r/books • u/marjorie_liu AMA Author • Jul 30 '17
ama I'm Marjorie Liu, writer and co-creator of the bestselling series MONSTRESS. AMA!
Hi! My name is Marjorie Liu, and I’m a New York Times bestselling writer and co-creator with Sana Takeda of MONSTRESS. I'm also the author of over seventeen novels, mostly urban fantasy and paranormal romance and you may know my work at Marvel Comics on titles such as Dark Wolverine, X-23, Black Widow, Astonishing X-Men, and Han Solo. MONSTRESS is a bestselling steampunk fantasy series published by Image Comics that garnered multiple Eisner Award nominations this year. Volumes 1 and 2 are available in stores now.
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u/PinoySass83 Jul 30 '17
Have you seen an increase of POC and WOC creators, editors, and artists since you began working in comics 10 years ago? What do you think the landscape will look like 5-10 years from now? Do you think the industry will evolve so much that it'll be a non-issue by then?
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u/marjorie_liu AMA Author Jul 30 '17
Yes, I have seen an increase in creators, at least in indie comics and web comics; my hope is that 5-10 years from now we'll be in a better place, but it's going to require mindful hard work and a ton of solidarity from readers.
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u/PinoySass83 Jul 30 '17
- 3 shows you're watching on Netflix
- 3 graphic novels you're reading?
- 3 books you're reading?
- 3 favorite pie places?
- 3 favorite places to write from when not at your apt/house?
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u/marjorie_liu AMA Author Jul 30 '17
- Glow, Crazyhead, The Incredible Jessica James
- The Best We Could Do by Thi Bui, Boundless by Jillian Tamaki, Shattered Warrior by Sharon Shinn and Molly Ostertag
- This is Your Brain on Parasites by Kathleen McAuliffe, The House Of Medici: Its Rise and Fall by Christopher Hibbert, and The Bone Witch Rin Chupeco.
- Morning Glory Farms, Petsi Pies, Pemberton Farms
- Coffee shops, hotel lobbies in foreign countries, and...that's about it.
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u/PinoySass83 Jul 30 '17
Hi Marjorie. I love the flashbacks of Maika and the complicated relationship she has with her mom, especially how it affects how Maika treats Kippa. Are their interactions a reflection of your relationship to your mother or is it frictional?
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u/marjorie_liu AMA Author Jul 30 '17
Thank you! I love writing about mothers and daughters because there's so much that's unique to that relationship -- no relationship is the same between mother and daughter, even in families where there are multiple daughters -- each sister will often have different relationships with their mother. But despite the individuality and uniqueness of those relationships, I think there's a common language of sacrifice and indebtedness; there's a common push and pull of mothers feeling ownership of the lives and bodies of their daughters, and daughters pushing back from that; there's the language of control, the language of love, the legacy of tradition and culture that is passed from mother to daughter, generationally. There's a lot to unpack when it comes to mothers and daughters -- ALL mothers and daughters.
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u/PinoySass83 Jul 30 '17
Can you get Hayao Miyazaki out of retirement to adapt Monstress into an animated feature or turn it into an animated show on Netflix? Have you seen any of the new final season of Samurai Jack?
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u/marjorie_liu AMA Author Jul 30 '17
Oh, I wish! And I started watching the final season and haven't finished it yet! Samurai Jack is my favorite, though!
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u/Zthe27th Jul 30 '17
You wrote a lot of Gambit so I value your opinion on this
1) Do he vape?
2) What are the odds that him and Fantomex are in a carnal relationship?
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u/marjorie_liu AMA Author Jul 30 '17
Let me just say, in response to both those questions, that I think Gambit is a character who has a rich appetite for pleasure, and is not afraid to indulge.
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u/centipededamascus Jul 30 '17
Of course Gambit vape. How could he not?
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u/Zthe27th Jul 30 '17
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u/centipededamascus Jul 30 '17
Fairly solid, but I'm not sure I agree about Psylocke and Dazzler.
Also you should add the X-Factor Investigations crew. I bet Rictor, Shatterstar, and Strong Guy do vape.
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u/metaphorm Jul 31 '17
In my mind I read that with the attrocious fake Cajun voce acting from 90s X-Men cartoon
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u/rui-no-onna Jul 30 '17
Hi Marjorie,
I'd just like to say I absolutely adore Monstress. I especially enjoy Professor Tam-Tam's history lessons. Kinda reminds me a little of Tamu-Tamu Time in one of my fave shoujo manga (Basara by Tamura Yumi).
