Comics. You know you love ‘em. You love ‘em so much you head out every Wednesday to your local comic shop to get your weekly fix of four color action, adventure and drama. You know all the heroes and villains. You follow all the big events without missing a beat and there is no new book that debuts without falling under your radar, right? Wrong. You don’t know Jack. Or more appropriately, you don’t know, One-Eyed Jack.

The brainchild of 34 year old writer/artist, Jon Castaneda, One-Eyed Jack, a new comic book creation from the man himself, has been a long time in the making. Jon’s first drawing of One-Eyed Jack was in 2001 and eight years later, he has fully realized his creation in the form of an all new full-color comic book series from Project4 Studios. The book will be released quarterly of which the first issue is now on sale at www.indyplanet.com. Jon, who is a very accomplished musician as well, couldn’t be more thrilled, “I’m dedicating all my time to [the One-Eyed Jack Comic].”

This offbeat new series about a strange being named Jack, who is on the road to self discovery, is just what the doctor ordered in a time of “big events” and “universe altering crossovers” that seem to be plaguing most mainstream comics lately. So sit back, relax, and take an inside look into one of the most creatively fertile minds in small press comics today, Jon Castaneda.

SPOTLIGHT: Jon, tells us a little about the new comic book you're putting out through Project4 Studios.
JON CASTANEDA: Well, the book is called One-Eyed Jack. It deals with concepts ranging from DNA manipulation to lucid dreaming and basically centers around an alienated creature trying to find his people.

That sounds very outside the norm of what most people expect from a comic book. What was your inspiration for telling such a story?
I wanted to give people who read this story a sense that this story might actually be happening out there in the universe somewhere. I wanted to instill the reader with wonder.

And is Jack the name of the title character?
Yes, that's him.

So this guy literally has only one eye?
Yes. I explain why in the first issue. The cover of the first issue is the only place you'll see him with two eyes.

So is this a story you've wanted to tell for some time or is it a fairly new creation?
I've been kicking the character around in my head for years. I did an ink wash issue of him, just to try him out, [and] then found that he became an interesting character to write a back-story for. I've been working on him, on and off, for about eight or nine years.

Wow. That's a very long time. It must be very fulfilling to finally have it come to fruition.
Yes, and it is inspiring to work with the creative talent in [Project4 Studios] who inspire me with their work and critiques.

And how did that come about? Working with Project4 Studios and having your book published under their banner?
I met Justin Carmona [Main Studio Editor and writer of Hired Gun] at All Star Comics here in El Paso, [TX] and told him that I had done a book. He asked to see my work and I gave him an ashcan of One-Eyed Jack a few weeks later. He called me up a few days later after reading the book, invited me to a meeting, and the rest is history.

I understand you're doing not only the writing chores, but you're doing the art, lettering and coloring as well. You seem to be a man of many talents. How has the whole process been bringing this book to life, being a one-man-band of sorts?
It is a lot of work, but it's so fulfilling to bring something like this to fruition, I don't mind. After a while, the work pulls you along with it.

And is One-Eyed Jack an ongoing series, a mini-series or a One-Shot?
I am doing it quarterly, for now, and I am working on it so I can release it as a graphic novel after I reach a certain point.

And what went into the creation of Jack, the character himself? What things did you draw inspiration from in creating him?
I get inspiration from esoteric wisdom and metaphysics, as well as dreams. Sometimes I just lie awake and draw from that in-between state where I am neither asleep nor awake in order to find a thread or link that fits perfectly within the plot. I use intuition a lot.

Pretty deep stuff.
Hahaha!

So within Jack trying to find himself and all the metaphysical experiences he goes through, is there a villain in the book per se or is his quest to find himself his biggest obstacle?
He has made many enemies over the years. You see, he hasn't always been a humble person. He used to fight in competitions, brag about his conquests, and generally foster a lot of jealousy. This isn't good for a person who is trying to find peace within himself and within the universe. Karma is a bitch.

That it is. Lol! So who has influenced you creatively in the way of comics or otherwise?
A better question would be, "Who hasn't influenced you?" Man, don't get me started. Art wise, I love Salvador Dali. The Salvador Dali of comics, to me, is Sam Kieth. I love that guy. The Maxx was pure comics on acid. I grew up in the 80's and 90's, so Todd McFarlane, Jim Lee, Jae Lee, Dale Keown; all the Image [Comics] guys were just fantastic. I also love Frank Miller, Alan Moore, and Neil Gaiman, who are some of the greatest writers of our time. Dave Sim, Simon Bisley, do you want me to stop now?

I agree. Most of those guys are awesome.
Most? Hahaha!

Well, I have to plead ignorance. I don't know who Salvador Dali is. Lol!
Hahaha, I don't think he knew either. He was many people, an abstraction of himself.

Kind of sounds like your character, Jack.
Actually, Jack is very basic. He is like you or me, when we feel like the world is awkward and strange and we don't fit in. We try to find our place by doing what we do best and finding others who do the same. We just hope to keep both our eyes [on] the journey.

I love that. Despite how Jack looks, his struggles are something we can all relate to.
Yes. I hope to convey this throughout the series.

So where can we snag a copy? Is it available for purchase yet?
Yes, it can be purchased online through IndyPlanet.com and is also available at Nice Cube and All Star Comics here in El Paso.

Okay, last question...
Hit me.

The Nightmare Before Christmas' Jack Skellington vs. One-Eyed Jack in a game of rock, paper, scissors. Who wins?
Wow, that's a tough one. Would One-Eyed Jack let his competitiveness kick in or would he be his humble self? I guess it depends on if the greys let him sleep that day... I give it to the skeleton.