe includes our books Shinobi: Ninja Princess, Jetta: Tales of the Toshigawa, Turra: Gun Angel, and the webcomic, Ready 2 Spar. The most current book that is out now is the redesign and re-release of Jetta: Tales of the Toshigawa - Defiance which was our first book ever to go nationwide. Ironically, it was first published by Shooting Star years ago.
What are the themes and subjects you tend to revisit in your work?
Martial arts is a huge theme of our books. I have always been a fan of anime and manga. All of that makes up the basis of our look and feel.
What happened in your life that prompted you to become a writer?
I've never considered being a “writer” really. If someone asked me to write a novel, I don’t think I could do it. I’ve always just seen these stories in my head and wanted to convey them. I've always loved reading and English class in school. So it was a natural progression to write stories and characteristics for my creations. So, I guess I am a writer in that respect!
What inspires you to write?
I see writing as an extension of my creativity while illustrating. It’s almost like the piece isn’t finished until its personality is infused into it. That’s why it's difficult for me to find interest in drawing fan art. I can’t inject my own story into it.
What would be your dream project?
My dream project would be a Wonder Woman and Jetta: Tales of the Toshigawa crossover. I got really close with a Jetta and Shi crossover that I got to write and illustrate in Jetta/Shi: Arrow of Destiny. She and Wonder Woman are some of my favorite characters. To place them alongside my character would be awesome.
If you have any former project to do over to make it better, which one would it be, and what would you do?
I’m kind of doing that now. I’m revisiting my old graphic novels and really getting a chance to update the art as well as add to the story to make it smoother. I’m adding color. I’m adding extra conversions. The characters are a lot more well-rounded. It’s been a treat to go back into these books again.
What writers have influenced your style and technique?
I love Marv Wolfman’s Teen Titans. He was first. The late Kentaro Miura’s work as a whole has been amazing to follow over the years. I love Stephen King’s work as well. I think all of those have been highly detailed worlds and characters. I try to bring those to my work as well.
Where would you rank writing on the "Is it an art or it is a science continuum?" Why?
Well, I think we are seeing the answer to that unfold in real time now. With the advent of AI and how it’s quickly trying to steal creative jobs, science is trying to eat the artist. Writing as well as a creative endeavor is on the chopping block because people can’t really fathom the spiritual, mental, and artistic energies it takes to make anything. The general thought is, “I should be able to do this. I see other people do it. Why can’t I?” What they don’t realize is that there is an entire history behind that person creating. A person brings their life experiences to the table while writing or drawing. But we are seeing Ai rip that end result off as creativity. Writing isn’t science. It’s as art as you can get.
What is the most difficult part of your artistic process?
Most would say starting. But I love starting and watching it evolve. I would honestly say finishing. Being satisfied with your work enough to leave it alone.
How do your writer friends help you become a better writer? Or do they not?
Kevin Williams takes red pens to my work constantly and Janet Wade, tells me daily how much a piece sucks. So they keep me on my toes. Haha.
What does literary success look like to you?
Success is being able to live comfortably while taking care of my family and having readers enjoy my work. I don’t have to be rich and have a private island or anything. I just want to live life creatively and allow my family to live it as well.
Any other upcoming projects you would like to plug?
My graphic novel series is up and going at ToshigawaUniverse.com. There you will find all of our different series as well as apparel. So, I’d love for supporters of independent comics to go there to check it out. There are books there for all ages, adult and young adult readers.
For more information, visit:
- Store: ToshigawaUniverse.com
- Patreon: patreon.com/MawProductions
- Art Classes: The Comic Studio on OutSchool.com
- Facebook: ToshigawaUniverse
- Instagram: ToshigawaUniverse
- TikTok: ToshigawaUniverse
- YouTube: @Toshigawadotcom
