Karla Medrano, aka Moon the Storyteller, is one of the talented Black female indie comic creators working to make her mark in the industry. Through her books, podcast, and indie comic marketing course, she continues to build both her brand and her community.  Karla spoke with Alan Lynch and Black Comix Universe to discuss indie comics, publishing, and the start of her upcoming Zelda Awards. 

Karla is best known for her comic Luna: Queen of Mahra and its titular character, Luna. While there is a lot of information out there about how she and the title got started, there is not much insight into how her journey is going now. We hope to bridge that gap.

Luna Queen of Mahra

Alan Lynch: First off, Karla, how are things going in the world of Mahra and Luna? What issues are you working on right now, and when can we expect a release?

Karla: Luna is being re-launched under my company, Blaq Girl Comics. Luna #1 is out now, Luna #2 releases in March, and Luna #3 is coming in April. The series continues to follow Luna’s journey as she discovers how important she is to the Universe.

In a world so rich with lore, factions, and characters, do you have any plans to do a spinoff story in the Luna universe?

I would love to do a spin-off that centers on Luna’s children, as they are (spoilers!!) twins and inherit The Energy, as well.

Would you be open to talented writers collaborating or writing on such a story or stories, and who would you love to see do a Luna universe story, this could be a one-shot or mini-series?

Once my first volume is released, I am definitely open to collaborating with other writers for a crossover or even a one-shot focusing on one of the secondary characters, like Keera or Zo.

After the hurdles and learning curve of your first issues, how has comic creating been now?

I have decided to sell my comics on Amazon. This has been a process. I have been experimenting with different sizes, bleeds or no bleeds, etc. Let’s just say, after 5 proofs I finally figured it out.

Luna’s first story arc is a 6 issue run I believe. How do you go about writing a six issue arc. Do you write 1 book then start the next book of the series or write the full arc outline etc.

A great editor is key. They help you cut out what isn’t needed and develop what is needed to drive the plot and character development.

One of the standouts outside of the writing on Luna has been the amazing artwork. Can we expect the same team to finish the first series of Luna books?

Unfortunately, for Luna #4 the artist is not available. Since the success of Luna, Ian and his team have taken on larger projects. I am hopeful that he will be available for future books though.

Collaborations

Are you doing any comic book projects outside of the Luna IP? For yourself and others?

Yes, we have several stories in development. I am finishing up a children’s book called Afros, Besos, y Chocolate that I hope to release in May. It’s for bilingual English/Spanish families raising pre-schoolers.
I have a creator, named Ashley, who is releasing Na’Makasi, a comic book centered on a black woman with superpowers.
And then, I am going to be co-writing a story with another creator called “My Sister is a Dragon”.  I have also been invited to write ‘Juna’ from Summit Comics and “Ossira” with Freestyle Comics.

What’s it like writing a script for other projects, what’s your process, and how do you prepare yourself?

It can be challenging, because you are starting with a character that you aren’t familiar with and you may not even connect with at first. However, once you start brainstorming different plot points, you begin to see what can work/what won’t and start writing.

What have these experiences been like so far?

Amazing. Working with other creatives who are just as passionate is fun.

Would you say it helped you in your writing craft?

Receiving editorial feedback and suggestions is always helpful because I can see where/how I can improve on a future script.

Was it difficult in any way writing for the male character Hotshot?

Hotshot had a lot of material before I wrote Ossira’s story. So thinking about how he would react to her wasn’t as hard as I had anticipated. The challenging part was ensuring that the script matched what everyone else had in their story, so the editors took care of that.

Name one indie IP and mainstream comic IP that you would love to write for.

ORORO MUNROE, but for her own TV cartoon series. And for indie, I would be honored to work with several indie publishers. I am available!

Blaq Girl Comics Publishing

What is Blaq Girl Comics ?

Blaq Girl Comics elevates the brown and black girl experience through narratives that spark joy, not trauma.

Forgive me, I have to ask, with a name like Blaq Girl Comics, is it a space exclusive to Black female creators?

Blaq Girl Comics reminds potential readers who I am writing for – primarily brown and black women who want to read stories that center their happiness and joy. However, anyone, who has a story that elevates that message, is welcomed to apply when submissions open.

What made you want to jump into the world of indie publishing?

There are only a select number of black women who are writing for main-stream and it doesn’t look like that door is opening anytime soon. So, this is the only way to tell my stories, for now.

What has the response been like from the creators?

I just launched Luna on Amazon….so time will tell. As far as other indie creators, I am sure they are proud of me, but I think you are one of the first to actually congratulate me. I am not sure why that is.

What are some of the things it takes to be a publisher with another creator under your wing? And have you had any help from other Black indie publishers along the way?

It takes organization, communication, and a commitment to helping them sell their books. As far as other black indie publishers, I have received a few congratulations and there are a few that help amplify my work (i.e reposting, commenting, sharing), but the majority are busy trying to do the same thing I am doing, so I don’t see a lot of support on social. However, now that my focus is securing grants and growing on Amazon, I don’t stay on social like I used to.

With your publishing house heavily focused on the promotion of Black female creators in the space, what would you say are some of the hurdles Black women face when it comes to indie comics?

Funding.

What do you think Black female creators bring to the table that their male counterparts do not? 

I think we are more resilient, because we had to learn to be.

Who are some of the amazing talents we can look forward to seeing under Blaq Girl Comics? And what titles can we look out for in the upcoming year?

Ashley Van-De-Cruize Lampkin is a powerhouse. She is a singer, a poet, and a writer. A huge following and currently raising funds to adapt her story into animation. She will be releasing Na’Makasi #1 and #2 this year. And we also have Luna #3, Afros Besos y Chocolate, and hopefully more.

For those reading this and looking to pitch an idea or get published, what are you looking for, and are you looking for only completed projects? And what is the target audience you aim to sell to?

When submissions open, I am looking for stories (they don’t have to be completed) that center brown and black women’s peace, joy, power, and happiness in ways you have never seen. Give her a struggle, but let her have fun, moments of peace, and love while she is going through it.

For the foreseeable future, would you be launching and showcasing Blaq Girl Comics on the Kickstarter platform?

I am trying to avoid Kickstarter to fund Blaq Girl Comics. Not because it doesn’t work, but because I don’t want my readers to only buy when there is a campaign going on. Also, I want to learn how to find readers around the world, so focusing on Amazon is the way to do that.

Zelda Awards

Tell us about the upcoming Zelda Awards. First off, what’s in the name, what is the significance.

It was named after Zelda Jackie Ormes, the first female black cartoonist in the United States. She was a trailblazer in so many ways. So, the awards is named after her because i wanted to honor the trailblazers that don’t get recognized.

What are some of the categories you are looking to show case?

Some categories are Best Writer, Best Cover Artist, Best Colorist, and a special award called, “Ink the Future” which will honor the woman/gender expansive creator that is clearly shaping the future.

Why do an awards showcase? And why exclusive to black females?

The Zelda Awards is for all women in comics, not just Black Women. And an awards show will let people know we are here to stay.

What purpose do you see awards and award shows have in the indie comic space?

Just like the Oscars, awards shows in the indie space help people get recognized, celebrated, and possibly chosen for future opportunities.

When can we see the winner of these awards?

The Zelda Awards will take place, virtually, on Saturday, April 11, 2026. Follow our IG page to stay updated!

Well, Karla, it has been great talking to you, and thank you for taking the time out to chat. Tell everyone where we can get hold of your books and follow you. And all the best for the upcoming year.

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