What? No, dude, be careful! *flips the page* Run, run, run! Come on, hurry up and cross over, you can make it! Phew, they all managed to do it! AAH, there are still so many mobs, where are they all coming from! *flips the page* Is this even possible? What kind of madness is this? *flips the page, sees the disapproving faces of library patrons who are about to erupt and start yelling, continues tapping fingers on the table*
Oh no, everything’s fine today; I was just sitting here reading a new graphic novel Minecraft. Unfortunately, I have some bad news: I won’t be able to visit the library anymore since I’m not allowed in. But I did find time to tell you about the novel.
I: How did you become an artist and find out about this Minecraft project?
Sara: Since childhood, I have been engaged in drawing and similar creative activities, which I still enjoy. Thus, the transition from paintings to illustrations happened naturally. I received an email from Dark Horse (the publishers of the graphic novel, not the horse itself). It said, “Would you like to publish a book?” And I replied, “Yes, absolutely! I would be delighted to accept your offer!”
I: It’s wonderful when such things happen in life!
Sara: Absolutely! *laughs* 
Sara: Yes, I have a passion for video games. When I was younger, I envisioned myself becoming a video game developer, but it turns out I became an artist instead. I’m not disappointed because my career is still connected to gaming, and that’s awesome! I usually play Minecraft Pocket Edition in creative mode, so I have a decent understanding of it. I also need to learn how to survive in the game, but I’m afraid I wouldn’t last even a minute there…
I: Your style is quite… rounded. It feels odd to say this, but was it difficult to blend a “square” game with your approach?
Sara: It was definitely challenging, but I was told, “They want you to make the characters more rounded.” * laughs *
I responded, “sure,” but it took some effort to ensure everything appeared cohesive. While illustrating the Ender Dragon, I frequently referenced the original since sometimes it was unclear where a block should go. To be honest, I’m pleased that I managed to depict the main team in my own style; they turned out just as they were meant to be, and I would marry each of them if given the chance. This book allowed me to infuse a bit of myself into it!
Sara: There was a creeper! It’s my absolute favorite character, and when I encountered it, I was incredibly thrilled!
I: How did the collaboration with the writer come about?
Sara: I received the script and met with Sfé R Monster at Emerald City Comic Con and TCAF (Toronto Comic Arts Festival) last weekend. We had a great time hanging out together, it was awesome. It felt like meeting someone who says to you, “Let’s get together!” and I respond, “Your book is simply amazing!” or “Your writings are fantastic!” or “Oh, your art is truly one of a kind!”
I: So you met for the first time after the book was completed?
Sara: Yes!
I: That’s cool, you can meet anyone that way!
Sara: Yes! I followed him online even before Minecraft came out, so when I read the script and saw his name, I was just stunned and said, “It’s Sfé! I’m definitely going to work on this book!” I was incredibly excited to take on a project that someone like him is involved with!
Sara: No, I’ve never worked on someone else’s script before. This one was genuinely interesting and fun compared to others I’ve read.
I: Are there any details that you added yourself? How did the process go?
Sara: I work from a script, but occasionally I like to add my own touch. I just feel that there’s room for something extra here. You know, it’s as if I’ve been given a script, and I’m already connecting it with art. By incorporating my own elements, I can delve deeper into certain aspects or inject my personal humor through minor details.
I created a double-page spread at the point where they traverse the landscape, which allowed me some creative freedom. I also really enjoy illustrating bedrooms, and sometimes it seems that the facial expressions of certain characters come off as overly silly. There are quite a few such instances, but I think it’s perfectly fine, even beneficial, because in real life, emotions don’t always appear flawless, yet they often feel genuine.
Want to learn more about the graphic novel? You can visit this link, but unfortunately, the comics are only available in English, so let’s hope they get translated (I’ll be adding another book to my list of books from Minecraft that I’m eagerly awaiting…).
👏👏👏