freelance

Back in 2012 a cartoonist friend pointed me at a call for samples for a licensed comic for kids. As a fan of comics based on licensed properties like G.I. Joe, Transformers, SiverHawks, and more, I was excited about the chance. I found out it was for a comics series based on the Monster ? High toys.

By today’s standards 8-year-old Jerzy might be described as “gender nonconforming,” but in my mind I just thought stuff that was marketed for girls was just as cool as the stuff marketed to me. I collected Strawberry Shortcake dolls, I watched the Jem cartoon, and the Rose Petal Place tape that came with my sister’s dolls got regular play. And I love the Universal Monsters! I thought this might be a fun chance to apply what I know about comics to this line of fashion dolls.

They gave me a brief script to draw. I penciled on bristol, inked in Clip Studio Paint (then Manga Studio 5), and colored in Photoshop.

I remember getting favorable notes back from the editors. They liked the acting and the energy I brought to the characters. But someone at MH didn’t like the way I drew the shoes. I updated the drawings several times, but I never got to what they wanted. To be fair, the characters’ shoes are intricately designed, so I don’t blame them. It was a fun experiment, regardless!

And if any toy license holders are looking for an artist who can bring your characters to life on a page, you can look over here!