Bobby Joseph Interview: UK Comics Laureate Talks Representation & Demons
Something more than a little exciting here as CBNUK was given the opportunity to send some questions off to an esteemed and revered creator and an outstanding creative of intellectual achievement, the very definition of the title he has come to hold and extends to hold into 2026. It is, of course, Bobby Joseph, UK Comics Laureate. Bobby is the fifth to hold the title and the first of Indian origin. His comics career began with powerful intent on amusement and representation, a theme he continues to honour to this day, with satirical magazine Skank in the 90s. This led to his first graphic novel, Scotland Yardie, based on a character whose roots trace back to Skank.
His latest graphic novel, My Dad Fights Demons, is a more all-ages affair but carries that same razor-sharp wit. A review which you can find here. You can buy a copy now at SelfMadeHero. Even more recently, Bobby Joseph penned his first Commando comic, The Lions of Ypres, offering an authentic voice to a massively under-appreciated historic conflict. So, leading by example on all fronts. Without further ado, let's hear from the man himself.
Hey Bobby, thanks for taking the time to do this. We really appreciate it and all the hard work you've been doing for comics in general. We'll start out fun and build to something more meaty.
Hey, that's some meaty intro you've given me. I appreciate that. So thank you. So yeah. Let's do it! Let's go!! Let's dive in!
The first question is in three parts, as the answer may be the same for all three, but may be different. I think it would be interesting to know. What was your first comic?
My first comic was a comic book annual. It was the Mighty World of Marvel annual, 1979. I remember it quite vividly in Primary school. On the cover, it had this amazing shot of Daredevil. It was also where I discovered heroes such as Prince Namor and Black Panther, as well as the aforementioned Daredevil. These characters were not on television back in the late seventies, so these comic strips immediately hooked me from day dot. It also had a page where you could make your own billy club similar to Daredevil's.
I promised myself as a child that one day, I would follow the instructions to create my very own billy club. To this day, I haven't. Maybe that is because I didn't want that magic of reading it as a child to leave me, or how it would make me feel if (as an adult) my comic lied to me and the billy club didn't work. If, as an adult, I attempted it and the billy club didn't work exactly like Daredevil's, then I am sure I would be bitterly disappointed. A cherished childhood memory forever tarnished. I am pretty sure, that would be where my villain origin story would begin!
What is your favourite childhood comic?
I would go for Warrior, published by Dez Skinn. It blew my mind as a kid. Up until a certain point I was reading these Cary Bates styled DC Comics or Roy Thomas type Marvel comics, possibly a bit of Teen Titans, possible a bit of X-Men, but all, generic superhero type comics. Then, I discovered the world that was Warrior.
Many moons ago, my father worked as a security guard at a bookshop in the eighties. He had picked up a few grab packs for me from his work. Each pack contained at least 3 issues of Warrior in it. I am pretty sure, he didn't know the type of mature material that was in it. In hindsight, his oversight was my pathway into reading more challenging comic book work. This was also my introduction to Alan Moore. I think the first Warrior I read, was the one with Madman on the cover by the late, great Paul Neary. My memory is a bit fuzzy but I remember the stark black and white work by the late, and also great Garry Leach invading my eyeballs.
Now, seeing Kid Marvelman for the first time, scared the living crap out of me. Then I read V for Vendetta and well, I couldn't turn my head away. I discovered something new that appealed to me. Warrior was mesmerising as a teen. I also read Maus as well, and that too was revelatory.
What is your favourite adult (comic as an adult or adult-rated is your prerogative) comic?
Unfortunately, I can't name that. I have loved many comics during different parts of my adult life, as they reflect the different stages of growth in my life. If you were a profiler and just went through my favourite comics, it would paint a picture of who I am, as a person, my character, my attitude, my humour, my beliefs. It would also show the influences on all my work, all told through the comics that I have loved and cherished.
So, in no particular order… Love and Rockets, American Flagg, Marshal Law, Hellblazer, Preacher, Ronin, The Bojeffries Saga, Black Kiss, Indian Summer, Mister X, Lone Wolf and Cub, Trots and Bonnie, Fist of The Northstar, Akira, Persepolis, Mr Natural, Eightball, Ghost in The Shell, Maxwell the Magic Cat, The Biological Show, Baker Street, From Hell, Nexus, Grendel, Elektra Lives Again, The Fabulous Furry Freak Brothers, Hard-boiled Defective Stories.
In the same theme, which comic/series/genre is your go-to "comfort" comic? Which comic/series/genre is your go-to "discomfort" (one that challenges you emotionally or intellectually) comic?
My comfort comic is probably anything by John Byrne, Will Elder, Wally Wood, or that beautiful curmudgeon Hunt Emerson. Hunt is just so effortlessly good with a brush, and I have loved his lettering since seeing it in the comic strip 'Stir Crazy' in Warrior, many, many years ago.
The last comic I read that challenged me emotionally and intellectually was Jaime Hernandez's The Love Bunglers. Emotionally, that tore me up and the ending stayed with me for days. I really love that book. It is so beautiful, sad and poignant in equal measure. Probably one of my favourite comics of all time. And Jaime's so nuanced and deliberate in how he tells a story. He is definitely a master of his craft, and I could get lost in his world, and happily stay there. I think, if a story connects to you emotionally, then I believe that story enriches your life.
