The following is an interview with Norm Konyu regarding the recent release of the hardcover for the graphic novel, The Junction, from Titan Comics. In this interview, Fanbase Press Editor-in-Chief Barbra Dillon chats with Konyu about the evolution of the story, what he hopes that readers will take away from the project, and more!
Barbra Dillon, Fanbase Press Editor-in-Chief: Congratulations on the recent release of The Junction! For those who may be new to the book, what can you tell us about its premise?
Norm Konyu: At its heart, The Junction is a mystery. When an eleven-year-old boy, Lucas Jones, turns up on his Uncle’s porch, twelve years after disappearing, the brief moment of joy is replaced by confusion as Lucas is still eleven years old. As Lucas is withdrawn and silent, it’s up to a police detective and a child psychologist to puzzle out how any of this is possible, and where is this place, “The Junction,” that Lucas refers to in his diary entries….
BD: In light of the new hardcover format, are there any additional features or content being included in the book that readers can anticipate?
NK: The heart of the book has changed very little from the original softcover self-published edition, but the vibrancy and quality of this print run really blew me away. There’s also a great foreword now included by Jordan Roberts, the writer of Big Hero 6.
BD: You have been fortunate to be able to connect with readers regarding The Junction’s story during its initial release as a crowdfunded project. Now that it will be rereleased through Titan Comics, what has been your experience in seeing the evolution of this graphic novel and noting the new audiences that it will reach?
NK: Well, I just hope it just keeps making those same connections to a whole new audience opened up by its commercial release. All along, I’ve been surprised as to what different readers take away from it; some like the nostalgic memories of being a child in the ’80s, some are affected by the themes of love and loss, and some just enjoy immersing themselves in the artwork.
BD: What makes Titan Comics the perfect home for this story?
NK: As a first-time creator, I’m overjoyed to have Titan Comics on board. They’re a smaller, quality publisher which has allowed them to keep me in the loop throughout the entire process, with a great distribution network, and a fantastic roster of varied books already in their library. If people aren’t familiar with Titan’s library, they can check out their releases at titan-comics.com.
BD: Are there any other upcoming projects on which you are working that you are able to share with our readers?
NK: I’m working my way through another GN, currently called Downlands. It shares some of the darkness of The Junction, and is a tale incorporating the history, landscape, and folklore of the area I currently live near, the South Downs of East Sussex in the UK. The depth of the history and folklore here in the UK has always fascinated me. I grew up in Canada, and we just don’t have that history to draw upon. As you may imagine, a graphic novel is a slow process, so I’m not really sure when it will be ready for public consumption…
BD: Lastly, what would you like to tell fans who want to learn more about The Junction hardcover and your other work?
NK: First of all, The Junction is available to order at your local comic or book shop, or at any of the usual online retailers. I like to ask people to support their local independent retailer if they can, but I’m well aware that sometimes budgets don’t stretch that far!
If people want to see some of my other professional work in animation and illustration, or even want to take a peek at the aforementioned Downlands, they can check that out on my website: www.mooseboy.co.uk.
