Interviews | Paint Monk's Library

Posts Tagged ‘Interviews’

September 22nd, 2018

INTERVIEW: Embrace Your Inner (Radioactive) Hamster (Part I) – A Chat With Creator and Comic Writer Don Chin

(EDITOR’S NOTE: Special thanks to Don Chin for providing unseen artwork and sharing story concepts and never-before-heard “hamster news” with Paint Monk’s Library. If you enjoyed this interview, Don told me he always welcomes care packages of sunflower seeds and carrot-shaped chew sticks, with an occasional piece of lettuce thrown in for good measure.)

By WALLY MONK – Paint Monk’s Library Editor

WALLY MONK

So how long did it take the writer in you to realize that hamsters could be just as tough as turtles?

DON CHIN

“I had a few hamsters as pets growing up, and while most people think they’re all furry and cuddly, they can also be quite vicious and bite you if they’re not in a good mood. You actually need to separate them, as they are solitary animals. Otherwise, they will fight and be quite nasty to one another. So, if a pet hamster had to go against a pet turtle, I’d put my money on the ticked off hamster!” (laughs)

WALLY MONK

Had you been writing comics beforehand, or was ARBBH your first title?

DON CHIN

“Prior to ARBBH being published, I had done some self-publishing in the early 1980s in high school and after I graduated in a local Eureka, CA-based anthology called Overload, the Fantasy-Humor Magazine. My parents kindly gave us the start-up funds to launch it. We did five issues total, and Parsonavich, whom I met in a high school cartooning class, was also into that. It was kind of a mash-up of Heavy Metal magazine and Mad magazine. I also did some underground/new wave mini comix with Bay Area publisher Clay Geerdes, which I also illustrated in the 1980s. My first professional work was in a few issues of Cracked Magazine, starting with about issue #200 in 1983.”

**Don’s first professional work was published in a 1983 issue of CRACKED magazine.**

WALLY MONK

Please tell me a little bit about the creative process and what made you think hamsters would be a hit. They aren’t slimy like turtles, after all. Did you dream of ninja-hamsters when you were a young kid reading comic books?

DON CHIN

“The creative process for me and comics came pretty easily. I think I was blessed with an overly active creative mind and remember drawing comics as a youth on binder paper as well as making amateur sci-fi and comedy movies with my friends using a Super 8mm camera. I grew up watching a lot of now vintage Saturday Night Live TV shows, Mel Brooks comedies like Young Frankenstein and Silent Movie, and silly movies like “Airplane!” which you can see the the influence of that movie in the first issue of ARBBH when the hamsters wind up on a commercial jetline and all sorts of hijinks occur.

I owned a comic book store when I was in college and had seen that this small press book by Eastman and Laird called Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles was taking off like wildfire. I had a chance to check it out and really liked it, as it was basically a funny animal spoof of Marvel Comics’ Daredevil and Ronin by Frank Miller. I was doodling in a college class and thought to myself, “I wonder what it would be like to do a parody of a parody?” As far as I know, it wasn’t done before. So I just took each adjective of TMNT and tweaked it, and because of my love-hate relationship with hamsters, it seemed like the best animal to use.”

DON CHIN

ARBBH was a “parody of a parody.”

WALLY MONK

Clint, Jackie, Chuck and Bruce. I’m guessing they were all named after their martial arts alter-egos. Can you share a little bit about how the characters were created – or what inspired each of them individually (beyond the obvious references?)

DON CHIN

“Yes, good guess on the names. I was a big martial arts movie fan growing up in the 70s and Bruce Lee was a cinematic hero. The first three hamsters, Bruce (inspired by Bruce Lee), Chuck (Chuck Norris) and Jackie (Jackie Chan) were of course named after those kung-fu mega stars and their hamster personalities were shaped in the same ways to their human counterparts.

“Go ahead. Make me into a hamster parody.”

Bruce is super smart and intellectual, Chuck is kind of a quiet, cool spiritually-centered guy and the voice of reason most of the time, and Jackie was downright silly and youthful like Jackie Chan was in most of his movies.

Because there were four turtles, I couldn’t have just three hamsters, and I was struggling to think of another martial arts star. Then I remembered Clint Eastwood’s “Dirty Harry” cop movies, and thought throwing out a wildcard of sorts would be fun. Clint doesn’t do that much kung-fu…he’s kind of lazy, likes to party, and would rather shoot someone than fight.

I think most people like Clint the best because he’s so unorthodox and obnoxious, but at the same time you’d want him on your side. And just to make it more bizarre, I thought he should look like a punk rocker that resembled a Sex Pistols reject.”

WALLY MONK

Parsonavich was an odd choice for an artist on the comic, but his artwork was endearing in its simplicity when it came to the hammies. What appealed to you about Patrick Parsons’ artistic style that made him a good fit for ARBBH?

DON CHIN

“I probably chose Parsonavich to illustrate ARBBH because he was cheap and local (laughs). Patrick Parsons, his real name (not Chris, as some internet sites have reported it is) was my frequent collaborator on a lot of projects prior to ARBBH and he brought a weird and funky underground vibe to the characters.

Parsonavich, AKA Patrick David Parsons
in his younger hamster days.

We had both grown up admiring non-mainstream comic creators like Moebius, underground legend Robert Crumb, John Pound (who lived in our hometown of Eureka) and Gilbert Shelton, who did the Fabulous Furry Freak Brothers and Fat Freddy’s Cat. I think it’s kind of funny that they don’t really look like traditional furry cute hamsters, but kind of sickly and abnormal. Cosmic Radioactive Jello will do that to you!

