Issue 29

Thai-born comic book artist Kochakorn Manochayakorn, better known as Pop Mhan, talks about working in the US comic book industry and his future plans in Thailand.

Can you tell us about your work?
I’ve been working in the comic book industry for 20 years, drawing for various companies like Marvel and DC. Some of my past works include Spiderman, Batman, Batgirl and X-Men.

How did you get into the industry?
Actually, I didn’t have a passion for comics until my senior year of high school. Prior to that I’d done some drawings but I never tried to do anything with it until I saw Jim Lee’s [Korean American comic book artist] X-Men No.4 and I thought, “Wow, that’s amazing, I want to draw like him.” With my portfolio, I went to Chicago Comic Con in 1994 and I met Jim Lee who was my idol. He took a really long time to look at my work, and he gave me a chance to join his studio. It was everything to me at that point. I was 20. It was a big turning point.

Which project is the one that you are most proud of?
I’m proud of all of them, because they all mark a moment in my life. Each project is like when you do something, you take a step forward. Some people would be too afraid [to do that], but I feel proud to take that step. Still, I’m never satisfied, I feel like I can always be better, and I always try to satisfy the client.

What were some of the major challenges you faced and how did you overcome them?
The biggest obstacle is probably myself. I think everyone has their lack of confidence or self-esteem. If you read a [bad] review of your work, then it hits you in your soul, your heart breaks a little bit, it makes you want to go run and hide. As long as you keep stepping forward that’s okay. So that’s my biggest obstacle, overcoming my own fears and moving forward.

What do you think about the Thai comic industry?
I’ve seen some of the work here [in Thailand], and the standard is really high.

Any suggestions for people who want to get into the comic industry?
Always follow your dreams, don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t do anything. Because you can. Your own strength will keep you moving forward. It doesn’t matter if you’re Thai or American, what matters is your own ability to harness your talent. And work hard.

So what are your plans for the near future?
I’m doing some movie stuff that I can’t talk about right now, and I’m also establishing a base here in Thailand to help all the Thai students who wants to work in comics. It will probably be in Bangkok because it’s where I’m from, and my parents live here.