FCBD Interview: Creator Jon Chad Talks Science Comics

Earth is rumbling with the creation of First Second's educational comic book, Science Comics! 

FCBD spoke with creator Jon Chad about the preparational research he did for Volcanos as well as why he enjoys Free Comic Book Day.

Get your FREE copy of Science Comics at your local comic book shop on May 7, 2016!

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Free Comic Book Day: For those who might be new to your comic book, give us a quick rundown of the story. 

Jon Chad: In my FCBD story, I introduce a futuristic Earth that is frozen over; its inhabitants desperate to find heat.  A young fuel-mapper, Pallas, is combing the icy remains of a city to find material suitable for burning.  I use this as a backdrop to share a whole lot of science information about how volcanoes are formed, how people used to think that volcanoes worked, and how they actually work.  Volcanoes are one of the signs that our planet is alive and full of fire and life, and I endeavor to share as much as I can about them!

Free Comic Book Day: What has been your favorite part of the book or character to tackle?

Jon Chad:I think I'm going to give you two answers for that.  First, I loved just learning more about volcanoes, and I hope that comes through in the final book.  Volcanoes are definitely dangerous, but I loved learning the mechanics behind how they work, and how they don't just destroy, they also create life.  My favorite breakthrough that I made is when I realized that the different types of magma, the different shapes of volcanoes, and even the differing strength of eruptions is all based on one thing: how thick the magma is, and how much gas it has in it.

Second, getting to draw the incredible power of volcanoes was a lot of fun.  It's been fun to create the juxtaposition between the cold, frozen wasteland that the main characters live in, and the vibrant, hot, life-giving presence of volcanoes that they are learning about.  It makes the volcanoes really feel hot, and reminds the reader that we're not just talking about "hot summer day" hot, we're talking "melting solid rock to goo" hot.

Free Comic Book Day: What initially got you interested in comics?

Jon Chad:I've always been interested in visual storytelling.  I remember that we got to illustrate books in 1st grade, and I would just churn out these books about pig warriors and space knights.  I loved reading newspaper comics when I was a kid, Calvin and Hobbes, Foxtrot, Garfield, etc, and got into Dragonball Z, Naruto, and Evangelion  in high school.  I think the real, cementing moment for me was when I mad my first minicomic and gave it to someone.  That sense of connection with a reader, and getting to hand craft something that they'll hold in their hands and read, is irreplaceable. 

Free Comic Book Day: What other titles would you compare to yours? “If a comic reader likes _______ , they should pick up my title"?

Jon Chad:First Second has a great selection of science comics out there.  Maris Wicks, who I am splitting this FCBD with, has done a number of wonderful non-fiction science comics including Primates with Jim Ottaviani, and Human Body Theater.

Free Comic Book Day: Tell fans why they should pick your book first on Free Comic Book Day!

Jon Chad: There are a lot of really great FCBD books, but the one that I am splitting with Maris Wicks is the only one that merges science and comics together in one big fun, educational package.  We both believe in the power of comics to communicated and animate otherwise difficult or complex subject.  We also use the transportative powers of comics to bring you to the bottom of the ocean, or coasting on the surface of an acidic lake.

Free Comic Book Day: What is your favorite part about Free Comic Book Day?

Jon Chad: My favorite part about FCBD is getting to try a new series that I normally wouldn't gravitate towards, and it's a great way to get new readers acquainted with their local comic book shop.

Free Comic Book Day: Where do you plan to spend Free Comic Book Day?

Jon Chad: I will be in White River Junction, VT, celebrating the 10-year anniversary of the Center for Cartoon Studies, as well as doing a signing or two in the area.  It's going to be a busy day!  I'm already making MY list for FCBD, and I can't wait to read all the awesome comics that are coming out!