Par and I are polar opposites in our social circles and upbringing…he’s kind of this Boehemian agnostic hippy dude and I’m more of a conservative, church-going type of guy but we both had a great love for comics in common. I have always been in awe of his talent, his intricate line-work in the Hamsters was pretty cool and organic, and he was asked to cram a lot of story into our first issue and subsequent books, #2, #4 and #5.

Anyways, in my opinion he was the best person for the job because I knew he drew humor cartoons well and could best emulate the undergound feel that TMNT had brought into their books.”

WALLY MONK

When Parsonavich left ARBBH, what did you look for in a replacement?

DON CHIN

“I was sad to see Parsonavich leave the book, but our publisher – Eclipse Comics – really wanted it to be a regular, ongoing title and it was too much work for Par to do all of the pencils, inks, lettering and covers.

Mike Dringenberg and Sam Kieth
would go on to DC Comics, working
with Neil Gaiman on Sandman.

Neither of us had been asked to work on a regular title before, so it was quite an undertaking. After he left, a couple guys I had met through self-publishing and from going to comic cons came to mind as possible replacements. Mike Dringenberg had inked a fill-in issue (#3) and did the cover for ARBBH #5 and also worked on inking Clint: The Hamster Triumphant mini-series drawn by Ken Meyer, Jr.

He is a tremendous artist and was just breaking into the business. Mike and I eventually did a fantasy series for Eclipse called “Enchanter” in 1987 while ARBBH was still being published.

I had also been a fan of Matt Wagner’s Mage series that Comico did and had met Mage inker Sam Kieth, whose own work was kind of toony and fun. Sam got the job starting as the illustrator of issue #6-on until the first series ended.

Cool story – shortly after ARBBH and Enchanter ended with Eclipse, Sam and Mike both got to create the cult sensation Sandman with Neil Gaiman for DC’s Vertigo comics.”

WALLY MONK

What were the initial sales of ARBBH like at the time? Were you surprised? Disappointed?

DON CHIN

“I think Eclipse and I were both surprised when the orders for ARBBH #1 came in. I actually published and printed the first issue at a local printer with a loan from my parents, as Eclipse just wanted to act as a distributing vehicle for the book.

The first printing of ARBBH #1 sold over 50K copies.

The first issue sold well over 50,000 copies and a second printing was probably close to 25,000 copies. That was a lot of orders for a black and white book, so when we saw the positive sales and positive reaction to the book, we decided that we should keep it going. After issue #2, Eclipse was onboard as the publisher of the book.

I was pretty excited at the time, as two dreams of mine were being met. I was writing a popular title and i was getting paid well to do comics. I was able to put a down payment on a house from the proceeds from ARBBH, so that was nice.”

WALLY MONK

And what was your goal, or vision, for the series and the characters?

DON CHIN

“I was hoping it could be a long-running title like TNMT and perhaps get an animated TV show or movie deal and merchandising like the Turtles, but that wasn’t in the cards.

Rankin-Bass, producers of
the animated Hobbit movie,
took out options on ARBBH.

We were optioned by Rankin-Bass Animation (the people who did “The Hobbit”) early on, but they went out of business. I also got to speak with other people in the animation business like Lou Scheimer, who produced Fat Albert and He-Man. He had a pretty cool house!

Anyways, I wanted to take the characters on a more serious path, so the later Sam Kieth drawn issues are probably a lot more commercial than the Parsonavich books, incorporating more action and tragically, the death of Bruce.

Bruce did get reintroduced again later in a color one-shot book called Target: Airboy #1 as his consciousness was transferred into a behemoth Toe-Jam Sucking Monster from Atlantis.”

WALLY MONK

Eclipse was one of the leading publishers of indie comics in the 1980s. What was their initial reaction to the hamsters? Did they perceive it as a competitor for the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, or just a cute spin-off?

DON CHIN

“I had met Eclipse Comics publishers Dean Mullaney and Cat Yronwode at some Bay area conventions in California trying to get OVERLOAD off the ground.

I was surprised when I found out their publishing base was not that far away from where I lived, about 3-4 hours north off Highway 101.

Eclipse only distributed the first two
issues of ARBBH; they picked up the
title after the second issue.

I think I had sent them photocopies of the first issue we had been working on and I am so grateful they were willing to give Parsonavich and I a shot.

They seemed like a very good fit, as they were really creator-friendly, were laid back, and were publishing a lot of great edgy independent titles when I pitched the Hamsters to them.

All of us were really blown away with the amount of popularity ARBBH took on in such a short time.

I think Eclipse felt ARBBH could be a viable title in its own right, and they really promoted the book to fans and comic store all over the world, so I am very grateful to this day to Dean and Cat, and Dean’s brother Jan, who was also one of the owners of the company.”

* * * *

MONDAY – Hamster weekend concludes with Part 2 of Don Chin’s interview! Dynamite Entertainment licenses the ARBBH…The team-ups that never happened…a FEMALE radioactive hamster, and more! Thank you, Don, for taking the time to share your story with our readers.

As always, I am – Wally (AKA Paint Monk)

August 27th, 2018

Uncategorized

Comments Off

INTERVIEW: Talking and Filming With Jack Kirby

An Interview With Glenn B. Fleming, Writer, Artist and Creator of Kirby Documentary

(EDITOR’S NOTE: Paint Monk’s Library blogger Dean Plakas talks one-on-one with Glenn B. Fleming, writer, artist and the producer of a detailed documentary on the life of the great Jack Kirby. Glenn shares his insights into Jack’s life in this Paint Monk’s Library interview.)

By DEAN PLAKAS – PM Library Blogger

“Jack Kirby: A Personal Journey” is a DVD
documentary about the life of a comic book icon.

