RV: What is the story outline of Okko: The Cycle of Water?

HUB: Okko is a ronin, leader of a small team of Demon—and any other kind of Asian creature—hunters. In the first Cycle, Tikku, a young fisherman, will ask for Okko’s help in order to find his sister who was kidnapped by pirates.

RV: Okko is a ronin. What is a ronin exactly?

HUB: A ronin is a samurai who no longer has a lord. Some of them turn into robbers, some others keep on respecting the honor code of Bushido.

RV: Why is the time this story takes place in called the Time of Mists?

HUB: The Time of Mists is one of the darkest pages of Pajan Empire History. It’s a confusing time, when chaos and wars between clans seem to continue for ever. The Mist is an image for this uncertainty, a way to show that the future isn’t visible.

RV: Who are Noburo and Noshin?

HUB: Noburo is Okko’s most faithful friend. He is a giant, who hides his true identity behind a red helmet. He has several supernatural powers. Noshin is a buffun monk, addicted to sake. This spectacular character knows secret ways to communicate with Kamis and other strengths of nature.

RV: Why is this considered a mature title?

HUB: Embarrassing question… It’s hard for the author to decide if his work is mature or not. I’m trying to stay as authentic as possible, and of course I hope that everybody will like it!

RV: Where did the name Hub come from?

HUB: My first name is Humbert, so I picked this pseudonym without the "m". Why a pseudonym? It’s a long, long story…

RV: Why are demons loose in this land?

HUB: In Pajan’s Empire, lots of fantasy creatures are hiding from men. Some of them are only trying to survive, some do have darker goals.

RV: Will we see any other mystical creatures besides demons?

HUB: My inspiration comes from the fantasy bestiary of Japan and other countries of Asia. It’s very rich, and offers numerous original options. Each cycle opens a door to some of these options, so many mystical creatures will be seen.

RV: Have you worked on any other comics?

HUB: On a very personal level, I consider Okko my first work.

RV: What advice do you have for new writers and artists?

HUB: Get out of common ways and try to find your own. Find original angles and approaches, in graphic expression as well as writing.

RV: What is in store for you after Okko: The Cycle of Water?

HUB: I don’t know yet. I still have a lot of time to care about this and Okko is very time demanding. And I don’t want to spread my energy across too many projects. But it’s all about pleasure right now and Okko is my pleasure.

RV: What comics did you read as a child and do you read now?

HUB: A lot of Franco Belgian classics such as Tintin. I love Alan Moore’s work, such as Watchmen, of course.

RV: How can someone contact you?

HUB: I have got a website (www.okko.fr) and my internet address is on it.

RV: Any last words of wisdom?

HUB: Ok! Mountains are rarely sheer on both sides. Thank you all and enjoy your reading! May the Kamis protect you, Tsu!