1001: Q&A w/ Sanya Anwar
Comic Books, Interviews, NYCC 2013
One of the things I enjoy doing at NYCC is strolling through Artist Alley. In addition to encountering so many well-known writers and artists, there’s so much artwork there that it’s hard to resist buying something. And it’s great to come across hidden gems or being exposed to tremendous talent you were unaware of prior to this stroll. Such was the case for me when I came across Sanya Anwar’s booth and saw her artwork. She’s a freelancer and comic artist based out of Toronto, Canada, and she currently has a comic book she’s working on called 1001. Even though I didn’t have the time at that moment to interview her, I did make a note to catch up with her at some point after the convention. Thankfully I was able to and she took time out of her schedule to answer a few questions.
Me: How long have you been in the comic book industry and what was your original motivation to pursue this?
Sanya: I’ve always been a huge comic fan for as long as I can remember, so that passion has always been there. However, several years ago, working in a very different industry, I realized I wouldn’t be satisfied with only dreaming about being in comics, so I took a risk and gave it a try. Four years later, the response has been overwhelming.
Me: What challenges have you faced trying to get into the industry being muslim and what advice would you give to others who are muslim or just women in general trying to get into the industry?
Sanya: The biggest challenge is simply that people don’t expect someone who looks like me to be in the comic book industry, and on occasion people guess that I might be trying to push an agenda of some kind. Overall though, the majority of people are incredibly welcoming and excited about a different perspective. To all those looking to break into this industry, I would say that everyone has a story to tell and to just start writing and drawing, and surrounding yourself with like-minded people. You’ll quickly find your voice.
Me: You currently have a comic book out called 1001, what is it about?
Sanya: “1001” is a retelling of the life of Scherezade from the classic One Thousand and One Arabian Nights. Although, it’s got my own unique spin on it and there’s a lot more plot and character development. In particular, I wanted to flesh out the relationships between these unique characters and the unusual situation they find themselves in.
Me: I’ve read the first two issues and as I was reading the issues I wondered which sister you related to more, if at all, Scherezade or Dunya? And if so, in which ways?
Sanya: Many people assume that Scherezade is somehow based on myself, but it is in fact Dunyazade that I find I relate to better. She’s a young woman who isn’t satisfied with the path that the world has laid out for her, and constantly pushes against expectations. I think that mix of drive and frustration is something a lot of young creative people go through.
Me: I find the series very intriguing as it deals with the various characters and how it will all unfold. I’m also intrigued by the world it takes place in and there are references to alchemy. Is this something that will be explored more deeply to allow for some magical elements or will it stay more true to life?
Sanya: The story will stay very true to life, with no real supernatural elements. At the same time though, because it was a very long time ago, people didn’t know then what they know now about our world and, especially, about science. Exploring the world of alchemy through the story, I hope, will bring that fact to life for the readers.
Me: Aside from being preoccupied with writing and promoting your own comic book, do you still do any freelance art work?
Sanya: I do quite a bit of freelance work between issues of my comic, although less projects and more commission based as time goes on.
Me: Now that it’s been announced that Marvel comics is making the new Ms. Marvel Muslim, what are your thoughts on that?
Sanya: I had heard! Being a Canadian born Pakistani and a Muslim, the character is certainly one that I share a lot in common with, which is something I rarely get to say about comics. I have high hopes for the series, but I hope they don’t fall into the deadly trap of having the characters ruled by their race and religion instead of simply informed by it. That is to say, race and religion isn’t the only topic at the dinner table in the house I grew up in, and I hope that fact will be reflected.
Me: Do you feel your faith limits you in terms of what you can write, topics you can get into, or do you feel it helps give you a better perspective to explore these topics in different ways and make them feel fresh?
Sanya: This is a question I get asked a lot, and at the end of the day, I find the only way to write in a way that really connects with people is to be honest and uncensored. That doesn’t mean that I want to create gratuitously violent or salacious work, but that real life stretches across a huge spectrum of experiences, and I want to reflect that fact. As for having a different perspective, I would like to think that I bring something fresh to the table, but only time will tell!
Me: Where can people find your work and also purchase issues of 1001?
Sanya: Unfortunately issues of 1001 are only available to purchase at conventions or in select Toronto comic stores, but they are perfectly free to read online at Art by Sanya
I highly recommend checking it out, the first two issues are excellent.
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