Comics, Creator Spotlights, Features

Interview: A Q&A with Comic Artist Peach Momoko

Comic collectors are calling this the “Year of the Peach,” a term held over from 2019 as the works of artist Peach Momoko are snapped up before they even hit the shelves. Her mastery of the comic arts is unparalleled. Momoko’s horror covers have a certain haunting beauty that’s hard to look away from. Her action covers are just as spectacular in the way they accentuate the human body’s lines and forms. The artist recently inked a deal with Boom! Comics for 21 covers on major titles through 2021. Her upcoming “Robin King” cover is the current talk of the industry. Momoko’s work has also graced the covers of comics for IDW, Marvel Comics, Image Comics, and more.

Momoko is a quiet creator, so I was excited to interview her. We corresponded via email (due to language and time barriers) about her work, inspirations, and even the origins of her name.

 

Why do you hide your identity? 

I don’t hide my identity. I just don’t like to show it publicly online that much.

Is Peach Momoko a pseudonym? If no, where does the name come from?
Peach Momoko is my illustrator pseudonym. I came up with this name in school goofing around with friends and just came to being attached to it.
How did you begin your career as an artist? What were some of your first jobs?
I actually worked as an editor for a pornography magazine and they used some illustrations of mine (but not really credited). I also did many galleries and art festivals for a few years.
Then got picked up by a horror magazine called, Girl and Corpses Magazine. I believe this was my debut as an “artist”.

What training did you have to become an artist?

I just drew every day. But also went to museums, art books, comic books, manga, anime, CG animation, etc. And looked and studied at all different styles of art. But mainly, I just enjoy drawing.

 

Why comics? Why did you choose this style of drawing (for comics) and these subjects (comic characters)?

I actually did not know much about comics (about 5 years ago). After being published for Girls and Corpses Magazine, the owner, Robert Rhine, invited me to a California comic convention called Comikaze. That is when I first learned about these events. And really enjoyed being at comic conventions, and eventually got introduced to the industry. Although when I first started, my art was heavily horror-based (it still is). But I have always enjoyed comic books, sci-fi, fantasy, and many other genres so it was just a perfect world for me. That is why I sometimes have multiple styles of art.

 

What inspires you to create?

Many things inspires me. It sometimes changes daily… But I do listen to music a lot. And when I am stuck with ideas, I tend to watch murder case documentary films.

Who are some of your artistic influences?
I have many artists and friends that I look up to. But I have two people that really got me where I am today.
1) Robert Rhine from Girls and Corpses was the first person that believed in me and opened the door to me in the publishing industry. 2) Adi Granov was the person that pulled me through the door and introduced me to Marvel that got me started in the comic book world.
Not only are these two who believed in me, I see them as a mentor, friend, and the main reason for I am who I am.
So I try to work hard and succeed as much as possible so they won’t think they made a mistake in introducing me to the industry. I cannot thank these two enough for what they have done for me.

 

How do you feel about the popularity of your cover art?

Pass as I don’t feel I am “popular” yet.

What is the job that you would love to have–your dream job as an artist?

I have a few dream/goal jobs.
1.) work in fashion.
2.) have something involved in Hollywood film.
3.) character design for anime series, Gundam.
4.) create my own series of comics.
5.) have my characters animated

 

What advice do you have for young artists seeking a comic artist career?

Please keep drawing every day. It is a very small window in making a career in being any type of artist.
There is a famous quote that I believe. “The key/chance/luck to success only works when preparation (drawing every day) meets opportunity.”
You can see more of Peach Momoko’s work on her Instagram page or at peachmomoko.com.

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