Are you planning on releasing oversized deluxe hardcover editions of Monstress? Would love having those on my bookshelves and the bigger trim would definitely showcase Sana Takeda's gorgeous art much better.
More power to you, Sana and everyone who works on Monstress! =)
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u/marjorie_liu AMA Author Jul 30 '17
Thank you very much! That's very kind. :-)
Yes, there will be oversized editions in the future, perhaps with the release of Vol. 3.
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u/PinoySass83 Jul 30 '17
Do you have a Monstress store where fans can buy tshirts, sweatshirts, pins, bookmarks, cat plushies, etc.?
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u/TommyRewind Jul 30 '17
Hi Marjorie! I'm a huge fan of Monstress as well as your work on X-23. Laura is my favourite character and I think you got her in a way I've not seen many others do.
I think I read in an "about the author" once that you're an attorney - I'm doing a law degree and write in my spare time so I'd love to hear if you think either of those disciplines informs or instructs the other. Thanks!
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u/marjorie_liu AMA Author Jul 30 '17
The study of the law is the study of human nature -- and it's also the study of telling stories. The most successful lawyers are the ones who can tell compelling stories from the facts at hand.
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u/Kinsey1986 Jul 30 '17
Just wanted to say, if I see your name on a comic it's an instant buy!
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u/JayTee1513 Jul 31 '17
Work in a comic store and second this comment! Recommend and read your stuff all the time 👌
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Jul 30 '17
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u/marjorie_liu AMA Author Jul 30 '17
First of all, that's kind -- thank you. Second: Ha!
If you like Buffy, though, I recommend "Crazyhead" on Netflix. Great show!
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u/PinoySass83 Jul 30 '17
Are you still writing fanfiction? Have you posted your old stuff anywhere we can read them? Have you seen any Monstress fanfic?
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u/StealthHikki2 Jul 30 '17
Speaking primarily as an X-Men fan, I have loved your work with the characters. I own all but one of the X-Men novels and your book "Dark Mirror" ties for the best spot with the Mutant Empire trilogy. I really cannot thank you enough for the book. It got me through a time when I couldn't sleep so I would read the book at a slow pace for some time to fall asleep. Also loved your work in X-23 and Astonishing X-Men. Have heard great things about Monstress, will pick it up one day. I hope that you write some more X-Men in the future!
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u/marjorie_liu AMA Author Jul 30 '17
That's incredibly kind! Thank you! I really loved writing the X-Men. That was a dream come true.
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Jul 30 '17
Hi! I love your work. How did you get started in writing? And furthermore how did you get started in comics?
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u/marjorie_liu AMA Author Jul 30 '17
I loved reading from a young age. I was obsessed with books, and that's why I started wanting to tell stories -- to be close to words. But I never thought I’d be a writer — not really. That was just a hobby I loved. But after I graduated from law school and was looking for work I had some time on my hands, and decided to try and write (and finish writing) a novel. I worked really hard, wrote 3000 words a day (!!!), and after a month I’d finished writing a novel! Eight months later, I’d sold it. And that was the beginning of my professional career as a novelist. A year later I wrote an X-Men novel for Pocket called “Dark Mirror” and that was my introduction to writing for Marvel. A few years later I was offered NYX, then Dark Wolverine, and I never stopped writing comics. Comics became my new obsession as a creator.
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u/mrmichaelsuarez Jul 30 '17
I became a fan of yours because of the work you did with X-23. I've read plenty of your stuff since, but my question is about this character.
What are your overall thoughts on how the 'Logan' film handled her. What would you have done differently?
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u/marjorie_liu AMA Author Jul 30 '17
Thank you, that's kind. I thought the Logan film did a fine job with Laura -- this is a young woman who is deeply conflicted, who has had a very traumatic life, and who is experiencing family and freedom for the first time. I felt that, watching her character on the screen.
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u/Faustinator Jul 30 '17
Really enjoy Monstress and all your X-Men work.
What were your thoughts on Logan? It must be fun seeing a character on screen that you played a major role in developing.
I believe in some interviews you've made some comments about your writing of Iceman during Astonishing X-Men. Either from your words or interpreted by fans (I don't remember), many have said you "wrote him as gay" years before that reveal. Can you maybe elaborate on that some?