At a time before Barry Windsor-Smith and Roy Thomas were changing the face of comics with the new and avant garde Conan the Barbarian, other movers and shakers were continuing to pave the way for Marvel to become the industry leader in the comics world.

Jack “King” Kirby is a name synonymous with Marvel Comics. He worked to create enduring legends such as the X-Men, the Fantastic Four, Thor, Captain America and more. His life, his work, and many interesting anecdotes are detailed in a documentary by Glenn B. Fleming titled “Jack Kirby: A Personal Journey.”

Fleming, a British artist, author, photographer, cartoonist and publisher, created the documentary after extensive correspondence and two visits with “The King” in the 1980s. I had the pleasure of interviewing Mr. Fleming with regard to his documentary on arguably the most influential and revered name in comic books. Here is the interview in its entirety.

DEAN: The name of your documentary is “Jack Kirby: A Personal Journey.” When, where and why was this documentary produced?

GLENN: “In 2017, to mark the hundredth year of his birth, I produced a documentary about one of my greatest childhood heroes, the comic genius Jack “King” Kirby. The documentary was premiered at the Oldham Library in England to a selected audience and continues to sell well.”

DEAN: Was Jack Kirby your role model, and if so, why?

GLENN: “I don’t know if Jack was ever a “role model,” but he certainly influenced my comic book set style. I first came across him at the age of ten – 1965 – when he was drawing just about everything in the Marvel Universe. The books he wasn’t drawing, he wrote and produced layouts for.”

DEAN: When did you first discover Jack Kirby?

When Glenn’s brother Martin brought
home a copy of Strange Tales #136,
Kirby’s work became a strong influence.

GLENN: “In the pages of Strange Tales #136. My brother Martin brought the book home one evening. There was Kirby, although he only did the layouts (John Severin produced the art.) On page five, there was a house ad for other books. The Fantastic Four, The Amazing Spider-Man, Daredevil, and Thor. I asked my brother if those books were in the shop. Apart from Daredevil, they were, and we put our pocket money together and bought them. I talk about this in more detail in the documentary.”

DEAN: How did Kirby’s work influence yours?

GLENN: “Well, I was jarred by the artwork. I was ten and had already written a book (25 pages!) and was always drawing my own stories in comic form. My English ‘heroes’ were Frank Bellamy, Ron Emblazon, Don Lawrence and Mike Noble, all fine artists, but all had a more illustrative style. Kirby’s work was different – square fingers, strange perspective, all bursting out of the panels. I began to copy his style. I couldn’t do it, but I believe Jack influenced me at that time in a more important way: the art of ‘storytelling’ in pictures. Two decades later, he told me so. He told me I ‘see things he sees.’ It was and remains the greatest compliment anyone has given me regarding my art. Storytelling is the most important single thing missing in today’s comics, in my opinion. I guess I was lucky. I learned from the master and he told me so.”

DEAN: Where there things you didn’t like about Kirby’s style?

Jack “King” Kirby added distinctive style
to Robert E. Howard’s Cimmerian.

GLENN: “Kirby’s ‘women’ were not the prettiest. John Buscema draws beautiful women in my opinion. John Byrne less so, but nobody’s women were uglier than Steve Ditko’s! That said, I wish I could draw anything as well as the artists above. If you want to see beautiful, sexy women, check out the Italian artist Serpieri, but don’t show the kids!” (EDITOR’S NOTE: Don’t show the Paint Monk, either – Wally)

DEAN: So tell me how you met Jack Kirby at his home!

GLENN: “This is covered in great detail in the film; the simple version is that I went on holiday to Barbados and met an American couple, Bob and Suzanne, who were from California. During one of the many conversations over food and drinks on one of those lovely, warm Bajian evenings, I asked if they lived near a place called “Thousand Oaks.” They lived an hour away!

I arranged to go and stay with them the following year. Meanwhile, six months before I flew over to California. Suzanne sent me a letter with Jack’s phone number! I rang the number and a woman answered. The lady was Roz Kirby. She put Jack on the line and I arranged to go and see them when I was over there. Bob and Suzanne drove me over there and Roz prepared lunch. I couldn’t speak for two hours.”

DEAN: In the documentary, you describe a cartoon you drew of Jack Kirby and his wife Roz, and we see it prominently displayed on their mantle. Do you know if the family still has the cartoon you drew of them in their possession?

Roz Kirby looks over the cartoon that Glenn drew for her and Jack.

GLENN: “I have no idea if they still have the cartoon, but I hope they do. It was on the mantelpiece three years later when I went a second time. I hope they have it.”

DEAN: In the film you say you were able to look at many of his original pages that were returned from publishers for whom he worked. Were you fortunate enough to be given one?

GLENN: “No, but there were many I could have purchased. Many ‘western’ pages like Kid Colt and early stuff. I couldn’t really, really afford them then. I should have pushed the boat out and got a few, I wish I had.”

DEAN: Tell us about any difficulties in the production as a “heads up” for the viewer that might need clarification.

GLENN: “There are only two things with regard to the film that I’d do differently now; one, I would have filmed more and the second I would’ve taken a professional movie camera. The quality could be better, but when you get into it, I think those little quirks are lost in the magic of seeing and hearing Jack speak.”

DEAN: What would a Kirby fan or comic book fan get from buying this DVD collection both physically (booklet, etc.) and in general from watching the documentary of your meetings with him?

GLENN: “The footage is truly unique and I believe a must for all Kirby fans to see and hear Jack in his own words talking about his life. I’m not just saying this to boost sales – because sales are quite good – but that was never the point of the film. I’ve had this since 1991 and it was time to show it to the world. Jack’s hundredth birthday celebration seemed the appropriate time to release it.”

