Lady Killer
Credit: Joelle Jones (Dark Horse Comics)
As Hero Initiative introduces another batch of the “live experiences” to benefit comic book creators in need, artist/writer Joëlle Jones hopes readers get behind the effort to “keep the industry thriving and full of talent and good stories.”
Jones, who won fan acclaim for her comic Lady Killer, just finished a run drawing and writing Catwoman for DC. And although she couldn’t reveal her next project for the publisher, Jones said she’s still able to work during the coronavirus crisis because she has additional work with DC.
On Monday, the Hero Initiative offered a fans the chance to talk with Jones, via the internet, for a 40-minute Q&A for $200 per person – and it sold out in hours. The session will only have four fans present, and everyone will get a sketch that she’ll draw during the event.
Newsarama talked with Jones to find out more about her participation, what she’s working on, and why she decided to help with the Hero Initiative event.
Newsarama: Joelle, how did you hear about the Hero Initiative program to help creators during this time of need?
Joëlle Jones: They reached out to me. I’ve done some stuff for them in the past, but I wanted to help out more. So when they reached out, it seemed like it would be really fun and a really interesting way to raise some funds.
Nrama: You’re meeting with people, right? That’s what Hero Initiative is doing for people who donate?
Jones: Yeah, I think it’s four people, so it’s just a private little chat. And I’ll be doing head sketches for all of them while chit-chatting.
Nrama: So they’ll each get a sketch?
Jones: Yeah. I’m much better at talking when I get to draw at the same time, so it works out for me too.
Nrama: And so they’ll also get to talk to you and ask you any questions they want?
Jones: Yeah, yeah.
Nrama: You mentioned working with Hero Initiative before. Was it anything like this? Or have you done anything like this before?
Jones: No, I never have! I mean, I’ve definitely done a sketch. But the questions – I mean, I don’t know how or what we’ll talk about. It’s a new thing.
I’ve just worked at Hero Initiative at conventions, and they’ve been really lovely.
Nrama: Are you working right now? Are you able to work in the midst of this pandemic and lockdown?
Jones: Yeah, I’ve got a few things. It has definitely slowed down, like it has for everybody. But I’ve got a few small projects here and there, and some projects that are going to start much later. So it’s kind of like… sit and wait.
Nrama: Is there anything you can announce that you’re doing?
Jones: I don’t think so. I just wrapped up my run on Catwoman a month before all this happened. And so I’ve kind of taken the opportunity of, like, well, you know, I’m going to get back to writing and drawing the third Lady Killer, which I’m really, really excited about.
But everything else I’m working on – the stuff for DC – I can’t really talk about yet. But I’m super excited about it!
Nrama: And so far, as far as you know, no books are getting canceled because of this?
Jones: No, not that I’ve heard of, but who knows what’s coming down the road.
Nrama: Yeah, everything’s so unsure.
Jones: I know! Yeah, it’s the worst part about it.
Nrama: So the Hero Initiative helps creators in need. Any final thoughts about what they’re doing, particularly with the current situation?
Jones: You know, it’s the nature of the business, right? Because we’re all freelancers. If you’ve got work one day, you may not the next. And that goes for everybody.
So we have to look after our own, and look after people that we respect – and love their talent – just to keep the industry thriving and full of talent and good stories. You know? In a time like this, you have to support those people who bring it to you.