Photo by Sorrell Scrutton
New York Times bestselling author, Mariko Tamaki has not only conquered the Young Adult arena, but has found success in both the independent comics scene (winning multiple Eisner Awards and Printz Honors and in mainstream superhero comics. Her continued focus on LGBTQ+, has led to her own line at Abrams Books and her latest novel, COLD, about a shocking crime, told by a boy who died―and a girl who wants to know why is available now.
Mariko took some time to discuss the book, her new imprint, and more.
* * * * *
FOG!: Congratulations on the launch of your LGBTQ+ imprint, Surely Books, at Abrams ComicsArts. What was the genesis of the publishing line and what exactly is your day-to-day role within it?
Mariko Tamaki: The genesis was it was an idea my partner, Heather Gold, had. And it’s a pretty good one. I’m pretty happy she had it and that Abrams was interested in helping me make it happen. Surely is an imprint that publishes LGBTQ+ comics by LGBTQ+ creators. I curate the books and edit along with the tireless Charlotte Greenbaum.
Your new novel, COLD, focuses on parallel stories of two queer teens: Todd Mayer, a ghost, and Georgia, who finds herself drawn to Todd and the mystery of his murder. We’re close in age; do you feel like the teen LGBTQ+ experience today is easier than it was for you growing up? Do you find that non LBGTQ+ readers today are more open to reading the material?
I think the experience of being LGBTQ+ is probably still a pretty diverse experience depending on the teen. I would never say being a teenager of any kind is easy. I think there’s more language to talk about your experience and name it, and that I think is good. I’m not sure what non-LGBTQ+ readers are open to reading. I think there are more characters in more mediums that represent a greater diversity of queer characters, I think that’s good. I hope non-LGBTQ+ people feel the same.
I thought the book was very entertaining and really enjoyed the characters and the mystery itself. What I found a bit disconcerting was coming across a post you made for the PEN America website in September 2016 about censorship in regards to your award-winning graphic novel The One Summer. With the recent controversy surrounding Art Spiegelman’s Maus being pulled from libraries in Tennessee, have you received any pushback regarding Surely Books?
I have not. We hope that our books make it to readers in bookstores and libraries and schools.
In addition to your creator owned work, you’ve also done a considerable amount of work for Marvel and DC including She-Hulk, Supergirl: Being Super, I Am Not Starfire, X-23, and now the writer of Detective Comics becoming the first female lead-writer of the title’s publication history. Did you pitch the book or were you simply asked to come aboard?
I’ve been very fortunate to have been given many opportunities to work on books for publishers like Marvel and DC. It’s always a challenge and it’s always an interesting job.
Who or what have been the biggest influences on your work?
I would say Canadian literature overall has been a huge influence, as has been the many communities of creators and artists I’ve been lucky to be a part of over the years. Knowing artists is the best inspiration.
What else are you working on? Do you have any dream projects or collaborators?
I have many. I love collaborating. I am currently working on a new novel, a couple comics for DC, some TV stuff, and working with some amazing artists and writers for Surely Books!
What are you currently geeking out over?
Lots of things! Yellowjackets and Station Eleven definitely. I just finished Eden Robinson’s Son of a Trickster, it was amazing. I also loved Lee Lai’s Stone Fruit.
COLD is available now from e-retailers and finer bookstores everywhere.