DEAN: They say that sometimes it’s not good to meet your idols as it might end up being a disappointment. Does apply to your meeting with Kirby?

GLENN: “I’m not one of those people who believe that; I believe if you want to meet one of your ‘heroes’ and get the chance, grab it with both hands. In my opinion, I’d rather regret meeting someone than not. They may turn out to be totally different from your perception, even a disappointment, but at least you would know. I have interviewed my heroes who walked on the moon; I’ve met and spoken to some of my rock heroes.

Glenn and Jack review some early Kirby artwork.

I talked a lot with my dad – now HE was a hero, and like Jack, literally put his life on the line against the greatest evil of the 20th century, if not the greatest evil in history. We are only here once and when that gift horse opens its mouth, you get an iron bar, jam it in so he can’t close his mouth and grab all you can. Could, woulda, shoulda. Just do it, or at least try. Jack was a gentleman, generous, humble and funny.

I know he loved the fact that I had sought him out, coming half way around the world to shake his hand. I’m glad I spent the time. The money was considerable, but worth it for the prize, and so I did it again and I’m proud of that. Only three men made it to the moon twice; I’m the only person I know who met Jack twice and none of them went to his house and broke bread with him. Now you mention ‘heroes,’ well Roz Kirby became another hero of mine that day (maybe I should say heroine!) Roz was fantastic – a beautiful woman and strong, she had Jack’s back and believe me, if Uncle Sam had sent her over on D-Day, the war would have been over by Christmas if not before. Imagine that: German soldiers peering over their trenches in anticipation, only to see Roz Kirby, Jack AND my dad coming at them!”

DEAN: What did you personally learn from meeting Jack that you would not have guessed about him had you not met him?

GLENN: “How beautiful his wife was and how humble he was.”

DEAN: What do you hope the viewer gains from this?

GLENN: “Jack’s humor. He was a funny man, but understated. His story about the minefield, although brief, is one of the funniest things I’ve heard. Just the look on his face.”

DEAN: How do you want Jack to be remembered from this documentary?

GLENN: “Jack was ‘real.’ No airs and graces, just honesty.”

DEAN: If we’re sitting here a year from now celebrating what a great year it’s been for you, looking back, how do you see the significance of this project or accomplishment in your career or life? Not many can say that they did what you did twice with Jack Kirby.

GLENN: “I still have another ten minutes or so of film that I edited out, because of quality not content. Maybe I should release a ‘Director’s Cut’ version and get it all out there! If there is any significance in the film, it’s the rarity of the footage of this great man. What happened to him, his creations, his art…I’ll leave people to find out from other sources. I purposely didn’t talk about any of that. I decided before I went out there that I wouldn’t do that.

The second time I went out there, Roz pulled me to one side and asked me not to talk about that; she wasn’t asking me not to, though – she was telling me! I reassured her that that was not my intention and she took my word. She trusted me and that meant a lot. I didn’t find Jack bitter about all that stuff – he seemed OK, he didn’t mention it and only spoke with warmth and affection his life in comics. As I said above, I wish I could have filmed the whole afternoon.

A group photo from Glenn’s California trip.

He told me about creating Doctor Doom and other things. I wrote up both days I met him and still have my notes and quotes. Meeting Jack was a highlight for sure, meeting Roz doubly so. I suppose you could say the universe had (my brother) Martin buy that Strange Tales comic 20 years earlier so I could meet Roz! Like US President John F. Kennedy said about his wife Jackie, Jack could say he was the man who accompanied Mrs. Kirby to the ball!”

DEAN: Besides a possible Director’s Cut of your Kirby film, what else may we expect from you as 2018 begins to wind down?

GLENN: “My dad remains a multi-decorated war hero and I am presently writing a book about his role in the British 6th Airborne on D-Day, following the end of hostilities in the European theatre. He went on to be Regimental Sergeant Major in the Indian Army, lending his considerable expertise to the newly formed Indian Airborne forces in that country. Before D-Day, his introduction to the violence of the world was in Libya, literally earning his stripes as a member of Monty’s Long Range Desert Group, which later became the SAS. The book about my dad’s war service will contain many of my illustrations of that conflict.

Apart from the book about my dad, I’m also writing and illustrating a book about my visit to Rapa Nui (Easter Island.) Two more books, a science fiction novel ‘Iapetus Rising’ (again, illustrated by myself) and a book on the Apollo moon flights (I interviewed two of the twelve moonwalkers) are to be published next year.”

* * *

I thank Mr. Fleming for this interview and for sharing his thoughts and private photographs with regard to his personal journey with Jack Kirby. The documentary shows Fleming, Kirby and their companions at Kirby’s home in California. Just hearing from the legend himself telling various stories of his youth is worth the price of the DVD.

You can purchase Glenn B. Fleming’s documentary “Jack Kirby: A Personal Journey” at www.glennbfleming.com or you can email him directly at gbf1555@gmail.com

– Dean Plakas

June 29th, 2018

Uncategorized

2 Comments »

It’s a bird…it’s a plane…it’s THE SUPER DEACON!

(EDITOR’S NOTE: It’s refreshing to know that this Paint Monk is just one of many devoted religious who enjoy comic books, fiction and pop culture in their spare time. PM Blogger Dean Plakas will tell you the rest!)

**Roman Catholic Deacon Bill Necessary enjoys super hero cosplay in his spare time.**

By DEAN PLAKAS – PM Library Blogger

“Cosplayers” are people who dress in costume to portray heroes and mostly fictional characters. They are both young and old and come from every walk of life. When in costume, many of them look more like the characters they are portraying than the highly paid actor does in a big budget Hollywood film.

