J.J. Kirby drew his first comic book character when he was 10 years old, growing up in Ohio. Today, at age 34, Kirby is still drawing comics. By day, the Hillcrest resident is an artist at La Jolla's WildStorm Productions. By night, he cooks, writes rap lyrics and has even been known to bust a move or two on the dance floor.
Q: How long have you worked with WildStorm Productions? In 1995, I got picked from a WildStorm talent search. In 1998, I went freelance. I came back to WildStorm in 2006.
Q: What are the best and worst things about working in La Jolla? I'm a large, gay, black man enjoying the nice view. I fit right in in La Jolla!
Q: What comics have you worked on in the past? Some of the jobs I've worked on are: "DV8," "Wetworks," "Gen13," Marvel's "X-Babies," "X-Men: Evolution," "Mutant X," etc.
Q: What are you currently working on? DC Comics Online with Jim Lee and the WildStorm crew.
Q: Of all the drawings you've ever done, which one is your favorite? My favorite piece is a full marker rendering of "Alice in Wonderland."
Q: Least favorite? I don't really have a non-favorite but, if I did, it was probably inked and colored by someone else. I'm kind of an "art bully."
Q: What comic artists do you most admire? Arthur Adams and Alan Davis.
Q: What fuels your art? The libido.
Q: What is your philosophy in life? Life is full of second chances and it's all in how you handle them the second time around.
Q: What advice would you give to someone who wants to get into the comics industry? For those that really want it, your place is waiting. The rest need to focus their skills elsewhere. This career isn't for everyone!
J.J. Kirby will be at Comic-Con Thursday through Sunday. If you'd like to meet him, visit the Artists' Alley at the San Diego Convention Center.
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