For our next Creator Interview, we've connected with Alexandra McCarthy in the United Kingdom about her work, featuring the manga Reluctant Hero. Alex has already contributed to numerous comics and manga, including anthologies. We've been excited to hear from manga creators in other parts of the world. We all have different experiences, and I'm sure you'll love hearing from Alex too, so let's get into it!
GlobalComix: Tell us a little bit about yourself and how you came to work with Band of Bards?
Alexandra McCarthy: My name is Alexandra McCarthy, and I’m a UK illustrator based in the West Midlands. I studied at Birmingham City University and received a BA (Hons) and MA degree in Visual Communication. I regularly attend and promote my work at various comic conventions across the country.
I contributed two full page comic illustrations to the Frontier winner and Eisner-nominated anthology comic Sensory: Life on the Spectrum, published by Andrews McMeel Publishing in 2021. Currently, I’m working on my own manga series, Reluctant Hero, with indie publisher, Band of Bards, and editor Nicole D'Andria from the U.S. I discovered Band of Bards by googling publishers. Their submissions were open, so I applied and landed a deal. It’s not a very thrilling tale, but that's what happened.
GlobalComix: What is the history of Reluctant Hero?
Alex: While listening to music on the train, I often imagine my own personal music videos to break up the journey. Most of my ideas are formed through music or just before I fall asleep—I get a lot of them at the most inappropriate times. Reluctant Hero came from thinking a simple question: What if someone took playing hero and villain too far? Years later, while in lockdown, I decided to expand that idea.
GlobalComix: Have there been any other manga that you’ve made or want to make?
Alex: I have a few ideas, but unfortunately, I work full-time, so I have to put some of them on the back burner for now. Collaborating with an illustrator or writer to ease some of that pressure would be great.
GlobalComix: Why make a manga and not a “western comic”? What draws you to making manga specifically?
Alex: I work in a lot of different styles, but manga has been a huge influence on my work from an early age. I do have a western-style comic, Burnt Toast, which is a collection of quick four-panel comics about exaggerated mishaps in my life.
GlobalComix: What part of the manga creation process do you enjoy seeing the most or find the most satisfying?
Alex: I find joy in every part of the process; however, nothing is more rewarding than when readers comment about how much they’re enjoying my work. Knowing that people are appreciating it motivates me.
GlobalComix: Do you have any assistants, or would that be something you’d like to have in the future?
Alex: Nicole D'Andria is my editor, courtesy of Band of Bards. Working with an editor is still quite new to me; I’m so used to just working by myself. I write, storyboard, illustrate, and letter it all. It takes a long time, but this way, I have full control over my vision. However, I would be open to working with people in the future. Maybe a letterer for my next project.
GlobalComix: Making manga is still a bit of a novelty outside of Japan, and it can be hard to find resources for it. What have you done or been able to do to learn more about making manga?
Alex: Not really. There are a ton of resources in the UK. You can always find how-to books at your local comic shop. You can also find plenty of tutorials online—Pinterest is a great site for tips and tricks. Manga is becoming more mainstream over here; the section in Waterstones seems to be rapidly growing.
GlobalComix: What sort of anime, manga, comics, or cartoons have inspired your artistic journey?
Alex: The Powerpuff Girls and a lot of Cartoon Network shows had a huge influence on my style, and The Simpsons really shaped my sense of humor. Pokémon and Cardcaptor Sakura were my first introduction to anime, shortly followed by Haruhi Suzumiya, Chobits, Ouran High School Host Club, Panty & Stocking with Garterbelt, Psycho-Pass, and more. Now that I’m older, I’m sad that I can't find the time to watch anime. I often joke that I’m very out of touch while I’m at Comic-Con, observing all these amazing cosplays from anime that I’ve never even heard of.
My sister introduced me to manga. She worked at a book shop and would buy me manga to read. The first one I ever read was called Hot Gimmick, a slice-of-life/ romance manga. I found it gripping; it was full of drama and gorgeous artwork.
GlobalComix: What advice would you give to others who want to make their own manga?
Alex: I hated this advice as a teen, but you need to learn anatomy and perspective. It really helps you in the long run, especially when you’re designing characters and building narratives. Carry a mini notebook and write down your ideas; even just jotting down keywords can help. Finally, read as much manga as financially possible.
GlobalComix: What’s next for you? Any new projects that you can tease the readers with?
Alex: I am working on chapters three and four of Reluctant Hero. Five chapters are planned for Volume 1, and there will be three volumes in total. I’m hoping to get the first volume printed once all five chapters have been completed. I occasionally update my Burnt Toast series on Instagram. I’m also working on a children’s book, Foldington Square, which is an idea I’ve had for years now.
Thank you, Alex for taking time out of your busy production schedule to talk with us! I can't want to see how the next chapters of Reluctant Hero turn out!
- Start reading and add Reluctant Hero to your library here
- Follow Band of Bards for future updates
- Check out Alex's LinkTree for all their social media platforms.
Have you had a chance to read the lovely Reluctant Hero yet? Let us know what you think in the comments!