ANABEL COLAZO
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DF Interview: Spanish writer/illustrator Anabel Colazo makes her English language debut with the magical ‘Espada: The Will of the Blade’ OGN By Byron Brewer There was a time when everyone had access to magic, until a dispute for power attracted a demon from another world who destroyed everything . . . or so legend has it. However, there is another very different apocryphal version, according to which a hero, carrying a sword, came to the Kingdom to guide and protect its people. But who was that hero, and what became of him? Why is the queen now the only person capable of using magic? Attracted by all these enigmas of the past, Ania, princess of the Kingdom and heir to the throne by imposition, will try to find out the truth of these magical fables—now that she has just found a mysterious sword. From Spanish writer/illustrator Anabel Colazo (No Mires Atrás, Encuentros Cercanos) comes Espada: The Will of the Blade, a tale of a young princess and her quest to carve out her own destiny amid a lineage of power. I had the privilege of interviewing the creator about the graphic novel, which serves as her English language debut. Byron Brewer: Anabel, what was the inspiration for Espada? Is it a story you have been wanting to tell for some time, or a new tale just born? Anabel Colazo: Espada is a fantasy story, the kind of story I’ve been wanting to make since my teens. In those years I used to write, but never realized I could also draw those stories. When I started making comics, a fantasy world struck me as a difficult thing to tell and draw so I poked around with mystery-like plots based on reality, those were easier for me to land. I draw the most inspiration from video games. Espada leans a lot towards Zelda: Breath of the Wild and other fantasy world video games. Byron: Before we dive into your graphic novel, what can you tell readers about this world you have built as illustrator and author? Describe to us the canvas upon which you are about to set us. I believe it once had quite a bit of magic? Anabel Colazo: Espada is set in a world in which magic represents quite literally political power, and our heroine finds herself in a situation in which she faces this status to the core. Little by little, she uncovers the history of her world. Byron: Introduce readers to Ania. Who is she and what connection does she have to a long-forgotten apocalyptic hero? What challenges face her in Espada? Anabel Colazo: Ania is the heir of her mother the Queen’s power. She also finds by chance an ancient artifact that makes her take a quest that a legendary hero abandoned long ago. She will definitely use this to challenge her destiny, which means facing her mother and the power she uses to rule. Byron: Tell us a little about the Queen, and her relationship to Ania. Does she herself have any connection to a mysterious sword Ania discovers? Anabel Colazo: The sword and the power the Queen brandishes have the same source, some dormant evil they’ll have to face. Byron: There are legends about a destructive demon from another world, but I am wondering… Without spoilers, can you tell readers if there are any behind-the-scenes villains waiting to twist the fate and fortune of Ania? Anabel Colazo: There’s resentment towards Ania and the everlasting power she represents, held by her mother. Some people will make her learn about that, because she’s kind of oblivious by privilege. She will be, in the end, the one deciding what to do with that power. Byron: Anabel, talk about the process you have in creating books both as writer and artist. How does that work, and which of those two creative processes is the most enjoyable for you? Anabel Colazo: I was first a writer, then an artist. It took me a while to realize I could actually draw the stories I wanted to tell. Writing is exciting but sometimes can be draining. Drawing is way more enjoyable through all the process, getting to see the things you thought about. Byron: What other projects in which you are involved can you tell readers about? Anabel Colazo: I’m halfway through the process of drawing a new book, which is a fantasy story with a post-apocalyptic note. It’s been so interesting to write, because I truly believe in fiction that helps to explain and understand our real world. Dynamic Forces would like to thank Anabel Colazo for taking time out of her busy schedule to answer our questions. Espada: The Will of the Blade OGN from Oni Press is slated to be on sale in May 2025!
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