Some cosplayers attend only the big conventions, where they network with other cosplayers, pose for the fans, and enjoy photo shoots with other cosplayers. Some attend special events held for the benefit of others. You can find them at movie openings, ball games, food drives, toy drives, blood drives, parades, schools, company family day outings, free comic book day at comic book stores, children centers, burn centers, libraries, and hospitals.

The majority are a friendly, fun group exhibiting camaraderie over competition. They buy their costumes from Halloween costume shops, the internet, even garage sales. Some other cosplayers are very talented, creative folks who spend hours making their own costumes and applying their own makeup. Then there are other cosplayers who do a combination of all this, as the subject of this article does.

The Rev. Mr. William Necessary is a hard working, happily married man and father of two wonderful daughters named Grace and Rachel. He’s an interesting cosplayer because he not only works with cloth to make his costumes but he is a man of the cloth. Yep, Bill Necessary is an ordained deacon in the Roman Catholic Church.

**This isn’t a costume. These are vestments worn by Rev. Mr. William Necessary, a Roman Catholic deacon.**

He was born just days before Christmas on December 20, 1963 in Jacksonville, Florida to the late Robert and Vera Necessary. A few years later, his father’s employer, Maytag, transferred him to Texas. In March of 1967 the family relocated to Tyler, Texas. Twenty years later, William met an attractive reporter named Sue DeMatteo. Married on September 15, 1990, they have lived mostly in Tyler County with their daughters ever since.

As a child, his father introduced him to comic books, old time radio programs, and the cliffhanger serials. Not the athletic type, Bill spent his time reading comic books, playing with action figures, and watching television programs and films. His interests included many genres: monsters, westerns, science fiction, and superheroes! One of his earliest memories was watching the 1966 Batman television series starring Adam West. His enthusiasm for these genres led him to discover pulp novels and magazines (the predecessors to modern fiction anthology books and magazines, usually featuring artwork) when he was attending Catholic high school.

Although not baptized into any religious faith, his parents did not want him to attend public schools, so they enrolled him into a Catholic junior high when he was old enough. In his youth, he attended different churches, particularly a Baptist congregation since his friend was the grandson of the preacher there. But it was when his parents placed him at T.K. Gorman Catholic School that he really encountered Christ through the Sacraments and the Mass. His daughters attended this school a generation later, and he works there today as an 8th grade theology teacher and assistant chaplain.

During his formative years at T.K. Gorman, he began reading about biblical heroes and the saints in addition to the pulp fiction novels and comics he was already reading at home. A young Bill Necessary made a cognitive connection at this point. As he puts it: “The Biblical heroes and the saints were the first superheroes! What appeals the most to me about them is they were ordinary, flawed, fallen human beings, who allowed faith and God’s grace to do extraordinary things for Him! There are literary heroes I admire because they were the forefathers of many of our superheroes!” This is evidenced by the literary device known as “The Christ Complex” where a character believes he (or she) is meant or destined to be a savior of sorts for others. The Superman character is a prime example of that particular literary technique which is also referred to as “The Messiah Complex” or “The Savior Complex”.

In 1982, at Easter and a month before he graduated, Necessary was baptized and confirmed Catholic. He later considered joining the priesthood while in college but that changed when he met Sue DeMatteo, his future wife. His desire to serve the Church never faltered so he entered a program of formation in 1997. On October 13, 2001, the cosplayer was ordained a permanent deacon. Was there a conflict of interest? Not really. Why should there be? Cosplaying is akin to dressing up for Halloween – and the origins of Halloween are Catholic! According to a thankful Deacon Bill, his bishop has never said anything against his cosplay hobby.

“It seems like everyone who knows me supports me or is not negative towards (the hobby).” And support him they do! Recently he was surprised with an action figure of himself gifted to him by community members.

**The super-rare, one of a kind Super Deacon**
action figure given to Deacon Bill by
members of his church community.

“ I am very active in my own community. I make Batman appearances at parties, church, and charity events. These days, it seems that the ’66 Batman is the most popular, and gets the most response. Batman ’66 has been a personal favorite of mine. He appeals to all ages. He’s the character that is most requested especially at events where there are a lot of children and families. Not everyone is into the ‘Dark Knight’ grim Batman that is popular today. I am always happy to give to charity events.”

Bill had never encountered a problem until two years ago on social media, when an individual expressed some negative concerns about cosplay. At a local comic book convention that same year, he had cosplayed as The Phantom. A young man – obviously unfamiliar with vintage comic heroes and dressed as Spider-Man – asked him who he was supposed to be. “He called me ‘Grape Man,'” said Deacon Bill. “Can you believe it? The Phantom predates Batman…Geez! That was a bit unnerving.”

Prior to these events the biggest problem had been wise-cracking hecklers at retail promotions. His biggest concern are the “fanboys” or the the most extreme of the die-hard fans, who sometimes ogle or make inappropriate remarks to female cosplayers. As a father with daughters of his own, he is concerned about ethical, kind and fair treatment for all fans and certainly has no patience for rude or suggestive remarks directed at anyone.

Luckily. Bill didn’t witness hecklers in the late 1970s to deter him from any thoughts of being a cosplayer himself when he first saw costumed characters at the malls. It was during this time period the phenomenon known as Star Wars exploded. He saw people walking around dressed as Darth Vader and storm troopers, having fun, interacting with strangers and getting paid for it! It was impressionable to him as it was to many other people.

Of course the Star Wars characters and the superheroes walking around the mall for MEGO promotions were not the biggest character in the shopping center. When it comes to spreading joy, Santa Claus was and remains king of the mall characters. Since 1981, Deacon Bill has been making kids smile as Santa Claus at department stores and local malls. In addition to the secular version of the character, he has cosplayed as the real St. Nicholas, to whom he has a deep personal devotion. Santa Claus and The Lone Ranger have been the two characters Deacon Bill has portrayed the most.