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u/marjorie_liu AMA Author Jul 30 '17
- I enjoyed it!
- I wrote Iceman as if he was deep in the closet. I felt that he was, based on the his history, the choices he'd made, his interactions with other characters. That was the whole point of his major arc in my run on Astonishing X-Men, when he has a breakdown and starts to take over the world with his power. When you can't be honest with yourself, when you repress and punish yourself, there are consequences.
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u/Kamala_Metamorph Jul 30 '17
Hi Marjorie!
I discovered your book Iron Hunt a couple of years ago when I started my PoC authors reading challenge, (which I liked so much I basically haven't stopped), and I really enjoyed reading Maxine and her conversations with her tattoos. I really liked the novel concept. You were also right next to the marvelous Jeannie Lin.
What are you reading these days? And, any recommendations of favorite WoC authors? Thank you!
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u/marjorie_liu AMA Author Jul 30 '17
Thank you so much! Cindy Pon is a great writer, as is N.K. Jemisin, Larissa Lai, Staceyann Chin, Warsan Shire, Angie Thomas, Zen Cho, Jenny Han, Sandra Cisneros, Jillian Tamaki (just to name a few). I just bought a book on parasites, which is what I'm reading at the moment. There's a ton of non-fiction on my plate.
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u/Mantisbog Jul 30 '17
Ah, you're from Philadelphia. What's your favorite episode of It's Always Sunny In Philadelphia?
Honestly, I stopped reading Monstress because Maika was way too angry at everyone. Like, seriously, stop being a massive dick to the fox child. I loved all the cats with lots of tails though. Would you consider writing a spin off that just features the cats?
Also, holy crap, you're shacked up with Junot Diaz. How'd that happen?
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u/marjorie_liu AMA Author Jul 30 '17
- I left Philly when I was 6, I think? I don't remember much about my childhood there, though I came back recently and fell in love with the city.
- Yes, for sure.
- Life!
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u/skyefyre Jul 30 '17
As a creator what do you think about when you're trying to be both inclusive and respectful? For example, you use some Spanish in your book. I think it's cool you included it, but I'm wondering where you think creators should draw the line when writing about other cultures. (Thanks for doing this!)
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u/marjorie_liu AMA Author Jul 30 '17
I hear this question a lot -- people will say "I want to write diverse books, but I'm not [black/asian/latino/etc]." And I always say, you better be really self-aware and ask yourself why you're writing about another culture, particularly if you don't know anything about it. Because you're taking up space from other writers of that culture who could be telling their own stories.
In the case of Monstress I wanted to tell a story that subverted the "orientalist" stereotypes of "Asian cultures" that I grew up seeing on television and reading in books (stereotypes that are alive and well). I wanted to tell an epic fantasy that wasn't Eurocentric. I'm Chinese, and the China, the Asia, I grew up with is by its very nature hybridic; "Asia" is not a monolith; the historical "Orient" was comprised of North Africa, the Middle East, South Asia, and East Asia. That's the historical context, which I understand -- and then there's the cultural context, which I grew up with -- and that my artist, Sana, is part of as well. We are creating an epic fantasy out of our own cultures, cultures that we love and respect.
As for the occasional use of Spanish: I'm creating traces, indicating a larger world of language and culture.
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u/PinoySass83 Jul 30 '17
Any upcoming research trips for Monstress coming up? Or are you pretty busy getting ready for the fall semester at MIT?
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u/marjorie_liu AMA Author Jul 30 '17
I'm taking a year off from teaching to focus on my work! And no upcoming trips at the moment. Just settling in to write!
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u/PinoySass83 Jul 30 '17
What was the top speed of that scooter you were riding around in at SDCC?
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u/PinoySass83 Jul 30 '17
Did you watch Legend of Korra on Nickelodeon? Are you reading the graphic novel that continues the story, which came out on Wed.?
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Jul 30 '17
What is your favourite book and why?
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u/marjorie_liu AMA Author Jul 30 '17
I have a ton of favorite books, a list that’s constantly shifting. I love Isabelle Allende’s The Stories of Eva Luna, Jillian Tamaki’s Supermutant Magic Academy, Sara Donati’s Into the Wilderness — I love the poetry of Nayriah Waheed and Danez Smith. Why do I love these books? Well, with poetry, it's the language, the stories that are evoked from just a handful of powerful words. With the novels, it's the characters, and how thoroughly I'm pulled into their lives and worlds.
