Rogue Sushi signs, satanic postal workers, cannibal pilgrims, yetis, amorous truck drivers…these are just a few of the zany depictions that are featured in cartoonist José Domingo’s vivid and wordless graphic novel titled “The Adventures of a Japanese Businessman.” A wild, sometimes disturbing, romp intended for mature audiences, “The Adventures of a Japanese Businessman” is unlike any other graphic novel on the market and that is partly which it is so popular among fans of Comic Books and cartoons, especially those in the style of Cartoon Networks “Adult Swim” roster.
José Domingo is an award-winning illustrator, cartoonist, and animator from Spain. Now working on new projects, he recently spoke about his experiences working as a cartoonist and his hopes for the future:
Background
Blasting News (BN): How did you decide to become an illustrator?
José Domingo (JD): When I was a kid, actually. I clearly remember being at school at the age of four or five and saying that I was going to be a comic artist when I grew up. I never left the idea except from a temporary interest in becoming a fireman when I was a teenager.
BN: So far, how many books have you published?
JD: So far I’ve published four books, my first one being with the writer Kike Benlloch and three as a solo author.
I have also participated in a number of collective books.
Process
BN: How did you come up with the idea for“Adventures of a Japanese Businessman" and“Pablo and Jane and the Hot Air Contraption"?
JD: The idea for “Adventures of a Japanese Businessman” came out from a little sketch on my sketchbook and the feeling it created. Trying to capture that feeling--following the thread of it--resulted in the book.
For “Pablo and Jane and the Hot Air Contraption” I was commissioned by Flying Eye Books to create a book about monsters with a core hide-and-seek element but I was given total freedom to develop the story, characters and tone of the book.
BN: How did you find Nobrow/Flying Eye? What was the process of publishing with them like?
JD: We met for the first time in Angouleme during the comic festival where they approached after spotting “Adventures of a Japanese Businessman” at the stand of Bang Editions. Nobrow/Flying Eye is an awesome publisher who really cares about quality. They are genuinely enthusiastic about the books that they produce and they understand the creative process and the creators. Working with them is pleasant, creative and coming up with the best possible book is always the most important goal.
BN: To date, what has been the most rewarding part of being an author and illustrator?
JD: To me, creating characters and witnessing them come to life is still the most magical and exciting part of it. I truly enjoy the craft aspect of drawing and narrating a story, but the moment when the characters take shape and start dictating the story, putting you more in the role of a spectator than a puppet master, is the true joy and mystery of it.
Upcoming
BN: Are there any upcoming projects that you would like to mention?
JD: Currently I am working on a new comic for kids called “Vampire Defenders” that tells the story of Timo, a 700 years old vampire kid and the super-group of vampires that his dad leads. I am very excited about this book which is the most demanding and complex project I’ve worked so far in terms of story development. It is not just a thrilling adventure comic but also a story about feelings, family and growing up…with vampire superheroes!
BN: What do you hope to be ten years from now?
JD: I hope to still be a human by that time. One never knows.
BN: What advice would you give to an aspiring author or illustrator?
JD: You're probably a hand-thinker, so move your hands and keep them busy.
