BOOM! Studios Interview: Dan Mora Talks Grant Morrison’s Klaus

With the second final order cutoff rapidly approaching for BOOM! Studios’ Klaus #2 from writer Grant Morrison and artist Dan Mora, the series remains one of the most talked-about new titled of the year…and certainly the holiday season.

A kind-of Christmas story, Klaus is most easily described as Santa Claus: Year One, exploring the history of the man who would become the most beloved holiday icon in popular culture.

BOOM! has provided ComicBook.com with an interview with Mora, which you can check out exclusively below. Klaus #2 will be in stores on December 16, and the second print for #1 streets on December 9.

Of course, you can get #1 digitally here, and check out what Mora had to say bout the release below, along with a look at the cover for Klaus #2 without trade dress. The solicitation text for the second issue can be found at bottom.

In your own words, what is Klaus about?

I would say, Klaus is the story of a common man, and how he becomes a legend.

When you were first offered to draw Klaus, what was your reaction?

I couldn’t believed BOOM! gave me a chance to work on such an important project for them.

What is it like to work with Grant Morrison?

Well, he is very specific with what he wants and he describes every frame with so much detail that it is very easy for me to come up with something.

How did you come up with the designs of the characters in Klaus?

I saw some movies set in that period, including some animated movies (Beauty and the Beast, The Sword in the Stone). I also read some of Grant’s comics like Joe the Barbarian.

Who is your favorite Klaus character to draw?

It is difficult to choose one, but maybe Lilli, Klaus’ wolf, is my favorite.

Please tell us about yourself!

Well, I am 28 years old and I live in San Jose, Costa Rica. My typical day is I wake up, drink coffee, and start drawing. Then I take a break for lunch, and in the afternoon I pick up my wife from work. When I get home, I keep drawing until I go to sleep.

Did you go to art school to learn how to draw? If yes, which school? How long did you study?

Yes, actually, I studied Arts, majoring in Painting for six years, then studied graphic design for a couple of years, both at Universidad de Costa Rica.

What instruments do you use to draw and to color?

I do the inks in the traditional way and switch to digital for color.

What was your first published work in comics? How long have you been drawing comics?

I have been drawing comics for just one-and-a-half years. Klaus is my second book. My first book was Hexed, also for BOOM!.

What was your experience like working on Hexed?

It was very fun and scary at the same time because it was my first-ever comic book job.

What are you favorite comic book characters to draw as a fan?

Actually I have two, ha ha—Batman and Deadpool are definitely my favorites

What comic book artists do you like?

I think one of my first inspirations was Bruce Timm. His style made me fall in love with comics and after that, several artist have been my unofficial mentors—Darwyn Cooke, Mike Mignola, and so many others

What comic books are you reading?

I’m so busy! Right now, none.

Where can people find you on the Internet?

I have three!

Klaus #2

As the downtrodden people of Grimsvig struggle under totalitarian rule, Klaus stealthily evades the guard and slips magical, living toys into the poorest of homes to lift their spirits.

Artist: Dan Mora
Author: Grant Morrison

Cover: Dan Mora
Estimated Ship Date: December 16, 2015

Publisher: Boom! Studios
UPC & Diamond
Order Codes: 84428400511100211
OCT151246