INTERVIEW: Kelsey Ramsay Steals the Show in 'Godzilla: Heist'

When Godzilla is loosed on an unsuspecting London, you need an expert to render its rampage. That's where artist Kelsey Ramsay shines as part of the Godzilla: Heist crew. Alongside writer Van Jensen, the London-based creator is harnessing her illustration skills to steal the show starting with the limited series' debut issue from IDW Publishing. Read our full interview with Ramsay to see how she's putting her lines to work on a story about the score of the century starring the King of the Monsters.

Godzilla.com: Welcome to the world of Godzilla comics! How did you become involved with Godzilla: Heist and what was your initial reaction to the opportunity to illustrate a Godzilla story?

Kelsey Ramsay: Thank you! I was asked by great editor Jake Williams and my first reaction was excitement and a little intimidation from such a beloved character. There've been so many phenomenal artists/writers that have handled Godzilla amazingly and I wanted to do fans right and just have fun.

Godzilla.com: Godzilla has had many looks over its 71 years in cinema and other media. Which Godzilla designs most informed your take in Godzilla: Heist?

Kelsey Ramsay: Well Toho are the original creators so they had initial references for me to go off, but I think subconsciously I tried to ode and take aspects from all the different Godzillas.

Godzilla.com: Aside from Godzilla, do you have any other favorite monsters from the Godzilla canon that you’d find fun to draw (whether or not they appear in Godzilla: Heist)?

Kelsey Ramsay: King Kong’s a classic that would be pretty sweet to draw swinging over a city!

Godzilla.com: You’re based in London, the main location for Godzilla: Heist. How cool is it to lead smashing your city?

Kelsey Ramsay: It’s an honor to have a sort of hand in Godzilla smashing up London! And it was fun discussing with (writer) Van and (editor) Jake how telephone boxes, buses and Big Ben would be destroyed by Godzilla.

Godzilla.com: You’re skilled at drawing characters with high style. What was your approach to designing the human characters in Godzilla: Heist?

Kelsey Ramsay: Too kind! Honestly, Van had slight descriptions of the personalities/tropes of the characters and their names were super fun too. It was just great he allowed me such freedom and heists are usually filled with all walks, so I just played around!

Godzilla.com: Creators tend to surround themselves with Godzilla toys and collectibles. Do you have any Godzilla keepsakes in your studio or elsewhere?

Kelsey Ramsay: This project has given me the excuse to have a very cute sized Godzilla and Mechagodzilla(same as Van!) overlook and survey my desk!