A younger Deacon Bill.

Bill first cosplayed as The Lone Ranger in 1979, when there was no official “cosplay” at the time. The term was coined years later by Nobuyuki Takahashi at the 1984 World Science Fiction Convention held in Los Angeles, California. Bill was just a lanky 15 year old high school student who put together a makeshift Lone Ranger costume and made appearances at church events, school events, and parties for children. He has been cosplaying as The Lone Ranger ever since, as well as his other favorite characters. So one might say he was one of the unofficial pioneers of cosplay as he was doing it when it wasn’t a popular trend let alone recognized with a label.

According to the deacon: “I cosplay as The Lone Ranger ’81 movie version, 1938 serial version and the ‘50s Dell Comics version. The Green Hornet (40’s, ’66 versions), Captain Marvel (SHAZAM! is the name of the Wizard! – Editor], Captain America, ‘66 Batman, Zorro, Sherlock Holmes, the Phantom, Universal Pictures’ Dracula and its Frankenstein’s monster, the Golden Age Superman, Popeye, Santa Claus, St. Nicholas, Davy Crockett (both historical and popular Fess Parker inspired versions) and even Daniel Boone.”

The many costumes of Bill Necessary!

“I have appeared at parties, retail promotions, church and charity events and even local TV ads over the past 37 years or so in different characters. I wear all of my costumes more than once. I have never done a character yet that I have regretted playing. Many times I am asked to be a particular character like The Lone Ranger or Batman, for certain events. Within the last 4 years or so, a month does not go by where I am in costume at least once. In the fall, it’s more. Unless I’m debuting a new costume at a show, everyone knows in advance who I will be,” Deacon Bill explained.

Why he does this is simple: “The best part of cosplaying is the interaction with people….People are reminded of their childhoods, and they get a feeling of nostalgia when they see me. I remember being the ’66 Green Hornet, working the premier of that (awful) Seth Rogen film in 2011, and a lady a few years older than me saw me, wanted her picture with me because she remembered how much she loved the Van Williams show as a kid. She said, ‘I remember you, Green Hornet! I loved your show! I had your lunchbox!’ For that brief encounter, disbelief was suspended, and I was her childhood hero. It brought back her childhood, and that moment was priceless. That’s why I cosplay! I do it because it’s fun, and it brings out the kid in mostly everyone who sees me,” he said.

Bill purchases parts of his costumes, he makes other parts, and he even gets help from his Godmother, Marilyn Coler, a very talented artist. The easiest costumes have been his Green Hornets; it’s just a matter of masks, hats, and trench coats. Green ones. Currently, the most expensive piece in his wardrobe is the Lone Ranger replica gun belt a leatherworker who specializes in replica gun rigs made for him a few years ago.

He found the leatherworker on Ebay. “It’s turned out to be a great investment,” he plum reckons. It doesn’t always go smoothly for him, however. So far the most difficult costume for him was the 1938 Republic Serial Lone Ranger. He wanted to get the proper shirt. He wanted to get the mask right – but sometimes you have to be practical, especially when you can’t see through the mask no matter how perfect it may look. He had to make the eye holes larger in his mask than the original in order to see.

Other wardrobe malfunctions include the time his gun belt slipped down past his hips; and when his utility belt slipped and allowed, as he puts it:” the Bat-mobile’s ‘spare tire’ to flop out.” Then there was the time when he almost lost his Superman wig when riding in a parade. The costume that took him the longest was the Frankenstein Monster. It took over an hour to get the headpiece and the make-up right.

When it comes to cosplay, Bill works solo at charity events, but he’s not adverse to being with a group. In the East Texas area, there are cosplay groups he knows of, and although he is not part of one cosplay circle or club, he would hang around them for awhile at an event. He‘s made some great friends in cosplay groups.

Bill considers photo shoots an opportunity to hang out with fellow cosplayers and to promote an event. It’s both business and pleasure and he enjoys it. He prefers groups of no more than 6 people in a shoot, unless it’s a big group photo for an event. He never refuses to take a picture, especially if it’s for children. He photographs with one and all, often taking as many photos as people want no matter how tired he is. He does prefer frontal shots however because the iconic superhero pose is a frontal shot with hands clenched on one’s hips!

“I want to look just right when I take pictures. In the past I never really thought about it, but now, I want the costume to look as good as it can so I can properly display the character I’m playing. I never play a character that I know nothing about. I am quite familiar all of my character’s histories,” Bill explained.

He usually takes about a half-dozen photos with his own camera with the help of his wife who helps him at his costumed appearances. Bill admits that he rarely does a show without her. He even gives out photos of himself in character with his autograph should anyone ask! He doesn’t mind that people post the pics on social media as he himself posts pics on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. They are after all good memories of an event after the day is done.

“There’s usually a dinner after an event, and I’ll go. When I’m out of town, my wife and I go somewhere for a quiet dinner before going home. I don’t stay out too late when an event is over. I’m tired then! I tend to put so much into the character that I’m portraying that day that when I change back into my street clothes, all I want to do is eat and go home. For me, staying in character all day can be exhausting,” Bill said.

Cosplaying has been good to him. What started out as something just for fun has become a busy hobby venture for Deacon Bill who already has a busy schedule as a father, husband, teacher and chaplain. With the exception of charity events, he hires out for parties and other occasions – “Have spandex, will travel” as he puts it. With all his work at charity and church functions and doing promotional events, he’s been getting alot of recognition. He’s been interviewed by the local news, he’s been in commercials, he’s been on online videocasts, he’s on YouTube, and he’s done podcasts. This has led to more gigs and opportunities for him, including events out of his local town. He prefers smaller cons because he likes to walk around and mingle, but he did appear at Wizard World Texas in 2008, dressed as the Golden Age Superman. He would like to eventually appear at a major convention like the San Dieco ComicCon one day.

