Interview With the Erotic Cartoonist VI - August 2023

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Hello watchers!  As we approach the conclusion of this interview series, I want to take a moment to convey my deepest gratitude for your incredible support. And now, without further ado, let's dive into your questions!

What role does humor play in your comics?

Humor plays a vital role in my comics. It's like the magical pixie dust that lets me take flight even in the darkest of skies. With humor, I can approach any topic.  This approach feels necessary, especially when delving into erotic fantasies.   A sex tale, if left untouched, might come across as too dirty or politically incorrect. If we clean it up and make it more presentable, we often lose arousal.  Humor serves to lessen the impact while preserving the audacity.

In my comics, there are scenes that, devoid of humor, could be quite offensive. On the flip side, humor stands as a formidable tool for both critique and parody. I revel in poking fun at clichés and taking a good-natured laugh at them.

How do you work out the tone and balance between humor and seriousness in your erotic stories?

Ah, that's like tiptoeing on a tightrope! Honestly, I don't really have a checklist to gauge when a scene needs a touch more humor or a dose of seriousness. I wish I did! It mostly comes down to trusting my instinct. You see, there are countless years spent reading comics, watching series, and diving into films. Over time, you kind of develop this sixth sense for it. 

Well, that's the easy answer, but let me dive a bit deeper and give you a more detailed insight. You see, I've got a little trick up my sleeve. Take characters, for instance. Some of them are often accompanied by humor. So, when I need a moment of impact, something to halt the laughter, I simply switch this character’s demeanor to serious in an instant. It's like a lightning bolt, right? And let me tell you, contrasts are like gold in storytelling. This magic also works with scenes. If I've got a stream of gags and laughter brewing, ending it with a sudden dash of drama or romance? Bam, we're talking epic.  It works the other way around too: from serious to a silly punchline. But, and here's the twist, if I push the dramatic pedal too hard, things might take a detour to not-so-credible or maybe even the silly side. It's all about that delicate dance, you know?

Do you ever worry that too much silliness ruins the sexy stuff? Or do you sometimes think "I need to lighten things up more"?

Oh, absolutely! Let me tell you, not too long ago, a reader reached out and told me how Anne-Marie had her in stitches. Laugh after laugh. I couldn't resist asking her if the comic managed to spark her interest in a different way. Her response? She simply found it incredibly fun. Now that got me thinking.  

I've come to learn that some readers discover a romantic and inspirational side in the Anne-Marie series, while others see it as original and very hot.  And that is what I love because humor isn't my sole aim; it's a tool, a means to weave narratives.

Of course, my ultimate satisfaction comes from making readers happy.  I might stumble in the storytelling process or not fully convey certain elements, but one thing I won't allow is failing to ensure you have a good time.

What's your future agenda looking like?

Alright, let's talk about my current agenda! So, right now, I'm deep into coloring the initial chapters of the Anne-Marie series. Exciting news on that front—I've actually signed a contract with the awesome folks at Lucifer Ediciones, a Spanish publisher, to bring a fully colored Anne-Marie comic to my Spanish followers next year. And that's not all, my friends! Over in France, my pals at Murano Publishing are expecting those colored pages for a fantastic second edition. So, you can say I'm quite booked with my comic duties.

The process is hard work. Luckily, I've got a fantastic assistant helping out with the color flats, and that's been a huge help. Although, I must admit, I've become quite the perfectionist these days. I'm striving to keep the original spirit of the work intact, even as I infuse it with my current vision.

Looking forward, next year seems like a whirlwind of travel and conventions. I'll be spreading the Anne-Marie love in Spain, and fingers crossed, I might just hop over to the Festival de la Bande Dessinée d’Angoulême in France to promote the second edition.

Now, let's talk works in progress. You've guessed it – Mademoiselle D’Artagnan. It's not a never-ending saga, but it's definitely a year-and-a-half kind of endeavor. We're talking about a cool 100 pages, which translates to a ton of creative hours. I've got big dreams for this series, but you know how it goes—life always finds a way to surprise you. I'm all ears and open to whatever adventures come my way!

That's a wrap for now, my friends! But hang tight, because this might not be the last Q&A video... or will it?