Mira Ong Chua (they/them) is a storyboard artist and independent comics creator based in Los Angeles. Their queer romance stories focus on vibrant, genre-defying, gender-non-conforming characters, inspired by cartoons and anime. You might know them for their work on “OK K.O.! Let’s Be Heroes” or “Adventure Time: Distant Lands,” or for their books ROADQUEEN: Eternal Roadtrip to Love, Vampire Blood Drive, or last year’s The Prince in the Basement. 

I had the opportunity to interview Mira, which you can read below.

First of all, welcome to Geeks OUT! Could you tell us a little about yourself?

Thanks for having me! I’m MOC, a storyboard artist and independent comics creator based in Los Angeles. I made ROADQUEEN: Eternal Roadtrip to Love, worked on a some cool cartoons, and a bunch of other stuff.

As a creative, what drew you to the art of storytelling, especially graphic novels/comics?

I’ve always loved sequential art. Drawing pictures to get laughs out of my friends was the way I connected with people. It’s what drew me to commercial art, and why I eventually entered animation. I still love cartoons— the bureaucracy of the industry, not so much. The freedom of producing independent comics is something I still can’t give up.

What are some of your favorite elements of writing/illustrating? What do you consider some of the most frustrating and/or difficult?

The satisfaction of executing something just the way I wanted it. And the struggle of knowing how a moment should feel, but not yet finding the perfect solution!

As a creative, who or what would you say are some of your greatest creative influences and/or sources of inspiration in general?

I would not be drawing comics if it weren’t for my partner, who is my greatest supporter in art and life, the person I drew ROADQUEEN for, and my most trusted editor. If you’ve laughed at any moment in my books, you probably shouldn’t be thanking me!  

Aside from your work, what are some things you would want readers to know about you?

I own two guinea pigs! 

What’s a question you haven’t been asked yet but that you wish you were asked (as well as the answer to that question)?

“Who’s your favorite Utena character?” It’s Saionji.  

What advice might you have to give for aspiring storytellers out there?

I’m just quoting Ian JQ here, but…START NOW! Take yourself seriously and take all the shots you can. And please take care of yourself.

Are there any other projects you are working on and at liberty to speak about?

My next graphic novel is THE COSMIC BALLAD OF LAYLA + AIRY, a transgender boys-love sci-fi romcom. It’s up on Kickstarter from March 10 until April 10 and comes out later this year. Don’t miss it!  

Finally, what books/authors would you recommend to the readers of GeeksOUT? 

Right now, I’m reading Original Sins and Life After Cars. When it comes to comics, I’m actually pretty out of the loop, so if anyone reading this wants to send me their recs, please do!