“ I’ve been at events throughout Texas and in Louisiana. I did a show in Lake Charles, LA called Serial Fest, where I appeared as the serial versions of The Lone Ranger, The Green Hornet [who happens to be the great grand-nephew of The Lone Ranger], and Captain Marvel. It was a blast! Also, my wife and I were asked to be cosplay judges at WhoFest in Dallas. My wife Sue is a big Dr. Who fan, so we got to dress as the Doctor and judge cosplay. It was a great weekend!”

When you’re asked to be a cosplay judge and have your own action figure, you’ve reached a level of respectability among your peers. So for any of you, young or old, who are considering cosplay, Deacon Bill has a bit of sage advice for you:

“ If you feel like you want to cosplay, just do it. Be your hero! Live your fandom!..’live the dream’ and be [your] heroes. The most important part for me is that I’m ‘living the dream.’ I can be the heroes that have inspired me in my life. I got to play Batman and the Lone Ranger on TV! How cool is that?”

June 23rd, 2018

Interviews, News

Comments Off

NEW Scout – Interview With Tim Truman (Part II)

Scout: Marauder, An Upcoming Movie, Scout: Blue Leader and More! Part 2 of 2

(EDITOR’S NOTE: Paint Monk’s Library is proud to feature an interview with legendary comic book creator and artist Timothy Truman. Interview conducted by librarian Joeseph Simon. This is the second and final part of the interview. You can find the first part here.)

JOESEPH SIMON

Will Scout: Blue Leader be next? The idea of the entirety of Scout being given a trade collection and/or hardbound is very enticing! I hope for good things in the Scout-related future.

TIM TRUMAN

“This initial Scout: Marauder graphic novel is the first volume of a two-volume arc, and afterwards we have a few more tales set in the Scout: Marauder/Vic and Tahzey timeline that we want to tell. Blue Leader is another beast entirely – a whole new timeline. Understand that the Scout books were conceived from the beginning as a multi-generational saga. It’s been conceived that way since the beginning. As I see it, Blue Leader is set years – many years – after the events of Marauder graphic novels. Also worth noting, there are certain threads running through some of my other creations that connect them with the Scout “universe” – specifically Black Lamb, Dragon Chiang and A Man Named Hawken. There are linkages between those concepts that hard-core Truman fans might enjoy looking for.

As for a trade collection or series of omnibus editions, I’m certainly hoping for that as well. The omnibus editions would be huge books, though, page count-wise. We might have to partner with another publisher for something like that. We’ll see. First things first. We’re concentrating on the Marauder books for now.”

JOESEPH SIMON

Speaking of Kickstarter, another change in the comic industry is the use of crowdfunding platforms such as Kickstarter. You’re back to publishing on your own like you did with 4Winds Publishing. This time you are using Kickstarter. Did your experience with 4Winds help make the choice of doing a Kickstarter for Scout: Marauder easier or perhaps harder?

TIM TRUMAN

“Well, I think I probably covered many of the aspects of that earlier. I’m 62 now and I certainly would rather just be drawing than also handling a lot of the marketing and communication and things like that, when Ben and Em can’t lend a hand. But believe me, it was a lot harder in the 4Winds days.”

JOESEPH SIMON

One of the interesting aspects of your many works involving Native Americans is the amazing research you do and respect that you show for indigenous American history, culture and historical figures. Your writing on Scout has been noted by Native American author Michael A. Sheyahshe, who wrote “Native Americans in Comic Books.” In the book, he says “Scout is presented in a respectful and genuine manner, with tribal-specific cultural ties.” And your work on “Wilderness: The True Story of Simon Girty” was praised by Allen W. Echert, the Pulitzer nominated historian and Emmy winner with whom you would later collaborate on the the graphic novel adaptation of his Tecumseh! play. Other experts have also praised you for your research and honest portrayal of indigenous history and culture. I believe this is one of the many great aspects of your work. Undoubtedly Scout: Marauder will continue that.

SCOUT as a comic has always been respectful of and
worked in dialogue with the indigenous American community.

Regarding how much time has passed and changes have occurred since Scout in the 1980s and 1990s was published, your knowledge of Native Americans and their culture must have expanded and evolved.

TIM TRUMAN

“Well, I hope it has. I was 29 or 30 when I wrote and drew Scout #1 for Eclipse. I’m 62 now. A lot of things have happened during that time – not only for myself, but more importantly within Native American culture. One of the most humbling and rewarding experiences of my life has been invited to attend the last two years of Indigenous Comic Con in Albuquerque. To have some of my favorite folks in the indigenous creative community tell me that Scout was an inspiration to them is an indescribable experience. It’s beyond anything I hoped for or even set out to do. I just wanted to tell a great science fiction adventure story with some meat on its bones and chose to give it a really interesting and unique lead character. I didn’t really think about it much. I just did it, and let the lead character instruct me about how he wanted to be portrayed. It all seemed very logical to me at the time.

These days, we took pains to invite some oversight and participation from the indigenous community. It was really important to Ben and me. Michael A. Sheyahshe, whom you mentioned, has agreed to lend his expertise as a cultural consultant as we go along, as has Pueblo author and publisher Lee Francis, who is one of the founders of Indigenous Con. Weshoyot Alvitre, an incredible artist from California, is working with me on the digital coloring.”

