Noctis VII
VIII
ww w. noctisma g. com
They say the secret of getting ahead is getting started, how old were you when you created your first comic? I first began drawing comics when I was eight. Now at twelve, I write, draw and publish The Zoom! With titles like The Skanky Pigeon and Planet of the Ace, The Zoom! dishes out plenty of tongue-in-cheek references to pop culture. What are your personal favourites when it comes to comic books and media? My favourite comics are The Beano and Image Comics' The Walking Dead. Favourite film would have to be The Godfather and I like to watch The Simpsons. At the moment I’m reading The Wasp Factory by Iain Banks. Like all creatives you have a wealth of first-rate shows and publications influencing the original comics you produce, but where do you look specifically for inspiration? I feel as though I’m still finding out about people in the industry and learning about it, so at the moment I can't name any main inspirations. I’m trying to catch up on all the TV shows, movies and books that I haven’t seen or read yet. How do you balance writing, illustrating and producing The Zoom! And attending school full-time, it must be a challenge sometimes? It’s difficult. I have to be really organised which is not something that comes naturally to me. I try to complete one comic strip every week. School is very supportive and helps out with my time-management. Who is your favourite character from The Zoom? I really like ‘The Nutters’ they’re a bit like the Bash Street Kids... But a lot worse. You've already come so far, seeing your work stocked not just in London but across the UK and in France too. What has been your proudest achievement so far? Winning a Spirit of London Award in the Media category last year, and also being a Spirit of London ambassador. Looking to the future what do you see on the horizon? Can you see yourself going to university? It depends on if the finances are available. I wouldn’t want to get into any debt and it costs a lot to go. You must have given some thought to your dream job? I’d like to write and direct my own movies or sitcoms. As a very successful young artist, what's the best piece of advice you can offer aspiring comic book artists and illustrators? Just do it. A lot of people sit around talking about things that they’re going to do and never actually do anything. The more work you put in the more you get out. Visit Zoom Rockman's website to find more: www.thezoom. co.uk Words - Emily Beeson and interview by Jennifer Geach
136
136
Stockists of the Zoom!: Gosh! Comics, The Cartoon Museum, The Big Green Bookshop, Rajco Newsagents, Pickled Pepper Books, Hornsey Train Station and Colette, Paris.