Women in Comics Month: Interview with Enrica Jang

In honor of Women in Comics Month this March, PREVIEWSworld talks with writer Enrica Jang!

*************

PREVIEWSworld: Who is your current comics employer?

Enrica Jang: Red Stylo Media

PREVIEWSworld: What is your primary job title? In a quick phrase or two, could you define your job’s key responsibility?

Enrica Jang: I am the Editor-In-Chief at Red Stylo, a Harvey-nominated indie publisher, as well as a comics writer. My own graphic novel, The House of Montresor, was published by Action Lab.

PREVIEWSworld: Could you please explain how your work helps make comics a reality? (Connect the dots for us. Where are you in the flow of getting a book into reader hands?)

Enrica Jang: I run the company and shepherd anthologies and comics from script through printing. We have a very small team of editors, so everybody has to do a little of everything. We recruit comic creators via an annual open call, and in the last eight years we’ve published over 250 artists and writers. Some veterans, but many new folks. Every pro will tell you that to get into comics, you have to make comics. By putting books together with many different creative teams, we help them achieve that.

PREVIEWSworld: What’s the part of your job you enjoy the most?

Enrica Jang: I love storytelling, and turning an idea into something you can see and feel. Making a project happen and getting it to the finish line. The proverbial blood, sweat and tears go into every project, but we make something that (with the help of digital) will last forever.

PREVIEWSworld: What comic titles have you worked on?

Enrica Jang: As a writer: The House Of Montresor (Action Lab). Crossing, Azteca, Angel With A Bullet (comic anthology inspired by Tom Waits), and some stories in various anthologies, published by Red Stylo. As an editor: The 27 Club, Killer Queen, Unfashioned Creatures, Shakespeare Shaken, and Poe Twisted.

PREVIEWSworld: While there are loads of professionals in the comics industry, there are only so many folks who get to do what you do! How did you get started? How did you learn all the skills you needed for your position?

Enrica Jang: I was very fortunate to score an internship at Marvel and see how comics are made at one of the best companies in this business.

PREVIEWSworld: If you had one comics-related wish—no limits—what would it be?

Enrica Jang: I’d like to see publishers in the industry with submission avenues that are less arbitrary. For many companies, the process for finding talent is limited to Bar Con or the popularity contests within certain social circles — all of which ends up being skewed and self-segregating, even without meaning to be.

PREVIEWSworld: Do you have an online presence we can link to and share with our readers?

Enrica Jang: @red_stylo on Twitter, facebook.com/redstylomedia, patreon.com/redstylo