INTERVIEW: Artist Ian McGinty helps DJ Paul Oakenfold tell his story in graphic form
Paul Oakenfold, the successful and Grammy-winning DJ, loves to branch out and take some risks with his projects. His latest one is called The Wonderful World of Perfecto, a graphic-novel memoir that is accompanied by an original soundtrack from the electronic music star.
Helping Oakenfold tell the story is a group of high-profile artists, consisting of WOODnLeG, Tyler Boss, Chris Hunt, Ian McGinty and Koren Shadmi.
The stories in the book are fantastical and “not quite true.” Oakenfold can be seen DJing atop Mount Everest, drinking absinthe with gonzo journalist Hunter S. Thompson and touring with the likes of Madonna, U2 and Calvin Harris. In real life, the DJ has collaborated with Pharrell Williams, Grandmaster Flash, Perry Ferrell, Ice Cube and Nelly Furtado, among many, many others.
Recently, Hollywood Soapbox exchanged emails with McGinty about his work on the book. McGinty is the creator of Welcome to Showside, and has worked on the comics for Adventure Time, Bravest Warriors, Steven Universe and Hello Kitty. Questions and answers have been slightly edited for style.
What was it like to collaborate with Paul Oakenfold?
Absolutely fun! Paul gave me a lot of freedom to portray his life and moments, something I very much appreciate. It let me stretch the limits of my art, instead of having to cohere to any guidelines that might make the book seem less than stellar. For a memoir, huge deal. Doesn’t happen a lot.
How did you divide up the work among the artists?
We each tackled a different section that Paul felt best suited our individual style and sense. I was probably the wild card here, a cartoonist mostly known for working on all-ages properties like Adventure Time, Bee and Puppycat, Bravest Warriors, etc., instead of being a more ‘realistic’ artist, so I headed some crazy stuff. Hunter S. Thompson as a demonic monster-man shooting cans with guns? Yes, please.
When drawing characters who are real people — and well known to the public — do you feel restricted in how you present the art?
I personally didn’t. I draw how I draw, and nothing is really going to make me change too much, which, ironically, is why I included lots of different art styles in my part of the book. I wanted to bombard the reader as much as possible, something that I think translates well in tandem with Paul’s music.
Were you a fan of Paul Oakenfold’s before starting the project?
Of course, I knew of Oakenfold and the music, but I wasn’t really super aware of just how much there was. I grew up listening to punk, blues and bluegrass mostly, so EDM wasn’t super on my radar. However, I have listened to a ton of Paul’s stuff since then, and it’s all good.
What other projects are you currently working on?
I currently work as an animator on the new Invader Zim special at Nickelodeon, and I head the artwork on Boom! Studios’ new Rocko’s Modern Life comic. I’m also working on my own property Welcome to Showside, card art for SJGames, new Adventure Time books, and I’m collaborating with Samuel Sattin on a three-book deal with Lion Forge. So, lots going on!
By John Soltes / Publisher / John@HollywoodSoapbox.com
The Wonderful World of Perfecto is now available. Click here for more information.
