KENNY RUIZ: "Siempre tuve la duda de si puedes convertirte en Jedi"

Interview with Kenny Ruiz on "The Path of the Lightsaber"

The Journey to Create a Star Wars Manga

• Kenny Ruiz discusses how he approached creating a story within the Star Wars universe, emphasizing the need for nerve and perseverance in dealing with large corporations like Disney and Lucasfilm.

• He highlights his initial contact at B Media, which holds rights to produce Star Wars manga, leading to meetings with Disney and Lucasfilm's Story Group that determines canon material.

• Despite being offered easier projects involving established characters, Ruiz was determined to create an original story that would contribute uniquely to the franchise.

• A tense meeting with Lucasfilm's Story Group tested his knowledge of Star Wars lore, where he had to justify every decision made in his script.

• Ruiz reflects on this meeting as one of the most beautiful moments in his career due to his admiration for those present.

Character Development: Nioka

• The discussion shifts towards Nioka, the protagonist of "The Path of the Lightsaber," exploring her character development and significance within canon.

• Ruiz expresses disbelief at having created a character who is now officially part of the Star Wars universe, likening it to playing with childhood toys.

• He explains that Nioka’s journey mirrors traditional shonen manga narratives where young characters learn alongside readers about using lightsabers.

• The choice of making Nioka a female character stemmed from both personal preference in drawing and a desire for diversity beyond existing characters like Rey or Ahsoka.

• Ruiz aimed for Nioka to be relatable by not having any connection to the Force, representing an ordinary person aspiring to become a Jedi.

Exploring Themes and Canon

• The conversation touches on whether someone can become a Jedi without inherent abilities or connections—an exploration central to Nioka's narrative arc.

• The name "Nioka" was inspired by discussions around resilience akin to Nokia phones; it reflects her tough personality as well as fitting into Star Wars naming conventions.

• Naming conventions are discussed further, highlighting challenges faced when creating unique names within established universes like Star Wars.

• Ruiz reminisces about growing up during the era when many stories were considered part of the Expanded Universe before Disney redefined what constitutes canon.

• He notes how Disney's acquisition led them to discard previous materials while establishing new continuity through projects like "The Force Awakens."

Artistic Influence and Style

• Discussion turns towards whether there are identifiable Spanish influences in his work; Ruiz believes it's more about universal storytelling than national identity.

• He acknowledges European comic influences but emphasizes adherence to core Star Wars themes over personal cultural expression.

• Reflecting on early experiences with lightsabers in films, he shares how they sparked curiosity about their construction and significance within narratives.

• His passion for storytelling drives him as an artist; he finds joy in crafting comics rather than viewing it merely as work.

• On average, he spends significant hours working on manga pages but often feels immersed rather than burdened by time spent.

Personal Reflections on Artistry

• Kenny recalls founding a fanzine project at age 14 which helped him build friendships and develop skills crucial for his career today.

• He encourages young artists by affirming their passion for comics is valid and rewarding despite challenges faced along their journeys.

• Discussing interactions with fans reveals excitement over knowledgeable enthusiasts who catch details even he may have overlooked regarding his work.

• He humorously compares being asked for quick drawings by acquaintances similar to mechanics being asked for fast fixes—highlighting misconceptions about artistic labor intensity.

• Addressing impostor syndrome common among artists, he stresses self-compassion while navigating feelings of inadequacy related directly tied into creative identities.

Collecting vs Enjoyment

• When discussing collecting practices among fans versus enjoying items actively used or read, Kenny respects both perspectives equally based on individual preferences.

• Sharing personal anecdotes about owning collectibles illustrates how these items connect him emotionally back into childhood wonderment surrounding franchises like Star Wars.

• In hypothetical scenarios involving loss (like fire), priority would be saving digital works first followed closely by cherished physical items such as custom-designed lightsabers representing creativity realized tangibly through collaboration efforts from friends involved throughout production processes!

Prejudices in the Manga World

Common Misconceptions

• The speaker expresses frustration over the prevalent myth that manga is "badly drawn," particularly among European artists who favor academic styles and realism.

• Artists trained in rigorous academic environments often struggle to appreciate exaggerated expressiveness, leading to a bias against less detailed styles.

• The emphasis on detail and precision can overshadow emotional resonance in art; what matters is the connection with the reader rather than technical perfection.

Personal Reflections

• The speaker shares a personal anecdote about their mother being an avid supporter of their artistic journey, serving as an archivist for their early works.

• They recall how encouragement from their older brother motivated them to start drawing comics, emphasizing that improvement comes through practice rather than initial skill.

Current Landscape of Comics and Manga in Spain

Evolving Scene

• The speaker notes a promising evolution in the Spanish comic and manga scene, highlighting new talents emerging through publications like Planeta Manga.

• There is a notable presence of Spanish artists making waves internationally, contributing significantly to global trends in comics.

Market Dynamics

• Despite challenges, there is a current boom in comic and manga sales; however, visibility for many titles remains limited due to overwhelming competition.

• The industry faces difficulties maintaining profitability amidst massive entertainment options but continues to thrive thanks to dedicated readers.

Hope for the Future

Sustaining Interest

• Young audiences continue to engage with manga stores, providing hope for the industry's longevity despite market challenges.

• A specific title by Kenny Ruiz is mentioned as potentially impactful for boosting sales and interest in manga within Spain.