Last time we interviewed Johnny Zito and Tony Trov—the creative minds behind The Black Cherry Bombshells. But what about the comic’s illustrator, Sacha Borisich? We asked the artist about her female role at Zuda, what she thinks of the digital medium, and her reaction to the zombie-infested, girl gang story.
Girls Entertainment Network: How did you become involved with The Black Cherry Bombshells? Did John or Tony recruit you specifically, or was it a chance arrangement?
Sarcha Borisich: Chance really … We actually met on an awesome message board called ComicJobz.com. I saw their ad looking for an artist; they listed what they wanted to do and their influences and interests, and I thought I’d give them my info and work history. They liked my work, and the rest is history.
GEN: What’s it like being the only woman at Zuda Comics right now? Does that add a certain level of pressure, or do you feel it gives you an edge?
Borisich: I think there are a few other women artists and writers on Zuda, but being a woman doesn’t add more pressure. Tony and John Z. have such fun scripts to work with, so I feel I can accomplish their vision confidently. As far as giving me an edge, I think being a girl in comics is typically like being in a boy’s tree house. So you are remembered because you are a girl with talent. But I don’t think I have an edge over a man. It’s the talent and execution of the job done on time that defines you.
GEN: How do you like working on a comic in the digital format that Zuda provides? From an an artistic standpoint, is the process more difficult or easier because of it? Do you have to alter your methods at all, versus if you were illustrating a print-exclusive comic?
Borisich: I use the same drawing method I always have: pencil and ink. And I use Photoshop to scan in and scale the images down to Zuda size. I love that it is available to all to read online for free. I think it is a different format, but great to get the work out there in this modern way. I’m excited that it will go into print, because it will be fun for our readers to have the art in their hands—and that creates a nice intimacy.
GEN: What do you like most about being involved with BCB? What did you think about the story, when you first read it?
Borisich: What I love the most is working with Tony, John Z., and John D. They are great fun and have a great vision. It’s also amazing to meet all the other artists who work on Zuda at the Cons. We are a great team and have great chemistry, and it’s wonderful to see how the story and art has progressed together.
When I first read the story, I thought, “Yes! This is going to be so much fun. Zombies and girl gangs in a post-apocalyptic Vegas!” It was like combining all the cool things together. Mad Max or Road Warrior with The Warriors and Resident Evil. Perfection. I was stoked!
GEN: BCB spotlights a bunch of booze-drinking, adventure-loving girls who fight off zombies, but it also possesses a more serious tone—between a world where all the men have mysteriously died, and the events in the comic of late. How do you feel your art, in combination with the colorist’s work, brings that story to life? Did it take a certain amount of experimentation to find the right look, or did you just go with what felt natural to you?
Borisich: The art has evolved for sure from the first to second season. It evolved naturally, keeping the same cartoony aspect but also refining the lines and giving the characters a little more body sculpt. I like how it’s evolved. It keeps it fun and serious enough. I think if it was too realistic or traditional it wouldn’t have the same edge. John D.’s work adds so much punch and life to the finished drawings. I’m so happy to see them completed with color and the dialogue every time I see them online. It’s such a treat to have a great team that has wonderful chemistry.
