Today we’d like to introduce you to Andres Perez.
Hi Andres, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
In 2016, I moved from San Diego, where I was born and raised for 23 years, to Gifu City, Japan, where I worked as a conversational English teacher for six years. During that time, I wrote and self-published my ongoing indie comic, “Primal Warrior Draco Azul.” The comic follows Eric Martinez, a young man who discovers a giant robot hidden beneath an ancient Maya structure and uses it to fight giant monsters that are mysteriously appearing all over modern-day Mexico. This passion project is inspired by my love for Japanese tokusatsu media (Godzilla, Ultraman, Kamen Rider, etc), mecha anime (Mazinger Z, Getter Robo, Mobile Suit Gundam, etc.), and my own Mexican cultural heritage.
While I’ve been selling hundreds of copies through online sales and convention appearances, I’ve also published several novels and created an ongoing webcomic, all taking place within the universe of Draco Azul. In addition, I’ve worked as a freelance copyeditor for various creative projects, including novels, comics, and documentaries.
Now living in the US once again, I was given the opportunity this year to work as a special features contributor for Media Blaster’s Blu-ray release for the films Kamen Rider: The First (2005) and Kamen Rider: The Next (2007). For this set, I’ve recorded audio commentaries for the films alongside filmmaker Matt Burkett and journalist Joshua Saucedo, served as a producer for one of the featurettes (an interview with action director Makoto Yokoyama), and wrote the liner notes highlighting the films’ relationship with the popular Japanese superhero franchise and its creator, Shotaro Ishinomori.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Two large obstacles have always been time and money. Whether you’re producing a comic or a novel, the cost will be high, and time needs to be dedicated to ensure that your project is of the highest quality you can afford. A healthy working relationship must also be established between me and my collaborators, be they my artists, editors, co-authors, etc. A strong relationship and clear communication ensure that all parties are able to fully take advantage of their strengths within their areas of expertise. Sometimes, compromises are even necessary in the event that a collaborator’s input may work out better than what you had initially planned, or if such a vision is unfeasible and thus an alternate route must be taken. With careful planning, a willingness to work with others, and a realistic goal in mind, your project can be seen to completion. The biggest obstacle, however, is marketing. As a self-publisher, I make it essential to utilize my social media platforms to the absolute fullest to regularly promote my work. You can’t rely on anyone but yourself to get this task done. Thus, it’s necessary to become a one-man marketing machine. The more often you promote your work, the sooner you’ll start to see the results, such as when you come across people who not only recognize your work, be it online or in person, but also get excited at the prospect of finally getting the chance to experience the work you’ve poured so much effort into.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I write and self-publish comics and novels under the banner of “Kaiju Noir Productions.” I am most known for my ongoing comic book series, “Primal Warrior Draco Azul.” I am proud of the fact that my work has been read across multiple countries (the US, Mexico, and Japan), thanks in part to the many talented people I’ve worked with throughout my creative journey, as well as the opportunities I’ve had in meeting so many people around the world from all walks of life. What sets me apart from others is the approach I’ve taken towards my stories, infusing them with the scale and excitement of the Japanese media I’ve grown up with (anime, manga, tokusatsu) and the cultural backdrop of my Mexican heritage to create stories unlike anything anyone has ever seen.
What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
The goal for creating stories shouldn’t be about fame, wealth, or clout. It’s about enjoying the process of creating art itself. It’s about the enthusiasm one has when crafting a living, breathing world filled with endless possibilities. There’s also the joy one feels when working alongside peers you deeply respect. Finally, there’s the feeling of achievement and satisfaction of being able to say that you’ve not only completed a project, but that it’s been sent out into the world and widely available for anyone to enjoy.
Pricing:
- Primal Warrior Draco Azul #1 – $7
- Primal Warrior Draco Azul #2 – $10
- Primal Warrior Draco Azul #3 – $10
- Primal Warrior Draco Azul: Death’s Gate – $9.99
- Primal Warrior Draco Azul Gaiden: Hellfire – Free on Webtoon
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/kaijunoir
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kaijunoir
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PrimalWarriorDracoAzul
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andres-perez-943177ba/
- Twitter: https://x.com/PW_DracoAzul
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/KaijuNoir
- Other: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Andres-Perez/author/B07NQ7CYGS
Image Credits
Kamen Rider Dyad promo image – Media Blasters
All other photos – Andres Perez
