Mythozine: A New Home For Campus Creatives

Graphics by Maria Masek

With such a vibrant community of artists, it seems strange that it took until last year for an illustrative narrative and comic book student magazine to emerge on campus. Enter Mythozine: a collective of student artists and writers from both Syracuse University and SUNY ESF who put their creative visions together to bring their stories to life in both a digital and printed format. Jerk Magazine spoke with the talented Julia English, the founder of Mythozine, about the genesis of the magazine, challenges faced when creating a new publication on campus, and everything in between. 

Jerk: Why did you start Mythozine?

English: I started Mythos this summer because I realized that I was an upperclassmen who hadn't really been THAT involved on campus. I had written a short script for a comic and I realized that I didn't have a place to put it. There weren't that many opportunities for illustrators on campus, so I made my own! 

Jerk: Did you face any challenges when starting the magazine? If so, how did you overcome them?

English: Currently we have been struggling because the student association ran out of funding before we could ask for printing money. We are trying to fundraise and find a loophole, especially because our first edition is completed. 

Jerk: What kind of audience is Mythozine geared towards?

English: Mythozine is geared towards any lovers of art! Most importantly, we hope that Mythos provides artists and writers the chance to have their work published for future employers to see. 

Jerk: Where did your love of comic books, and art generally, come from? 

English: I have been drawing superheroes for as long as I could remember, but I think my family is who really inspired me to get into comics and superheroes. My dad showed me Star Wars, Jurassic Park, and Gremlins when I was really young. My first big “phases” growing up were Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and Dr. Who. Although my dad originally showed me science fiction, my mom and my brother are also really nerdy. My brother and I both collect comics and my mom knows everything about classic literature. I remember begging my parents to see my first PG13 movie in theaters, Guardians of The Galaxy. I would always grab a copy of Rocket Raccoon when my brother got his monthly Sonic comic. 

Jerk: What has your experience been like working with other students?

English: It has been so inspiring to work alongside so many other artists and writers. I have become so close to the entire e-board throughout this process and there is no way Mythos would be where it is now without their help. Witnessing first hand everyone's own unique work process has really pushed my creative process forward. 

Jerk: Lastly, what is your favorite part about Mythozine? 

English: My favorite part has to be seeing everyone’s different approaches to comic making. Mythos has really become a community this last semester and I am so lucky to have such a talented group of people working on this magazine. 

You can follow Mythozine on Instagram @mythozine :)