JORDAN CLARK Draws Upon Black History in ANCESTRAL RECALL

Hernando Diaz is back, bringing Jordan Clark along for a conversation about Ancestral Recall, with a 5-issue run coming in August from Ahoy Comics!

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COMIC BOOK YETI: Greetings Jordan, and welcome to The Yeti Cave! How is the start of summer shaping up?

JORDAN CLARK: You know, dealing with the same daily dissonance as everyone else, but also very excited about the release of Ancestral Recall. So definitely trying to hold on to the good and stay cool.

CBY: Your latest project, Ancestral Recall, not only features your incredible talent but also explores themes of love and mystery. Can you tell us about your background as a writer? What inspired you to work in the comic book industry?

JC: I grew up around writing and books. Both my parents worked either in TV or editing and we always had a ton of books in the home. Comics were my way into reading as a kid, I'd pick up all kinds of things at thrift stores and antique malls. 

I fell out of comics for a bit around high school but I had a great professor in college who pulled me back in and it was around then that I really got interested in making them. Also credit to Kelly Sue DeConnick who gave me my first opportunity for published work in the Bitch Planet Anthology. (Ed. - the whole series is fantastic, so check it out, folks!)

CBY: With your latest work in Ancestral Recall, I read some preview pages and the opportunity to see the main character in these strange situations caught my attention. What was your inspiration for this story? Can you tell us about the main character of your comic?

JC: Yes! Melvin Waring is a reclusive and eccentric abstract artist who gained fame in the 80’s only to slide out of the public eye over time. He unwittingly gains the ability to tap into the skills and knowledge of Black historical figures and is pulled into a cosmic adventure.

I was inspired by a number of things; the mix of outlandishness and sincerity in Everything Everywhere All At Once, the loving relationship of Thelonious Monk and his wife Nellie, and the way Black history has endured despite continued attempts to suppress it.

CBY: The story of your comic is really interesting for me. So, do you plan to have more issues beyond the five currently scheduled? If yes, what are some of the most intriguing elements that readers can expect in this series?

JC: I would love to do more stories with Melvin and June! Nothing is planned at the moment but I have a ton of ideas for more adventures. We could only include a couple historical figures in this run, but I have a multi-page document saved with other incredible people and stories to explore in the future.

CBY: It appears Ancestral Recall happens to be set in the present time, but some of the situations made me think of other periods. Could you describe a bit more about the world where the story takes place?

JC: Ancestral Recall takes place simultaneously in the past, present, and future. We really wanted to bring together the idea of history and time being in conversation. The past informs the present informs the future. So we'll see lots of jumping around in time, but it's all connected in a number of ways.

CBY: I definitely admire your extensive work as a writer, including Aquaman for DC and Star Wars Adventures for Marvel. Ancestral Recall has an incredible story and I hope to read more as it rolls out. So, my last question for you, what advice would you give aspiring writers interested in creating comics?

JC: No one can tell you that you can't make comics. I think a lot of people - and I was included among them - are waiting for someone to give them permission to create. I had done a ton of research, read books, and listened to interviews but it wasn't until I went to a workshop Kelly Sue was doing where she said the number one way to learn how to make a comic, is to make a comic. It doesn't have to be pretty or perfect, in fact it likely won't be. But so much of the journey is the work you do when no one is watching, so I would say write and create the stories you want to see. Small, big, digital, zines, one panel, try it all! Find that voice and opportunities will find you.

CBY: Jordan, thank you for joining us in the Yeti Cave today! For our readers at home, please feel free to include any portfolio, publication, or social media links below where they can further engage with you and your work. We look forward to seeing what you come up with next!

JC: Sure! Keep up with me @jrsosa18 on all the social media platforms. It's mostly comics and my cats, the essentials. And be sure to pick up Ancestral Recall out August 6th wherever you get your comics! 

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