Author-Illustrator Spotlight: Chris Samnee

 

© Chris Samnee

July 9, 2021

We are pleased to feature author-illustrator Chris Samnee and his new graphic novel, JONNA AND THE UNPOSSIBLE MONSTERS, co-written with Laura Samnee (Oni Press) coming out on August 18, 2021. Enter to win a copy!


You're a well-known comic artist. Tell us about your background and how you came to illustrate for children.

© Chris Samnee



I’ve made a career in monthly superhero books, but have always looked back fondly at the comics I read as a kid. As I’ve gotten older, and Laura and I started a family, I realized that a lot of the books I’ve drawn over the years weren’t really appropriate for our kids, so I couldn’t share a lot of what I’ve been working on. Jonna is our chance to make something aimed directly at them, we even work right alongside at the kitchen table some days, and it gives us a chance to dip our ties in more All Ages comics. 



 © Chris Samnee


Congrats on your new graphic novel, Jonna and the Unpossible Monsters. Tell us about the story and what inspired you.

 

Thanks so much! 




© Chris Samnee


Jonna is the story of two sisters on a journey to find their missing father, in a world where danger lurks around every corner. It's an all-ages comic full of heart, action, and MONSTERS! It's a catch-all for some of the things I've enjoyed being able to draw in comics (action, foliage, character acting, rubble) and all the things I've never really gotten a chance to do much of until now—but have always loved (monster design, crazy landscapes, and leaning more into my very mixed bag of cartooning influences from Hank Ketcham to HergĂ©, Milton Caniff to Hayao Miyazaki.  

 


© Chris Samnee


What projects are you working on now?

 

In addition to Jonna I’m also currently drawing Fire Power, which is written by Robert Kirkman (of Walking Dead and Invincible fame) and published by Skybound/Image Comics.




© Chris Samnee


What recent graphic novels for kids do you recommend?


As a family we’ve all enjoyed reading Cleopatra in Space by Mike Maihack, Brobots by J. Torres and Sean Dove, Bone by Jeff Smith, Hilo by Judd Winick. The list goes on and on. :)


 

© Chris Samnee


What is one thing most people don't know about you?

 

Before I made comics full-time (not immediately before, that time was spent as a barista/bookseller at Borders) I spent some time as a Cable Guy. 




© Chris Samnee


Where can people find you online?

 

On Twitter and Instagram I’m @chrissamnee


 


 

© Chris Samnee



Chris Samnee is an Eisner and Harvey award-winning cartoonist. He's best known for his work on Daredevil, Black Widow, and Thor: The Mighty Avenger. He lives in St. Louis, Missouri, with his wife, Laura, and their three daughters.


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Comments

  1. I've read "Hilo," and I mean to read "Bone" in the color version someday! The other two graphic novels I will have to look up!
    This book looks and sounds exciting, and the pages are beautiful!

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  2. My grandbaby would love this book

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  3. I enjoy reading graphic novels and can't wait to read yours. Congratulations on your books!

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  4. Chris Samnee is one of the best illustrators working in comics right now. Can’t wait to read Jonna!

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  5. I love that Jonna is appropriate for younger audiences! Having kids sure motivates us, doesn't it? Congratulations!

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  6. This looks like such a fun book to read with the kids.

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