Interview with Yale Stewart
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Interview by: Leen Isabel
Geek Girl Leen Isabel recently had the chance to talk to Yale Stewart about his popular darling webcomic JL8.
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Hi Yale! Thanks for taking the time to chat with me for GeekxGirls.com. We are all fans of your darling webcomic!
LEEN: Tell me a little bit about yourself!
YALE: Well, my name is Yale Stewart. I'm 24 years old. Born and raised in St. Louis, MO, where I currently live. I attended the Savannah College of Art and Design, majoring in Animation, where I graduated in 2010. Since then, I've been making comics. Most notably, JL8.
LEEN: I love that in your comic, our beloved superheroes are growing up and learning about life. What were you like as a kid? Were you into comics and drawing back then?
YALE: I'm not sure what I was like as a kid, but I was definitely into comics, starting around first grade. So it goes pretty far back. Comics and cartoons and movies. Those were all really important to me growing up.
LEEN: Are you a full-time illustrator? What other projects can we find you involved in?
YALE: I am a full time illustrator, actually. I'm currently providing a back-up comic in Image's "The Legend of Luther Strode," which debuts 12/5, so keep an eye out for that. I also have a creator-owned comic titled "Gifted" that I've been working on every so often. Beyond that, it's mainly a lot of commission work.
LEEN: So, let’s talk about JL8. What inspired you reinvent these characters as children?
YALE: It just seemed funny.
LEEN: Do you have kids of your own or children in your life that you use as reference?
YALE: I do not have any kids of my own, or know any kids for that matter. I guess I myself just never really grew up, so I think I can relate to kids fairly easily. I don't know. Haha.
LEEN: Of all these awesome characters you portray, is there a particular one you’re especially a fan of? I absolutely love mini-Bruce. :) He’s just so mean and pouty.
YALE: Honestly, I really enjoy the girl characters. Both Diana and Karen. I don't know if it's because I don't have as much experience with female characters or what, but I have a lot of fun coming up with stories for them. That, and they're fun to draw. Particularly Diana.
LEEN: And don’t think we didn’t notice Neil Gaiman as the bookshop owner! Did you speak with Neil personally to portray him or did you just go ahead and do it? I think you captured his personality perfectly. His books are incredible.
YALE: I just went ahead and did it. Seemed like a good idea at the time.
LEEN: Did Mr. Gaiman see the comics? What was his reaction?
YALE: He did, actually. He seemed to enjoy them, which was obviously quite flattering.
LEEN: I just about squealed when you featured Sandman (Daniel) and Destiny. I know I would love to see more of the Endless! Will we see cameos from other iconic characters or celebrities in the future?
YALE: Oh, there will definitely be both characters and celebrities. Who, I can't say. But they'll be there.
LEEN: I understand you had to change the name of the web comic recently. Was this for legal reasons? Has DC comics taken notice to your webcomic?
YALE: It was for legal reasons, but not in relation to DC. As far as DC noticing me, I know that there are creators and a few editors over there that have seen my work. Beyond that...
LEEN: Will you be at any future conventions?
YALE: Absolutely. Which ones? I'm not sure. I'll almost definitely be heading back to HeroesCon, Baltimore, and NYCC next year (2013). Hopefully I can get a few more in, since three is pretty slim for a con schedule.
LEEN: For the readers who have yet to read JL8, where can they find you?
On
Facebook -
Tumblr -
deviantArt
Thank you for again, Yale! Keep up the great work and we can’t wait to see more!
-Geek Girl
Leen Isabel
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December 04 2012