What was the last thing that got you really excited about in comics?
That the UK independent scene is thriving with so many brilliant comic creators creating their own universes, completely unbridled from the constraints of the publishing models of yesteryear. These creators are publishing their own mini-comics, graphic novels. They are happily putting out their narrative, their stories. It is a great time to be part of the scene and meet like-minded people. I am also loving how comic creators are creating little co-ops with one another. The UK indie scene is a breath of fresh air.
The flip side being the last thing that frustrated you about comics?
What frustrates me is that a lot of comics these days just look the same. American comics have lost their individuality. If I am reading a comic, I want something a little bit different. American comics tend to be more of a blur to me now. Luckily, the indie vibes are still there. As for comic community observations? I am probably the worst person to ask. I don't get involved. Even though I am in it, I stay out of it. I don't hang with comic creators. Nothing personal to anyone, but I pretty much keep myself to myself.
What was the inspiration behind your new book, My Dad Fights Demons? Is there a personal connection to a fantastical explanation for absentee parents?
The inspiration for My Dad Fights Demons was that I wanted to tackle generational issues between parents and children, especially absentee parents. When I was working as a secondary school English teacher, the stories I would hear from my pupils about their lack of parental role models, really affected me. So this was the seed to create the book. That said, a lot of the banter between Mr Mantrikz and Rye is based on myself and my son, especially when we were a lot younger.
Was the decision to do something aimed at a younger audience a way of tying into the work you are doing as comic laureate, e.g addressing representation, accessibility and literacy rates?
I think it does have an inkling of all three. However, I do believe My Dad Fights Demons is possibly, the darkest thing I have ever written. Once the dots have all been connected, it will change initial perceptions. It tickles me, that Abbie Bircham's art is so bright, loud and happy, that it will mislead readers to the darkness that is subtly threaded through the book.
As a person not afraid to exercise good humour and speaking truths through satire, how do you balance that against the expectations of such a public-facing role as Comics Laureate if such pressure exists?
There is no pressure for me. I guess, I do what I do. I do feel that I am more mindful of what I write or create now. However, that is more of an age thing, than a Laureate thing. If anything, being Laureate I feel, has sharpened me as a writer. It has given me different avenues to explore other wonderful things.
Possibly a controversial question, maybe just a naive one. With such a vibrant and healthy UK independent comic book scene that seems to be growing fantastically year by year, is it still race or class that offers the biggest barrier to accessible comics, or the accessibility of comics, or is there really a distinction?
Good question!! As an author I am from a working class background, so I understand the necessity of the working class perspective. As an industry, we need to be accessing more stories, and narratives of different experiences. We need more working class comic creators coming into the field. Facts. We need more people of colour in comics. Facts. I want to see more African comic creators, I want to see more Caribbean comic creators, I want to see more Asian comic book creators hitting mainstream comics. If we are an industry, inclusivity must cover all.
Coming into your final year as Comics Laureate, would it be ok to ask if there are any regrets? What are your hopes for this final year? Hopes for legacy?
Do I have any regrets? No. Not at all. I no longer think in parallel universes. My hopes for the final year of Laureateship, is to continue enjoying the ride, meeting wonderful new people, teaching comics to young and old, teaching teachers how to use comics as part of their teaching practice, and smiling loads (this last one, especially). And hopefully, inspiring the next generation of comic book creators (be it child or adult) to create their own narratives! What do I hope for legacy? Well, I know, I have changed things with regards to how the Laureate role is perceived. It's no longer a vanity position of prestige. It is now a role that can help instigate change in the UK comics industry. So maybe that is the legacy.
Any advice for those wanting to get into or advice for those looking to help others get into this magical medium?
My advice is this, if you want to create comics. Then create comics. Don't be scared. Just do them. Do not wait, do not let time slip by. Just put pen to paper or to tablet, get that idea into the world. Drop it on your socials. Create mini-comics. Create your graphic novel. Let it live beyond your head. Also, always look to improve your craft, always look to be the better version of yourself. Personally, as a comic book creator, I am not looking to compete with other comic book creators, that's not my bag. My only competition is seeing if I can write better than the person I was the day before. This is how I challenge myself. This is how I improve. Do not settle for any less. Also, if you are starting out, go where the comic creators are. Go to mini-cons. Go to Thought Bubble, go to LICAF. If you are in London, go to Gosh's Drink and draw sessions! Go meet like-minded people. Meeting other comic creators can inspire you in so many different ways.
Finally, what do you think is the best place to start with comics/best way to share them/comic to read first (can be your own)/ advice to help spread the joy of comics?
With regards to kids, we have the Beano and the Phoenix. For teens go to the comic shops. Most comic book shops are run by lovely people, who will happily help find something that will appeal to you. Also, comic shops stock loads of manga too, so they're great places to find great things. Libraries are also the best places to find graphic novels, as they are pulses of community. When I was younger, and had too many comics (I think it was in my late twenties), I gave them away to children's wards, and schools. Trust me, I lost a lot of valuable collectables, but at the same time, I know I helped a kid somewhere explore a new world. So if you have comics you no longer need, give them away. Help create new readers! Also, buy My Dad Fights Demons! I like it. I am sure you will, too!
Thank you eternally for taking the time to read this and hopefully answer as well. I hope we haven't re-covered old ground for you and offered something unique to think about that we can pass on to readers.
