Developing Your Voice Across Mediums with Award-Winning Creator Derek Kirk Kim

In this heartfelt episode of *Continuing Conversations: Sci-Fi Storytelling & Star Trek Adventures*, hosts Michael Dismuke and Jim Johnson welcome award-winning creator Derek Kirk Kim, an Eisner, Harvey, and Ignatz Award-winning cartoonist, writer, and animator. The conversation begins with a nostalgic flashback to their shared fourth-grade classroom in Pacifica, California, where young Derek drew a cover for Michael’s superhero story—a moment that sparked Michael’s lifelong admiration. Derek reflects on his early struggles as a Korean immigrant adjusting to American life, his language barriers, and the emotional weight of feeling like an outsider—parallels he later explored in his work, particularly through characters like Data from *Star Trek: The Next Generation*. The discussion dives into Derek’s multifaceted career across comics, animation (*Amphibia*, *Adventure Time*), and graphic novels, emphasizing how animation taught him to become a more concise, disciplined storyteller. He shares insights into the collaborative nature of animated storytelling, the pressure of tight production timelines, and the importance of cutting 'darlings'—personal favorites that don’t serve the story. Derek champions comics as the ideal medium for solitary, deeply personal storytelling, valuing the creative freedom and ownership he has through publishers like Image Comics. He offers practical advice to emerging creators: finish your projects, avoid self-consciousness, and prioritize health with standing desks. The episode closes with Derek sharing upcoming works, including the new Image Comics series *Royals* and his first adult romantic comedy, while the hosts express deep gratitude for his authenticity, resilience, and enduring creative vision.