The following is an interview with Evan Golden regarding the recent release of the comic book series, Lani: The Light and the Dark. In this interview, Fanbase Press Editor-in-Chief Barbra Dillon chats with Golden about his shared creative process in bringing the story to life on the page, where he hopes to see the series go in the future, and more!
Barbra Dillon, Fanbase Press Editor-in-Chief: Congratulations on the release of Lani: The Light and the Dark! For those who may be unfamiliar, what can you share with us about the premise of the series?
Evan Golden: Lani is a story about grief, loss, mental health struggles, and revenge. It is about a Filipina-American named Leilani Escalate, who is raised by her grandfather after her parents died in a car crash shortly after her birth.
Her grandfather, Lolo G, is a member of an ancient group in the Philippines named Ilaw, or the light. Master Ilaw leaders are stationed in cities throughout the world, protecting their citizens from Dilim, or the dark. As the Master Ilaw of San Diego, Lolo G has been training Lani to eventually inherit the privilege from a young age. Then when she is 17, Lolo G is murdered by the king of the San Diego underworld named The Puppet Master.
Lani, now suffering deep depression from the loss of loved ones, and not knowing who murdered Lolo G, immediately takes over as Master Ilaw to protect the citizens of San Diego from Dilim, and also to tirelessly investigate her grandfather’s murder.
The series is action-packed and is focused on street crime. Furthermore, it is thoughtful and shares the emotional struggles of losing people you love.
You can purchase books 1-4 of 6 now. Book 5 is well underway, and I expect it to be published early 2025.
BD: What can you tell us about your creative process in bringing this world and characters to life on the page?
EG: The creative process started with outlining a book that I would like to read. I love street-level crime books like Daredevil, Batman, and Moon Knight; moreover, I wanted to have characters that tie to people in my life.
My almost 17-year-old daughter and wife are strong, caring, and amazing Filipina-American women. They are the true influence of Lani. Lani is not afraid of anything and gives everything she has to protect those that she loves.
My grandfather was my hero growing up, and my mother-in-law was one of the best people I have ever met. Taking the best from them both created Lolo G.
I try to outline each book, like working the edges of a puzzle. Then, I work my way in with the details. This story has come pretty easy to me. I have very rarely experienced any writer’s block while working on this series.
I contract my art through Fiverr. It took me some time to find the best artist for my project. Books 1 and 2 have different artists, and while I love those books, they also helped me understand what this story needed from an artist. I have contracted the same artist for books 3, 4 and now 5.
BD: How many issues do you have planned for this first story arc of the series?
EG: For a long time, I did not know how long this run would go, but I feel it is close to coming to an end. Right now, the plan is for 6 books. Unless something surfaces when writing book 6 to where I want to write a book 7, that will be the last book in the series.
BD: Are there any other projects that you would like to highlight or share with our readers?
EG: I love history, and I am thinking of writing a period piece from the 1940s.
BD: Lastly, what is the best way for our readers to find more information about and purchase Lani: The Light and the Dark?
EG: I sell my books at my Etsy shop and also on IndyPlanet. You can find them using the links below.
https://lanicomic.etsy.com
https://www.indyplanet.com/lani
Also, you can follow me on Instagram, where I share news, art and more.
https://www.instagram.com/iamevangolden
