Think of the most gorgeous, glamorous and decadent houseshare you can imagine. It happened. And the wondrous comic artist Derek Marks turned it into art, with him as a fourth flatmate. Derek is a queer comic artist whose creations make you laugh, smile, consider and bounce about with the sheer joy of them. Loverboy’s Fallon Gold spoke with him about fictional flatmates, fashion monsters and nudity as a style choice.

When we first heard about the Paris flatshare in the 70s between Jerry, Jessica and Grace we couldn’t believe such a thing could ever have converged. How could such fabulousness be under one roof and the world not have exploded from that combined wonder? Did you immediately fantasise about yourself as their fourth housemate or did you start out wondering about the threesome?
I felt the same way you did, I couldn’t believe it. The idea came immediately after I found out that info. I was housebound as New York had just been hit from a hurricane and I’d seen a mind-blowing Grace Jones concert a couple nights prior. Her presence was still fresh on the brain. I picked up a pencil and went with it! I did a google search to see if someone else had written about it, and I couldn’t find anyone that had, which I also couldn’t believe.

How many of the scenarios are based on events that happened and how many are from your gorgeous fevered brain?
Grace said in an interview that the wildest outfit she wore out was nothing but a necklace. I thought it would be outrageous to take that idea further and have her wear nothing for the whole issue! Antonio Lopez had introduced them all, and also being a huge fan of his work, it was logical to cast myself as his lowly assistant. They all went clubbing at Club Sept. Grace and Jerry really did have a rivalry with men, which they’ve both spoken openly about. Other than that, the rest was made up for the first issue. I don’t want to give away the reveal about Jessica Lange that happens midway, but that is a nod to her run on American Horror Story.

How many volumes of G, J, J & M do you see yourself doing?
Originally, I had only set out to do one, then I got inspired to do more when I was presented with new information. At this point I have another 2 volumes planned. After that, I’m not sure! I like to let things happen organically. I don’t put out my work unless it’s my best, so sometimes I can take a while if I’m not 100% behind it. I don’t agree with putting out mediocre work just to keep myself current.

You have them down perfectly. Which one is your fave to draw?
Difficult choice! I love drawing all of them. I’d say Grace comes the easiest.

If you had the real-life chance to hang out with them for a night, what would you want to do?
Since I’d only have the one night, I’d host a dinner party so we can sit around, drink wine, and listen to their stories. They’re each such unique, compelling individuals I’m curious to see how they really interact with each other. I want to know EVERYTHING!

Are there any other trios who you can think of that would also be an awesome houseshare?
So many! Not sure if any of these people had really shared a place, but they were friends. June Carter Cash, Loretta Lynn, and Patsy Cline. John Waters, Divine, and Cookie Mueller. Madonna, Debi Mazar, Keith Haring. Naomi Campbell, Linda Evangelista, and Christy Turlington. Vincent Gallo, Cher, and PJ Harvey lived in the Sierra Towers in LA at the same time.  I know Vincent and Polly were close, I wonder if Cher had ever come into their mix? I hope she did. I mean, that would be the first door I’d knock on if I ran out of eyelash glue.

We know why we love fabulous topless women, but what inspired you to do a series of comics based on babes and their bodacious boobies?
She exists. I observed her one day awhile back and was impressed by how little she cared that people were gawking at her, topless in public (albeit wearing very expensive accessories). I imagined different situations in which her toplessness would present a challenge to her, and that she’d respond in style every time. Nothing gets in her way. Her toplessness is a symbol of her self-confidence. She’s so sure of herself it can make her delusional. There’s a dark side to that as well, which I will be exploring further in the next issue.

Is there a queer comic scene?
There are tons of great queer comic artists. I’d hesitate to call it a “scene” (scenes have a negative connotation of cliquey exclusivity to me) but do I have queer comic artist friends? Yes. Do we support each other and do events? Yes. But mostly I’m sitting in my room drawing!

We adore your stickers! Can we expect any of them to develop into a comic? We’d LOVE to see Vivienne Westblood running amok on the catwalks of the world…
I hadn’t thought of turning that into a comic! Now that you mention it, that’s a great idea. Creating a world in which the Fashion Monsters rule over the unsuspecting basics…

As well as being fabulously drawn, hilarious and heart wrenching, your comics are just exquisite. The colours, the lettering… You present a complete, gorgeous world. What’s your process for creating a new comic?
I start with drafting a story very roughly, which gets down the length, layout and plot/dialogue.  Then comes research. During that stage the story is nearly finalized. However, in the next phase, where I do the finished artwork, new ideas may come and I’ll change the story further. The finishing stage always takes the longest.

What’s next from your oeuvre?
Currently I’m working on a few exciting collaborative projects that are draped in secrecy.  As for my own work, the next issues of Fabulous Topless Woman and Nights & Weekends have been drafted.

Loverboy is named after the wondrous Mariah Carey tune. What’s your favourite Mariah song?
I don’t know her.

Check out More Derek wonders and buy his wares from his Website