Today we’d like to introduce you to Ro Higashi.
Hi Ro, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Born to a Filipino-American family in Tokyo, I moved to the states when I was 5. I spent some summers in the Philippines, experiencing provincial life at my grandparents’ house in Pampanga. When I was 10, the children would have to wake up early and gather water from the well. That was all the water we would use for the day. When I was 15, my grandparents finally had running water and electricity. After I graduated university in WA state, I worked in Japan for 3 years, learning the language and taking manga night classes after work for a semester. When my husband and I got pregnant, we made the very sudden decision to raise our children in the states–a decision that ended up benefitting our biracial and multicultural children. After moving to Austin 6 years ago, I started to get more serious about making comics. I am now a published graphic novelist for my original series Half of the Crown, and the department head for any manga published under Cosmic Lion Productions. I also self-publish short zines based on my experiences as a kid in the Philippines. I love to donate much of my art and free time to my local LGBTQ+ and cultural organizations.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It’s definitely smoother now! My childhood as a whole was pretty rough. Comics and video games were something that gave me stability and guidance. Many comics teach you about morals, perseverance, and consistency. It’s probably why I view comics as a necessary resource in this day and age. It’s also my way of giving back.
My husband and I married young, and we both didn’t have the tools to deal with all the things that came our way back then. We’re lucky that our lives are turning out for the better. I’m forever grateful to my family and friends.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I specialize in Asian-style comics, particularly manga (Japanese comics). Having a facial structure that resembled a lot of east Asians, I was pretty drawn to how the faces and bodies were portrayed when it came to expression. I now give a lecture or presentation on what exactly makes a comic identifiable as a manga.
I am most honored of the connections that my comic and now publishing help create. A very close friend advised me to let my values guide me during this part of my career. Very similarly with community-focused work, you have to let go of your ego. When publishing someone else’s work, it’s easy–I love this work and am honored to help! When it’s my own work, however, I tend to want to shy away and hate the spotlight. I think this is also ego. So if I focus less on my unhealthy insecurities, I can move forward in a more productive way. Of course, I still struggle with this daily practice, but more and more I hope to succeed where it counts.
Since I believe comics are for the greater good, being able to create comics and help others create comics is where I love to be. Comic creator and editor Shelly Bond had said that everyone reading comics right now also wants to make comics. If this is true, I hope this work inspires others to add their own voice.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
If you’d like to check out more info about me, please check out my link tree! https://linktr.ee/rohigashi
I go to a ton of comic-related events and interviews year-round, from books fairs to anime and comic conventions. Follow me on instagram to see my next appearance! https://instagram.com/ro.higashi
Pricing:
- Half of the Crown Vol. 1 ($15)
- Half of the Crown Vol. 2 ($15)
- Traditional Commissions ($50-$300)
Contact Info:
- Website: https://cosmiclionproductions.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ro.higashi/
- Other: https://linktr.ee/rohigashi
Image Credits
Studio portrait photos by Joi Conti https://www.joiconti.com/
