Monster Maker: The Strange Creatures of Mark Nagata
words by Debbi Michiko Florence and art by Inko Ai Takita, Reycraft November 2025
I am so thrilled that I got to partner with artist Inko Ai Takita for this picture biography. I am also happy she took the time to answer a few questions about this book.
Debbi Michiko Florence: How did you come to be an artist?
Inko Ai Takita: As long as I remember, I have always loved drawing since I was so small. So I would rather think that art chose me rather than chasing to be an artist.
DMF: What about this picture book manuscript interested you into wanting to do the art?
IAT: First of all, this encouraging story somewhat reminds me of my own path to be an artist. Secondly, Ultraman was my absolute favorite series, I used to watch a lot of them with my brother with excitement! I’m honoured to draw all Kaiju including the ones I used to watch on TV!
DMF: How did you come up with ideas for the art for the book? What is your process?
IAT: My process started reading out the manuscript like an actor, to synchronise with feeling in the story. Then researching a lot about Mark Nagata, his website, Instagram posts, and all his interview videos available. Many parts are imaginable with ideas I got but I tried his appearances through ages, clothing, his artworks to be accurate as possible.
DMF: What is your favorite spread and why?
IAT: My favorite is the 3rd spread with kaiju boxes and a child Mark holding 2 figurines by his cheeks. I loooved these classic box art, I enjoyed drawing so much.
DMF: What are you working on now?
IAT: I’m working on more book illustrations, Gaming art, and also giving some manga workshops for kids. All so enjoyable and rewarding.
About Inko Ai Takita:
Her works have graced esteemed institutions such as the British Museum and Victoria and Albert Museum, where she’s delivered manga workshops. Additionally, Takita’s collaborations with British artist David Blandy resulted in captivating projects like the manga posters for the London Underground’s Embankment station.
Her published manga collaborating with Scottish comic writer Séan Michael Wilson, including titles like “Manga Yokai stories” (Tuttle) and the award-winning “Portrait of Violence” (New International), have been critically acclaimed.
Furthermore, her illustrative contributions to the online theatre “Flight Paths” earned recognition at the Superfest Disability Film Festival 2021.
