Q&A With Joshua Lozano

Q: What inspired you to create To See The Sky, such a unique fantasy story?

A: Well, I have always loved stories that play around with the concept of freedom, whether this be mental, physical or emotional. So I thought to myself, how would I create a story where multiple versions of freedom could be challenged? Thus, I created Llanka, a small country where the Melawa are unable to leave. I also have always liked the idea of rainfall being a narrative core to any of the stories I have created in the past so I wanted to expand on that. There are many different natures to the rain than meets the eye that I have yet to show but eventually I will get there.

Q: What was your creative process like while drafting?

A: So whenever the idea of creating something comes to mind, I like to start drawing! Whether these are very detailed character concepts or just scribbles with vague descriptions, I like getting the ideas out there so that it manifests in the world if even just for a moment. It inspires me to give the doodles a story and from then on I just keep going!

Q: Do you have any writers you look up to or see as role models?

A: My three favorites are easily Yoko Taro, Inio Asano and Haruko Ichikiawa. They each have this weird and unique way about creating their stories that emotionally impacted me in a way I did not feel was possible. In fact, Yoko Taro is one of the core reasons why my end goal is to become a Narrative designer/Creative Director for video games in the first place! The way he uses games to further immerse the audience deeper into the overall narrative is genius. This is mainly seen in my favorite game, NieR: Automata. As for Inio Asano and Haruko Ichikawa, they are both mangaka who have such deep and depressing thematic cores surrounding their stories that I can’t help but love. Whether it is the sacrifice that comes with change in Houseki no Kuni(Ichikawa) or the angsty coming of age story amidst a deeply flawed and often painful reality seen in Oyasumi Punpun(Asano). Both resonate with me deeply and going on with my life I often think a lot about the messages seen in both of these stories.

Q: Did you have any ideas for To See The Sky that didn't work out?

A: I wanted to showcase a bit more of the tribes and lifestyles of those around the 3 different rings. But there is just so much to work with in some 9-10 issues that I simply won’t have enough time to cover all of them. That doesn’t mean I won’t show them off more in the future seeing as “Tales Of Llanka” is planned to be a collection of short-ish stories to build up the world and culture.

Q: What elements of the world of Lanka were the hardest to build? Which were your favorite?

A: Without a doubt it’s creating a society that is forced to live within a small area that is constantly plagued with perpetual downpour, creatures from the abyss and unpredictable weather that makes life living quite a daring task. There is also creating the magic system which I have yet to showcase yet in the story but it is both simple and confusing but I hope to show it off in a way that is interesting! My favorite element of the world of Llanka is without a doubt, the various tribes that live within Llanka. Each has their own role to play with some being more important than others, there are certain exceptions where people can switch tribes but that is yet to be seen!

Q: What are your goals with To See The Sky?

A: Well I don’t have too much time to write all I want to do with the story but my goal is without a doubt to build the foundation of the world! Seneca is only just a fragment of what I have planned out but I really want to flesh out and grow the world through her eyes. Eventually, when I finish I will branch off the story to focus on the main plot of Llanka but for now this is just a sneak peek for what’s going to come in the next years!

Q: If you had to give one piece of advice to any beginner writer, what would you say?

A: Oh that’s a hard one, mainly since I consider myself a beginner writer myself! I haven’t done much so far but I think one of the most important things one can do is just put yourself out there. I’m not 100% sure how “To See The Sky” is going to go or if it will even end in a good way since it’s my first ongoing and official story. However, I feel it is important that I do it regardless of anything. How am I going to get better if I don’t mess up every now and then, right? One of the biggest fears writers have going into making anything creative is “Is this good? Will people enjoy this?” But I think the most important part is, do you enjoy it? Regardless of anything? You have to write for yourself first and foremost. Otherwise, what’s the point!

Joshua Lozano