“Frank Miller’s Dark Knight just completely changed how I view things.” – Frank Cho
Matthew Sardo spoke with illustrator Frank Cho at C2E2 in Chicago and the pair discussed Cho’s early influences and what book he would like to work on in the future. Cho is best known for his work on Liberty Meadows, Mighty Avengers and Jungle Girl.
Why are you a creator?
“It’s the only thing I know. It’s the only thing I know. It’s something I have to do. I didn’t have a choice,” Cho said.
What was the first comic you published and how did it feel to hold in your hand?
“It felt good, I’m a very tactile guy. I like to hold things when I read. Actually the smell of the newsprint brings back a lot of memories,” Cho said.
What book did you read that made you want to get into the comic book industry?
“When I was in fifth grade that’s when I started collecting comics. Pretty much all the Marvel Comics blew my mind. I remember two of my very first comics that I got was Fantastic Four #250 by John Bryne, X-Men #166 by Paul Smith and Chris Claremont, and shortly after Walt Simonson’s Thor run, and Don Newton, Detective #509 I think. His (Newton) illustration just blew my mind away and shortly after Frank Miller’s Dark Knight came and that just completely changed how I view things. That and American Flag by Howard Chaykin,” Cho said.
How would you describe your style?
“Classic and clean. I guess some people would say dirty, but I would like to think of my stuff as classic and clean,” Cho said.
What advice do you have?
“If you’re artist, keep drawing every day and if you’re a writer, write every day,” Cho said.
What book do you want to work on?
“Probably Conan, I would like to get my hands on Conan,” Cho said.
