GVN Talking Comics Interview: Writer And Colorist Taki Soma For ComiXology Originals Six-Issue Series ‘Alienated’

In the realm of comic creation, it is common for writers and artists to receive the majority of the attention when it comes to a title. However, they would be the first to admit that the magic does not occur without the skills of their colorist, inker, or letterer. It is their combined efforts that bring their vision to life.

There are some members of those seemingly forgotten artists who possess multiple talents. This is the case with colorist Taki Soma. She not only pencils and colors but also writes. Soon, Taki’s multiple skills will be showcased in her new 6-issue series for ComiXology Originals, “Alienated.” In her exciting new title, she writes, colors, and letters with the supportive help of artist John Broglia.

Recently, we sat down with the talented creator to discuss her beginnings, her first book “Sleeping While Standing,” and her new book “Alienated.” Let us welcome Taki Soma to GVN Talking Comics.

Creative Beginnings

GVN: Thank you, Taki, for sharing some of your time with us. Since we haven’t had the opportunity to speak before, I would like to begin by learning about your creative background. When did your interest in art, particularly comics, first develop? Who were the artists that inspired you to pursue this passion?

TAKI: Hi, thanks for having me. The pleasure is all mine. Wow, we’re digging deep immediately, and I like it! I think I was always meant to be a cartoonist, but didn’t realize it until I was in my late 20’s. That was around when I started to read comics avidly while attending an advertising school to become an art director as I worked at an ad agency. Except one day, a schoolmate mentioned that I didn’t really want to be in the ad world, did I? I talked about comics incessantly and perhaps, that’s where my passion lies. I believe I dropped out the following week to pursue my dreams in the comics industry.

“Sleeping While Standing”

GVN: You transitioned from living in Japan to Minnesota during your teenage years, experiencing a significant culture shock. You explored this transition, along with other aspects of your life, in your first book, “Sleeping While Standing.” When you began working on this autobiographical project, did you have hopes of publishing it at that time, or were you primarily focused on telling your unique story for its cathartic benefits? (It is an outstanding book.)

TAKI: My goodness, thank you!! It was definitely the latter; the catharsis became an obsession after I did the story titled Box in the book. I created those pages for myself because I needed to hold on to the dream I had of my dad, who’s passed, and the best way for me was to make a comic about it. I felt sad still but also released from the pit of despair. It was as if I had some control over the past that refused to change. I worked on several more, and they were all therapeutic, you know? I became obsessed until I had enough material that it only made sense to look for a publisher and share it.

A Writer Who Colors or a Colorist Who Writes?

GVN: You are somewhat unique in that you have combined your writing talents with your work as a colorist. Most creators are either just writers or artists. Which came first, your work as a colorist or your pursuit of writing or do you consider them both as tools in your talented toolbox?

TAKI: It’s strange to me how life unfolds. I pursued comics in hopes of becoming a penciler. Then, I learned to ink my own work because it was practical. The coloring work came out of another practical need that Brian Bendis and Michael Oeming (my husband) were faced with when they were developing Murder, Inc. Since I wasn’t actively working on anything, I offered to be their colorist even though I haven’t colored anything before. That was how that aspect of my work happened. But I have been writing stories since I was a kid, I just always thought I’m a visual artist and boy, was I wrong! Storytelling was always in my soul, and that’s why comics had such a strong pull – it’s visual storytelling, it combines everything I love! So anyway, I am known mostly for coloring, but in my mind, I’m a writer first, artist, then colorist. A person can dream…

“Alienated”

GVN: Your upcoming 6-issue-series Alienated from ComiXology Originals explores the effect of finally discovering the existence of aliens, only to find them dead, with no clue as to what happened. All except for one surviving alien and the retired teacher and his grandchildren who try to protect it. How did this story come about and what do you hope your readers will take from this powerful tale when all is said and done?

TAKI: I have been waiting for this particular question to be asked!! You’re the first, thank you. So… I woke up one morning with the vision of dead aliens all over the world, just like in the comic. That’s all I had. No story, no answers. The image intrigued me and I started asking myself questions. What could be the reason for their arrival, what went wrong that they perished as soon as they landed, how did they get here, and how would we react to such an event? Also, it was obvious that I needed at least one alien that survived, so the story has a structure to answer these questions.

Working with Artist John Broglia

GVN: You handled the writing, coloring and lettering for Alienated while collaborating with talented artist John Broglia. How did that partnership come about and what process did you and John land on to tell your story? Did you give him a complete script, a detailed outline or just talk it through?

TAKI: John Broglia and I have been friends for nearly 20 years! I attended his wedding. We watched each other grow and learn in the comics world and when it came to finding an artist for Alienated, I wanted someone I knew, that I trust to be professional and meet their deadlines; and that’s John Broglia. When I approached him on it, we decided to only work on the first 6 pages as sample pages to pitch around with – with a fully fleshed out script, yes. And maybe because we have a long history, my experience working with him has been seamless and quite easy, perhaps because we trust each other’s instincts.

Pitching to ComiXology

GVN: As we mentioned, you are working with ComiXology in the release of Alienated. Did you pitch your idea to them, or did they approach you with the hope for you to do a title with them?

TAKI: My friend Neil Kleid, who has a working relationship creating comics with them, introduced me to Jeff DiBartolomeo, the GM for ComiXology. At the time, they were not looking for any titles, but when they were ready, I was prepared with two titles, one of which was “Alienated, ” as if it was kismet. And yes, this means I am working on another title with them, but that has not been announced yet and that’s all I can tease

Other Projects

GVN: Thank you once again Taki for sharing your time with us. Before I let you go, I want to give you a moment to talk about any other projects you might want your fans to know about.

TAKI: Thanks for the opportunity to plug in some books!! Yes, please. And thank you for the lovely questions.

There’s my autobiography where I did everything from script, art, color and letter titled “Sleeping While Standing.” From 3 different sources depending on where you live: Avery Hill Publishing, Amazon, and Barnes and Noble.

“Galaxy of Madness” by Mags Visaggio, Michael Avon Oeming, Victor Santos, & Taki Soma.

“Murder Inc.” by Brian Michael Bendis, Michael Avon Oeming, & Taki Soma V1, V2, V3