Meet Mo J. Lozano

We had the good fortune of connecting with Mo J. Lozano and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Mo J., let’s start by talking about what inspires you?
I’m inspired by everday life, and both it’s beauty and imperfections, it’s reality. I grew up endlessly consuming television, movies and comics. I enjoyed sci-fi, fantasy, horror, and action movies. I loved all the classics and great artists, actors and directors, but I’ve always been drawn to the bad as well. I love low budget and B-movies. i often find those more fun and entertaining. when wrting and illustrating one of my stories, I like give it that B-movie vibe while telling compelling stories that give homage to cinema’s master directors and writers.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I think what sets me apart from others is that i’m not trying to emulate what the big comic book publishers have been doing for nearly a century. I think of my comics as short films, I love to blend genres, and really try to tell compelling stories that feel like a classic show or film. I always wanted to work in comics, and I got to where I am by not giving up on that dream. I figured, I don’t have to work for anyone to make comics, I could do it myself! I was mainly self taught until I put myself through college in my 20’s to study art and grow as an artist before persuing comics professionally. It wasn’t the easiest at times going to school full-time studying art and working part-time, but I believe what got me through it all was my determination to create comics and share my stories with others. When it comes to my graphic design and illustrations I’m inspired by old ads from my childhood. A major lesson I learned along the way is be careful who you let into projects, there’s a lot of hacks and flakes in this business but WAY more supportive hard working artists, you just have to find the right people. I want the world to know that comics don’t have to be done the Marvel or DC way and anyone with a good story can do it, comics can tell any kind of story for any kind of audience, it’s not all spandex and capes. I just want to share my stories and entertain readers.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I love taking people to art museums, I like experiencing art through others and seeing what they think. After that We’d get some pizza or Thai food then catch a comedy show. I’d take them outside of the city and show them the beautiful nature of the angeles and San Gabriel Mountains and the beach of course!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I wouldn’t be where I am without Jake Slingland, Justin and Jeremy Talamantes at Scarfff Comics Newspaper for bringing me onboard and sharing my work with readers all over the U.S. and the world. I’m also eternally greatful for the love and support of my best friend/wife Natalie for believing in me.

Website: hyperbolicfabrications.com

Instagram: @mojlozano @hyperbolic_fabrications