There are two things I love about what I do: One, I love sharing my work with the public. And two, I love meeting fellow authors, writers and creative minds. As a part of my ongoing Zappcon feature, I am continuing to showcase writers/illustrators/authors from the event in the Central Valley.
Our next guest is Josh Trujillo, a writer, editor and comic book creator from the Los Angeles area. He's worked with big time comics like DC, Dark Horse and Boom! Studios. He's currently writing Adventure Time comics for Cartoon Network, as well as his own comics, entitled Love Machines.
I encourage you to check out Josh's work and support what he does! He's a really cool cat with a super creative mind, and anybody like that deserves all the success he gets! Interview with Josh Trujillo
Thanks for visiting with Writing Belle today, Josh! Let's rewind a little and start at the beginning: where are you from, and how did you get into writing for comics?
I have always lived in Southern California, and I have always had a passion for comics. In the past I interned at a couple of different publishers, and that was extremely helpful in learning how the whole process worked. About three or four years ago I started self-publishing my own work, and have been enjoying it ever since.
Currently, how many comics have you
written/published?
Quite a few! Currently I'm the writer of the "Adventure Time" original graphic novel series from Boom! Studios and Cartoon Network. So far two have been released "Four Castles" and "President Bubblegum," with the third "Brain Robbers" due in 2017!
I have also recently self-published a collection of my "Love Machines" series, and the first issue of an ongoing Revolutionary War romance "Declaration," with artist Levi Hastings. Last year I put together the fantasy gaming anthology "Death Saves: Fallen Heroes of the Kitchen Table"with dozens of creators, and thankfully it was a bit hit on Kickstarter.
Tell us about your Adventure Time comics!
They're crazy. I was already a big fan of the show, so it was exciting to get the opportunity to write these characters. Each of them are very different. "Four Castles" is inspired by my gaming background. Finn and Jake have to go to the various castles of Ooo to recover some magical items -- It's a very Dungeons & Dragons type of set-up. "President Bubblegum" is maybe more
satirical, but also it has the most action.
"Brain Robbers" is a straight-up western starring two of the show's
best characters, Tree Trunks and Lumpy Space Princess.
You've worked with Dark Horse Comics, DC Comics, Boom! Studios and more. What has that been like and how did it all come about?
It's a different story for each one. For DC Comics, I am one of over a hundred contributor to their upcoming book "Love is Love' benefitting victims of the Orlando shooting. I was asked to be a part of that because of my involvement with groups like Prism Comics, a non-profit benefitting LGBTQ comic creators.
A lot of these projects came about because I publish a steady stream of work, I go to a lot of conventions to meet fans and editors, and I make sure people can find me online.
What is Love Machines about, and how has it been received by readers?
"Love Machines" is what I call a "technological romance." It tells different stories about our love affair with technology, how we interact with machines in intimate ways, and our emotional connection to objects. A lot of the stories are set in the past, but speak to our own insecurities and doubts about the role of new technology in our lives.
Romance comics are a bit of a tough sell, but people have taken to the concept. I feel like the stories spark a lot of discussion and that's something I'm most proud of. That said, I'm extremely proud of the work everyone has put into the series. Each of the artists brought a lot to their individual stories.
Do you often attend comic conventions? What are some of your favorite comics that inspire you?
I do attend quite a few conventions. It's a great way to make new fans, and find inspiration. My favorite of the year is Emerald City Comic Con. Seattle is maybe my favorite city outside of Los Angeles and I think they do a good job of balancing mainstream comics with the emerging independent scene.
What projects are you currently working on? Anything new coming up for you?
Quite a few. These days I am preparing the follow-up to my "Death Saves" anthology "Advanced Death Saves". This volume will be at least twice the size of the original, which should make for some late nights for me. The next "Adventure Time" book "Brain Robbers" is out in February, and I have a few other surprises coming up this year.
Where can readers connect with you online or stay up to date about your work?
The best way to keep up with my comics work is to follow me on twitter @LostHisKeysMan. Or just bookmark my website JoshTrujillo.com
Any words of advice for aspiring writers?
Make comics. Be patient. Be grateful to your artists.
Thank you so much for visiting with us! It was a pleasure!
Thank you!
About Josh
Josh Trujillo is a writer, editor, and comic book creator based in Los Angeles, California. He is currently writing the ADVENTURE TIME graphic novel series for Cartoon Network and Boom! Studios, as well as the technological romance series LOVE MACHINES. In addition, Trujillo is editor of the gaming anthology DEATH SAVES: FALLEN HEROES OF THE KITCHEN TABLE.
Beginning in 2014, LOVE MACHINES is an ongoing series dealing with how romance and relationships are affected by technology. This year marks the release of LOVE MACHINES Volume 1, collecting the first six issues in a color hardcover format. In 2015, Josh Trujillo created, edited and published DEATH SAVES: FALLEN HEROES OF THE KITCHEN TABLE, which features the work of over 40 international creators. Successfully funded through Kickstarter, it is currently available in comic book shops everywhere.
You can remain updated on his work by following Josh on Twitter @LostHisKeysMan or visiting him at JoshTrujillo.com.
Cover Information:
Death Saves cover by Jared Morgan http://jaredmorgan.tumblr.com/
Love Machines Issue 6 cover by JB Wolfe http://bellwolfe.com/
Adventure Time: President Bubblegum cover by Scott Maynard http://www.happletea.com/