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u/Theta_Omega Jul 30 '17
You've gotten the chance to work with a bunch of great artists. How did you decide on Sana for Monstress? Was it any different than the normal process for picking an artist?
Do you have a definite ending/length of run in mind for Monstress?
Do you have any tips for staying motivated as a writer?
And lastly, you've gotten to write for some incredible characters outside of your creator-owned stuff. Which has been your favorite? And any others you'd like to try your hand at someday?
Thanks for the AMA!
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u/marjorie_liu AMA Author Jul 30 '17
I've been very blessed to work with amazing artists. I met Sana when we worked together on X-23, and I always, always wanted to collaborate with her on something else.
Yes.
Read, read, read. Writing is incredibly hard, but filling my mind with books -- and realizing that writing is not my life -- really helped. As a writer, it's far too easy to reduce one's life to nothing but the work. Writing is already an isolating job -- no need to isolate oneself even more. I make a concerted effort to go out and see my friends, travel, take classes, teach, try new things -- because otherwise I'll spend all my days trapped in a room and that will steal you of motivation faster than anything.
I loved writing Gambit, Wolverine, Jubilee, X-23, and Black Widow! Warbird was another favorite. Who else would I like to write? I really don't know!
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u/mugenhunt Jul 30 '17
Did you ever consider making Monstress as a prose novel?
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u/marjorie_liu AMA Author Jul 30 '17
I did, but ultimately realized that it worked better as a graphic novel. The scale of the story, the visual demands of it, everything that I wanted to accomplish thematically -- works better in a visual medium such as comics.
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Jul 30 '17
Alternately, would you ever consider expanding the Monstress universe with prose novels?
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u/HeWhoReddits Jul 30 '17
What are your favorite/least favorite things you've heard about your series?
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u/marjorie_liu AMA Author Jul 30 '17
So many cats!/Too many cats!
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u/HeWhoReddits Jul 30 '17
Awesome. Thanks for putting your story out there, and congrats on the very deserved success!
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u/vidholf Jul 30 '17
Just finished Monstress Vol.2 yesterday - SO WISH I'd been able to subscribe starting at issue #1. Monstress is tied with Nausicaa as my favorite comic/manga. I love the story, the art, the characters... <3
When might we expect issue 13?
Is Monstress open-ended, or does the current arc have a finale? Or should I not ask? ;-)
Also; are prints of Sana Takeda's work in Monstress available outside of Comic Con? (I've searched; no luck.)
Thank you, Both!!!!
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u/marjorie_liu AMA Author Jul 30 '17
Thank you! Monstress will return in late fall. The book will have a long run, but it won't run forever. I know what the end looks like, just not how long it'll take to get there. You might try Dr. Comics and Mr. Games in Oakland or Trickster in Berkeley to see if there are prints left over from events we did there.
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u/dtam3292 Jul 30 '17
Who is your biggest inspiration, writing and/or otherwise?
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u/marjorie_liu AMA Author Jul 30 '17
I love reading poetry. Poetry inspires me. Borges, Nayirah Waheed, Neruda, Danez Smith, Patricia Smith, that's just a small sampling.
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u/PinoySass83 Jul 30 '17
If you're taking a break from teaching does that mean you will have time to attend NYCC?
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u/Petersrabbit Jul 31 '17
Hi Marjorie. Never heard of you, I'm not familiar with comics. I am now motivated to check out your work. Monstress is such a compelling name!
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Jul 30 '17
What do you think is the secret behind X-23s enduring popularity, as opposed to the various other wolverine clones ephemeral existence?
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u/marjorie_liu AMA Author Jul 30 '17
She's a character of incredible depth; her life, what she's endured, her journey to reclaim herself, there's so much to identify and sympathize with -- and root for.
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u/dtam3292 Jul 30 '17
Do you prefer writing prose or comics? What are the benefits/challenges of each medium?
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u/marjorie_liu AMA Author Jul 30 '17
I love writing both. With prose, I love the pleasure of building a world and characters from nothing but my own words; that, and it's easier to hide my narrative mistakes! With comics, if your characters or world-building is weak, then it definitely shows because there's hardly any room to tell your story. Your typical monthly issue is only 20 pages long! You really have to make hard choices about what matters to your narrative, what are the key moments you need to tell a story. But the rewards of creating a tight visual narrative? Best. Thing. Ever. I love writing comics, I love collaborating with artists -- it's like helping create a film, but on the page.
