Here’s the first in a series of interviews with creators whose work features on the digital comics marketplace Comichaus, in association with the platform.
Midlands- based Jon Laight is a comic writer whose first comic, Brethren Born, was released in October 2015. He also has several stories being published in anthologies, including a mini-series run in the Comichaus Anthology monthly comic.
• You can find Jon’s work on Comichaus here

Art in progress for Away, one of Jon Laight’s strips, illustrated by Grant Richards with colours by Darren Stephens
What are some of the comics that inspired you to start creating your own? Any creators in particular?
Jon Laight: The classic British comics of the 1980s got me reading and writing, and then it wasn’t until the ‘90s that I first really noticed the big two. From a creating point of view, I was reading Brain K Vaughan and Bendis that really revved me up to get up off my arse and do something I’d wanted to do for years. If I could write anything half as good as those two, I’d be a very happy dude.
What do you think people see in your character(s), or the books in general, that has really drawn them in and kept them coming back for more?
Jon: I’d hope to make people want my characters to achieve whatever goal they’re after, and feel for them when they don’t. Story is key though and if I can get a few people interested in what happens next in my comics, I’m happier than a happy thing.
How much of your own personality goes into your character(s)?
Jon: In my latest story, “Away”, quite a lot I think. Jason West (our hero) has a young family and is willing to do anything to protect them. Pretty much what any father would do I’m sure, but Jason soon gets to be way more intelligent than I’ll ever be.
Where did you draw your inspiration from?
Jon: Real world events are always inspirational, whether in a positive or negative way. Seeing genuine acts of heroism, compassion and the human spirit overcoming adversity in whatever form can only inspire storytelling. Also, any animal playing a banjo is ace!!
What do fans need to know going into their first issue of your comic?
Jon: Brethren Born is a sci-fi super powered adventure following a man hellbent on revenge on those who killed everyone he knew.
Late Knights is a fun all ages super spy comic following the Late family saving the world against super villains and one or two school bullies.
Away is the story of an ordinary man ripped from his family has to learn the skills he needs to save his world from an impending alien invasion.
What have you go coming up in the future? Are you working on more issues?
Jon: Away is a beautiful book with art by Grant Richards, with colours by Darren Stephens and letters by Rob Jones. I’ve also got a new story coming up in the Comichaus Anthology which is looking very cool with art by Rory Donald and letters by Ken Reynolds.
Late Knights #2 is due in time for Thought Bubble in September and is with US artist Matt Strott and Ken Reynolds on letters again on that one.
There’s lots going on in the normal world, so not much else part from a couple of anthology stories and maybe a comic pitch for an idea I’ve had for a cool female lead in a book with a very good artist, but I can’t say much about that one yet!
• You can find Jon’s work on Comichaus here
• Web page: http://www.level8comics.com
• Facebook: facebook.com/level8comics
This interview first appeared on the Comichaus blog and is reprinted here with full permission.
Comichaus launched in early 2015 to fulfil a need for a new platform to buy and sell comic books, whilst also building up a database for reference purposes. Comic creators can upload their own comics for sale online and through the Comichaus app. For more information visit www.comichaus.com
- About the Author
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The founder of downthetubes, which he established in 1998. John works as a comics and magazine editor, writer, and on promotional work for the Lakes International Comic Art Festival. He is currently editor of Star Trek Explorer, published by Titan – his third tour of duty on the title originally titled Star Trek Magazine.
Working in British comics publishing since the 1980s, his credits include editor of titles such as Doctor Who Magazine, Babylon 5 Magazine, and more. He also edited the comics anthology STRIP Magazine and edited several audio comics for ROK Comics. He has also edited several comic collections, including volumes of “Charley’s War” and “Dan Dare”.
He’s the writer of “Pilgrim: Secrets and Lies” for B7 Comics; “Crucible”, a creator-owned project with 2000AD artist Smuzz; and “Death Duty” and “Skow Dogs” with Dave Hailwood.
Categories: Comic Creator Interviews, Creating Comics, downthetubes Comics News, downthetubes News, Features