Ross Hutchinson
I won’t lie. It’s always a source of personal pride when I get to talk to a fellow countryman who is working in mainstream comics. This time I got to talk to fellow South African, artist Jason Masters at his table in the artists’ alley at Africa Comic-Con recently.
CW: What was your most recent/current project?
JM: I am busy working on a book with the actor Common which I will be launching NYCC this year called Caster
CW: Who are your influencers in the industry?
JM: I am a huge fan Kevin Nowlan, Zach Howard (editor on castor) Sam Keith
CW: What’s your guilty snack while working?
JM: Whiskey…
CW: What comics (if any) did you read growing up?
JM: Growing up G.I.Joe, Spider-Man, and anything Batman related.
CW: Most productive studio soundtrack for working?
JM: Recently a band called the Oh Sees and audiobooks. I find it relaxing and listen to various things like The Expanse books.
CW: Personal favorite comic story arc/series?
JM: Arkham Asylum
CW: What got you into comic art?
JM: I discovered 2000 A.D as a kid and reading those stories about the like of Nemesis the Warlock, Strontium Dog and Rogue trooper is what got me interested in the the idea of drawing comics.
CW: What was your made it moment?
JM: I am still waiting for it… my career is very much a work in progress. I still feel I have a long way to go.
CW: What work are you most proud of?
JM: It would be my new book Caster. I feel its definitely the best work that I have done so far.
CW: How did you break into the industry?
JM: An overseas comic artist was brought out to local comic dealer had a look at my work and that artist helped get me into the business
CW: Who was your hero crush growing up?
JM: Betty and Veronica from Archie Comics.
CW: What project have you enjoyed the most?
JM: I would say my work on James Bond.
CW: If you were a car, what would you be?
JM: (Laughs) Never been asked that before…Transformer Bumblebee
CW: Is there a dream project beyond what you have done so far?
JM: A 100 percent creator-owned book collaboration with a great writer.
CW: There is a great deal of controversy around the comicsgate group and their pushback against diversity in comics at the moment including the targeting of LBGTQ creators and other professionals in the industry. What in brief are your thoughts on the subject?
JM: F#@! comicsgate.
CW: Who basic 3 points of advice would you give to anyone looking to make it in the industry as an artist/writer?
JW: 1.Draw all the time
2. Don’t be afraid of criticism
3. Get your work out there
Here is a small preview of Master’s upcoming project Caster”
The project which musician Common has developed with writers Austin Harrison, Zach Howard, and scripter Mike Raich will be illustrated by Masters. The main character who Common has lent his likeness to is a dealer in rare and precious antiquities who’s exotic tastes and globetrotting lifestyle see him get embroiled in international espionage and other Hijinks.
Common who will be also be creating an original score and song for the series has said in interviews quote:
“The moment I learned about Caster I knew the story was something special. The main character resonated with me instantly and I jumped at the chance to bring the comic to life in a more complex way through music.”
The comic will be produced by Line Webtoon Comics and Jason will be at New York Comic Con 2018 to launch Caster so be sure to check it out if you are going. The official conference and session time is listed on the NYCC website as:
October 04, 2018, 12:30 PM – 1:30 PM, Room 1A10 – Javits Center
Please join us for the launch of Caster, an all-new original digital comic series premiering on Webtoon from Noble Transmission and Freedom Road Productions
You can follow Jason Masters on Twitter @thejasonmasters and if you would like to know more about his work be sure to look here