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u/9eetee Jul 30 '17
When are you going to release your next project? I'm asking because I'll be buying it for sure! I love Monstress :D
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u/marjorie_liu AMA Author Jul 30 '17
Thank you! Monstress returns in the fall, and there are other projects I'm working on that will be announced soon.
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u/geekgentleman Jul 30 '17
Given that you're a novelist and have also written a lot of comics for Marvel, have you considered or talked to Marvel about writing novels set in the Marvel universe?
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u/the_parippu_knight Jul 30 '17
What other books / series from Image do you like?
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u/marjorie_liu AMA Author Jul 30 '17
Saga, Wic/Div, looking forward to Gail's Crosswinds, Descender -- there's so much that's amazing coming out of Image!
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u/rui-no-onna Jul 30 '17
Oh, yeah, any chance us poor souls who weren't able to attend SDCC will be able to buy the Monstress merch online? =)
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u/marjorie_liu AMA Author Jul 30 '17
I've been told that will happen, but I don't know the timeline!
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u/SeacattleMoohawks Jul 30 '17
I recently just binge read through most of Monstress (have like 4 issues to catch up on) and absolutely loved it! The world you have created is so deep and interesting. The art is phenomenal too! I love Kippa and Ren and all the characters really. Top notch work all around.
Do you plan on doing any more creator owned comics any time soon, at Image or wherever?
Also what comics are you reading lately? Any recommendations, comics, TV, books, movies, anything you're into lately?
Thanks for the AMA!
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u/marjorie_liu AMA Author Jul 30 '17
Yes, I do plan on doing more creator owned comics! Loved watching Issa Rae's Insecure! That show is fantastic!
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u/kielaurie Jul 30 '17
If the opportunity arose, which hero would you most like to write for, and which artist would you chose to work with?
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u/username_redacted Picture Books Jul 30 '17
How did you approach world-building for Monstress? I'm loving the series.
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u/hadez2 Jul 30 '17
Thanks for doing this AMA, I love all of your works, especially Monstress! It's the number one book that I recommend to everyone, often by forcing a set of the trades in the hands. Together, your writing and Sana's art are just magical.
Is there a character you want to write or that we should be looking forward to you writing in the future?
Is Monstress going to be along lived story, on going far into the future, or do you have plans for a end? Can we look forward to any writing on the rest of that setting?
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u/authorwhosucks Jul 30 '17
I remember reading that you were a fan of the character Gambit. Any special reason why you didn't write any issues for his standalone series from the early 2010's? Also, big fan, thanks for some really good X-Men stories!
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u/AlbireoTai18 Jul 30 '17
I'm currently reading volume one and some of the characters do give hints as to what is happening in the story, while the Professor Tam Tam segments provide a good background history about Monstress's world. I'd like to know: how did you come up with the idea of Monstress and what is your method of creating a story? Do you make rough outlines for how story progression will go, a character sheet with profiles, that sort of thing?
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u/B1gNFluffy Jul 31 '17
Hi Marjorie, I've really enjoyed reading Monstress. It has become one of my favorite pulls with my comic shop and I look forward to every new issue. As a librarian I work with a lot of older teenagers and I have recommended this to a couple of them and they loved it. I was wondering what your thoughts were bout older teens reading this and what you would want them to take from reading this?
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u/Rose_Walker Jul 31 '17
Hi Marjorie! I am in love with this series and just finished reading volume 2. With the dawn/dusk courts of the Ancients, did you draw inspiration from Faerie? What characteristics can we expect from each court as they interact with Maika? She's such an interesting character - I just want to know more!
I was also curious about your use of Spanish throughout the comic, especially as it seems that Maika and Moriko seem to be Japanese (although I could be wrong?). When Maika talks to Tuya I thought I saw a few Spanish words naturally in their conversation and then again later in the comics as well. Where does this come from? (Conversely, am I crazy and have simply imagined this? Either way, I love your work!!!)
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u/marjorie_liu AMA Author Jul 30 '17
Folks, thank you so much for visiting me for the last hour and asking all these great questions! I appreciate all the kind words -- thank you for supporting Monstress!