The following is an interview with Lambda Literary Award finalist JD Glass and Eisner Award-nominated artist Kris Dresen regarding the recent release of the young adult graphic novel, Punk Like Me, with Street Noise Books. In this interview, Fanbase Press Editor-in-Chief Barbra Dillon chats with Glass and Dresen about their shared creative process in bringing the story and characters to life on the page, the themes that they hope may resonate with readers, and more!
Barbra Dillon, Fanbase Press Editor-in-Chief: Congratulations on the recent release of Punk Like Me! What can you share with us about the genesis behind this project, and how would you describe its premise?
JD Glass: Thank you! The story began with two simple concepts: one, the experience of “becoming” is a universal one, even as different as we may seem and even be, our process and our feelings to get there are similar. And…I wanted someone experiencing this process for themselves to know that it is both navigable and survivable, as challenging and even as impossible as it may seem.
Kris Dresen: JD approached me about turning her novel into a graphic novel. I had heard of her and the book but had not read it. I bought a copy and connected with the work immediately. I was drawing the pages in my head as I read it. I told JD that I was the only person who could draw her book. Luckily, she agreed!
BD: How would you describe your shared creative process in bringing this story and its characters to life on the page?
JDG: For this particular story, we had so many awesome discussions! There was a LOT of caffeine involved.
KD: Lots of discussion and talking through the overall vision for the graphic novel. It went through a few iterations before we settled on what became the final product.
BD: At Fanbase Press, our #StoriesMatter initiative endeavors to highlight the impact that stories can have on audiences of various mediums and genres. How do you feel that Nina’s story might connect with and impact readers, and what, if any, conversations do you hope that it might inspire?
KD: Nina’s story is of being honest and authentic, which is exceedingly difficult to be when you’re a teenage let alone to carry into adulthood. I hope that readers will see that in themselves, the need to be their real selves and be true to who they are. This world needs honest, authentic people now more than ever.
JDG: I hope that Nina gives people hope that whatever it is they’re facing, that they can get through it, especially as it relates to they’re need and struggle to be authentic.
BD: What makes Street Noise Books the perfect publishing partner for Punk Like Me?
KD: We joke that we had to wait for Street Noise Books to come into existence for our book to have a home. Their commitment to publishing books that are “unapologetic, authentic, and politically relevant” is exactly what we were looking for. And they’re very punk in nature. We were thrilled when they wanted our book. They have an amazing list of titles and we’re delighted to be among them.
JDG: I agree with Kris a million percent! And it’s also an incredible honor to be a part of the Street Noise cohort!
BD: Are there any additional projects – past or current – that you would like to highlight for our readers?
KD: JD and I are starting to develop our next graphic novel, which is a bit darker and touches on a subject not often seen in queer stories. I am working on a new project with my Max & Lily characters that I think will be fun and fresh.
JDG: I’m very excited about our next graphic novel, and I’m always happy to discuss my most recent novel, Fire Fall, that while not a graphic novel, does actually have comics as part of the story!
BD: Lastly, what would you like to tell fans who want to learn more about Punk Like Me and your other work?
KD: We have our website – dresenglass.com – which has links to our personal websites – as well as our Instagrams: @krisdresendraws, @dresenglassmedia, @jdglass_story_artist
