The following is an interview with Miss Lasko-Gross (Henni), co-creator (along with Kevin Colden) of the upcoming Z2 Comics series, The Sweetness. In this interview, Fanboy Comics Editor-in-Chief Barbra Dillon chats with Lasko-Gross about the inspiration for the story, her shared creative process with her husband, her signings this weekend at MoCCA, and more!
Barbra Dillon, Fanboy Comics Editor-in-Chief: Congratulations on the upcoming release of your creator-owned comic, The Sweetness! What inspired this sci-fi adventure?
Miss Lasko-Gross: Thanks! I loved the idea of these two badass women smugglers in space. In particular, their complementary styles of criminality. Nelly, being an unflappable mastermind while Scout is a goofily chaotic juggernaut.
Regardless of genre, I always try to write the kind of stories I enjoy reading. In this case, goofy, raunchy fun. My first two graphic novels (Escape from Special and A Mess of Everything) were memoirs, and my third (Henni) was fantasy. Regardless of style, I always try to give the reader an experience they can’t find elsewhere. My own particular brand of raw and visceral.
BD: The Sweetness marks your first comic book collaboration with your husband, Kevin Colden. How would you describe your shared creative process?
MLG: We’ve always critiqued each other’s work. In fact, all of our published comics have faced the crucible of blunt spousal scrutiny before ever being released. On The Sweetness, once I have a solid draft, I pass it over to Kev and make sure he laughs at the jokes and shakes his head in disgust (where appropriate.) Because of the physically proximity, we can ask each other for clarifications that usually involve long email chains and simmering animosity.
BD: What do you hope that readers will most connect with in the series?
MLG: I hope they will be immersed in the broke-down world of The Sweetness, contemplate the fluidity involved in what substances are illegal and why, and laugh at puke jokes.
BD: Why do you feel that Z2 Comics makes a great home for The Sweetness?
MLG: They’re a well-curated small publisher which has given us the freedom to dive into the filthy fun of The Sweetness.
BD: You will soon be attending MoCCA this coming weekend. (The signing times will be on the Z2 Comics Facebook and Twitter.) What are you most looking forward to about the arts festival, and have you attended in the past?
MLG: MoCCA is definitely one of my favorite shows. Unlike more traditional convention environments, it seems to welcome a more varied crowd. People who aren’t necessarily immersed in the traditional comics world but who love and respect the art form. I’m a big fan of talking to strangers about my work as well as drawing/signing books. Anyone going to the show should definitely come by and say hey.
BD: Are there any upcoming projects on which you are currently working that you would like to share with our readers?
MLG: The sequel to my graphic novel, Henni, will be coming out next year from Z2.
BD: Lastly, what is the best way for our readers to find more information about The Sweetness and your other work?
MLG: z2comics.com
