Gallery of Geek: Paige Braddock

Jane's World creator Paige Braddock is a multifaceted artist who is deftly able to draw fun, humorous comic strips and sexy images of ladies-loving-ladies - not to mention the occasional Sci-Fi graphic novel and superhero pin-up.

We sat down for a chat with Braddock to discuss her work and her current obsession with Batwoman.

The Advocate: What inspires you to create?
Braddock: I think when you figure out as a kid that you want to be a cartoonist, like I did, then it almost becomes more of a compulsion than a career even. It's almost like you can't help yourself. You have to draw and write comics. It's an especially good day when you get just the right drawing and just the right words to come together to create something that fans respond to.

Does being queer influence your artwork?
It definitely does. I try to create images that will resonate with the LGBTQ community. In terms of Jane's World that usually translates into an attempt to craft characters that represent our diverse community... from butch, femme, androgynous and even our straight friends!

What was your gateway art drug into the world of geek culture?
You know, I actually lost interest in comic books for a long time. As I grew out of my teen years the super hero comics just didn't seem to hold my interest any longer. I ended up coming back to comics after discovering Terry Moore's series, Strangers in Paradise. I suddenly saw characters I could relate to... and they weren't super heroes... this was very inspiring to me. Of course that series ended several years ago and now Terry is doing other great books, with the same sorts of diverse characters.

What geeky things are you currently obsessed with?
I've been really into Batwoman lately - I know, I just said I lost interest in super heroes - but for the past few years, Batwoman has been really good. And she's a lesbian. Now my pal, Marc Andreyko has taken over the script for that book, so I'm looking forward to see where that leads.

Was your excellent Martian Confederacy graphic novel series a fresh, new artist muscle for you to stretch?
It was! I wanted to try out a different drawing style using a brush. It was a good challenge. It was also a nice change to just be responsible for the artwork. Jason McNamara is the writer for that series so all I had to do was draw.

You must have a favorite superhero character, right? Who might it be?
Well, the only super hero comic I'm reading at the moment is Batwoman, but I've really been into the movie version of Black Widow, so I just recently picked up a few of her comics. They are currently on my "to read" pile. Which unfortunately, I'm a little behind on. If I had to pick my all time favorite super hero though - I mean, the one I read as a kid and still have a special spot in my heart for - it's Batman. Go figure. I think I love his car and all his gear.

Take a look at a collection of Braddock's art on the following pages and for more from this talented artist follow her on Twitter and Facebook.