One of my favorite things about comic creators is the shared experience that I have with so many of them. Take the talented Jordan Clark. He spent his youth taking advantage of reading any comics he found that excited him. It had nothing to do with the issue number, or the collectibility of the book. It was based on the cover, the characters, and the story. I so relate to that. It didn’t matter who published it; if the cover caught my attention and the story was good, I was thrilled.
Since those early days, Jordan has shared his gifts with DC, IDW, Dynamite, and many others. Now, it is Ahoy Comics’ turn with Jordan’s thought-provoking new series, Ancestral Recall. In collaboration with artist Atagun İlhan, Jordan delves into the story of a painter who unexpectedly acquires the ability to connect with Black history as a superpower. He interacts with significant Black historical figures, utilizing their skills and knowledge to solve the mystery behind a series of random disappearances, including that of his missing wife, June.
Ahead of the August 6th debut of this exciting series, we spoke to Jordan about his creative beginnings, his thought process when creating stories, and his latest book with AHOY. So, let’s welcome talented creator Jordan Clark to GVN Talking Comics
Beginnings
GVN: Thank you for sharing a part of your day, Jordan. Since this is our first opportunity to chat, let’s start with your creative beginnings. When did you first take an interest in writing, and when did the idea of writing comics come to the forefront?
JORDAN: No problem! I had always been around writing since I was a kid. My dad wrote for TV and my mom edited a science journal on books and films. I’d always had an interest in stories and as I grew older wanted to find a way to tell them. In college I had a professor who really loved comics and was always lending me or telling me about things I should read. Eventually I fell in love with the medium and have been doing comics for the past 12 years or so now.
Characters and Story Prevail
GVN: In reading your “about you” tab on your website, I couldn’t help but feel nostalgic about your description of looking at comics in your youth, not caring about what issue # was, but more about the cover, the characters, and the story within. When you write now, do you consider that motivation of the young Jordan Clark when telling YOUR stories?
JORDAN: Absolutely. Every comic can possibly be someone’s first. I’ve certainly seen people walk into a comic shop and be overwhelmed by the amount of choice and all the numbers on the cover. I think accessibility is key to the continued growth of the industry and I always try to write my stories in a way that invites a reader in, no matter if they’ve been reading and collecting for 20 years or mine is the first comic they’ve ever sat down to read.
Premise of ‘Ancestral Recall’
GVN: You have written for DC, Dynamite, and IDW, and now you are bringing your talents to Ahoy Comics for your new series, Ancestral Recall, along with artist Atagun İlhan. Please tell our readers the premise for this intriguing and educational tale and how you came to work with Ahoy?
JORDAN: Ancestral Recall follows reclusive and eccentric painter Melvin Waring who unwittingly gains the ability to tap into Black history as a superpower. As the story goes along he is able to connect with Black historical figures and use their skills and knowledge to unravel the mystery of a string of random disappearances, which include his wife June.
Ahoy was the perfect partner for this story because they really believe in stories that push the norms in comics and blend real world substance and commentary with high concept ideas. The wonderful Deron Bennett was able to help make the connection and I’m so happy to get to tell this story through Ahoy.
Focusing on Black History
GVN: As you have talked about Ancestral Recall, you make a point to emphasize the importance of focusing on black history and your efforts to try to overcome what has become a growing effort to erase it. With that in mind, how did you decide which historical figures to focus on? Part of the charm of the book is that these are people whom I am just learning about. It made me take a closer look.
JORDAN: That was our hope! Black history is filled with amazing stories and figures who through various reasons have been lost or suppressed. We really wanted to do a little digging to make sure that we highlighted some amazing people you more than likely had never heard of and would also make you want to learn more about them. Throughout the series you’ll meet the first Black woman race car driver, the greatest swordsman of the 17th century, and pioneers in rodeo and cycling.
Working with Artist Atagun İlhan
GVN: As I mentioned, you are partnering with artist Atagun İlhan for this five-issue series. Had you worked with Atagun before, and what made him the perfect choice to bring your story to life?
JORDAN: I was lucky to meet Atagun during our time together in the Milestone Initiative program and we hit it off pretty quickly. When I was coming up with the early concept of the story, Atagun was the first artist I thought of and we were fortunate he was available. He’s such an incredible talent and you can see it as he moves from superhero work over at DC to do a high concept book like this. His ability to draw the fantastic and the mundane with equal skill and importance makes him one of the best emerging talents in comics and he really knocked this series out of the park.
What Readers Will Take from Ancestral Recall
GVN: By the end of the series, what would you hope its impact would be on readers and those younger ones who might not know this history (like me)?
JORDAN: I hope readers leave with both a sense of how vast Black history is as well as feel a deeper connection that they can carry in their everyday lives. Our stories go further than struggle. It’s incredible to think of all the things Black people have accomplished despite the circumstances. And no matter what, we managed to find joy, love, and community with each other. I hope those are all things readers can take with them, and be inspired by the contributions of those that came before us.
Future Stories
GVN: If Ancestral Recall receives the positive reception I anticipate, are there additional stories you would consider telling, focusing on further exploration of lesser-known historical figures?
JORDAN: Absolutely! I have some plans for some anthology work that deals with time travel as well as some non fiction work that explores cultural curiosities like the invention of dap to the spread of certain fashion and much more.
Following Jordan
GVN: Thank you once again, Jordan. Before we wrap up, I’d like to give you the chance to discuss this project or any future ones. Where can fans connect with you online, whether on social media or your website?
JORDAN: I’m really proud of the work that Atagun, myself, and the whole Ancestral Recall team has been able to do on this series. I think even though it wasn’t our intention, the series really is timely and I hope people are able to read it and feel a sense of wonder and curiosity about history and the world. If you would like to follow me, you can find me at @jrsosa18 on all social media platforms. Thank you!
Ahoy Comics ‘Ancestral Recall’ by Jordan Clark and Atagun İlhan will hit stands on August 6th. You can find it wherever great comics are sold.
Senior Writer at GeekVibesNation – I am a 60 something child of the 70’s who admits to being a Star Trek/Star Wars/Comic Book junkie who once dove headfirst over a cliff (Ok, it was a small hill) to try to rescue his Fantastic Four comic from a watery grave. I am married to a lovely woman who is as crazy as I am and the proud parent of a 21-year-old young man with autism. My wife and son are my real heroes.