JOESEPH SIMON

A lot of time has passed since Scout: War Shaman was published. I have no doubt Scout fans from back then will jump on this Kickstarter when they find out about it (and will hopefully spread the word.) What can you say to engage readers who aren’t familiar with the original series? What rewards do you have in store for backers and what is your goal, if any, for stretch rewards?

TIM TRUMAN

“Well, as I told Ben, we’re approaching this story not as much as a sequel as a new beginning. It’s consciously being plotted to stand on its own as a seperate tale. Those who read and remember the original series will find an extra richness in it, hopefully. But those who are just coming onboard will be able to enjoy a high action, high drama dystopian sci-fi adventure comic that happens to feature two Native American lead characters, front and center.

GENEROUS REWARDS: In addition to Scout: Marauder,
some pledge levels give the backer access to a PDF library
of the original SCOUT series from Eclipse Comics!

Rewards wise, besides the fact that the Kickstarter edition is, by its very nature an exclusive collector’s edition, we have PDFs of the complete original series, special 8″x10″ art pieces that I’m doing, each one individually inked from my printed bluelines; the chance to get original art and special signed and “signed & inked” editions; 6″x9″ and 11″x17″ full color prints; and the Scout: Marauder Sketchbook in comic book format, full of character concept drawings, page and panel “outtakes,” and, for the first time, my original character notes and series “pitch” that I used to sell the original Scout concept to Eclipse Comics. Also, at a certain reward level, you’re able to receive subscription style PDF downloads of each chapter as we complete it – say 6-12 or more pages at a time, every 4-8 weeks. So although you have to wait until January or February for the print version, you can still read the story and see our progress as we go along during the intervening months. Those early chapters will be the “non-proofed,” unedited versions, so there might be a few things in them that will be a little different in the final printed version. That should be fun for some folks.

For stretch goals we have several things in mind. Right now, we’re talking about putting together a “Scout: Marauder #0” issue for the 2018 Indigenous Comic Con in November and including that as a bonus for most of the pledge categories. Some of your basic things like laptop stickers, but they’l be really cool and original. Some cool new full color prints. Folks are after us to do hardcovers, of course, but I have to collect some new estimates on that from our printer before we can make any decisions, and also figure out how much it would add to our foreign shipping costs, which can kill you if you’re not careful. We’re about to add some new rewards categories, too, to get us over the top and beyond. First thing we want to make sure of, though, is that everyone who is working with us on the book is paid well for their time – including us, quite frankly! I’ve turned down a lot of work offers from other publishers so that I could devote 6 full months of drawing-board time to the book. So right now we just want to hit our goal and concentrate on that. We’re very, very close. At just over one week in and we’ve already hit 80% with 24 days to go. Pretty exciting. I really, really appreciate everyone who is backing the project and making it possible at long last.”

JOESEPH SIMON

Scout has been optioned as a movie, which is outstanding news. Making a movie is not an overnight activity. These things take time. It’s understandable regarding the time from when it was announced to now.

TIM TRUMAN

“Things really seem to be moving along on that front, actually. Studio 8 just renewed that option in March and I’m reading the 4th draft of the screenplay. This shows that they’re really serious about getting the film backed and into production.”

JOESEPH SIMON

It does make one wonder what kind of film Scout would be. I love superhero movies, but I hope Scout goes a different route. Scout is quite obviously not a super hero film – what do you envision for a Scout movie?

TIM TRUMAN

“I agree with you about that. Because of nondisclosure agreements, though, I really can’t reveal much. Studio 8 and the people involved have some amazing creds, though, and a reputation for high quality stuff. Jon Silk, who originally approached me about the option, was one of the guys behind It. Braden Aftergood was one of the producers on Wind River, which was a pretty incredible film. And Studio 8 is about to release White Boy Rick, which looks like it’s going to be big. So we’ll see how things develop. I just want them to be true to the character and concept. Scout is too important to too many people to be messed with.”

***

Thank you to Tim Truman. It was a cool interview to do! Thank you to Paint Monk’s Library for publishing it!

Readers, if you miss out on Scout: Marauder, this is going to be one of those Kickstarters that comic fans are going to regret not supporting! I encourage you to take a look at what Tim and Ben have set up, including the beautiful art and their engaging and compelling story. There are a log of extras and benefits to backing this Kickstarter that will not be replicated at any other time. Visit Scout: Marauder at the link below:

BACK THE KICKSTARTER HERE!

In the meantime, I am looking forward to Scout: Marauder!

– Joeseph Simon

May 19th, 2018

Uncategorized

Comments Off

Low Grade Comics – Hold Onto Those Key Issues!

One Man’s Trash is Another Man’s Treasure – and nearly 36K Collectors Agree!

Coverless? It’s still a treasure to Nico
Felix Capurro, who has made “Low Grade
Comics” cool.

Paint Monk’s Library talks with Nico Felix Capurro, who runs the Low Grade Comic Collectors and BST! Facebook page. Over 35K people on his site are collectors of these low-grade comics…and they love them

Back in the 1970s and 1980s, we were
just learning that good comic books needed to be kept in “bags
and boards.” Favorite issues were read once, twice and even more
– fingerprints, bent corners and occasionally stains from the bottom
of mom’s coffee cup weren’t out of the ordinary.

I never had comic boxes. At least not
for the first three or four years I started collected. My comic books
were stored neatly (or so I thought) in the two-drawer nightstand
next to my bed. There, I could take out a flashlight and read – and
re-read – them after it was time for lights out. As I grew older,
those comics held nostalgic value, but not “re-sale” value.

In the 80s, when Comics Values
Monthly came out, followed by Wizard in the early 90s, we
were taught that if your comic was in bad shape, you needed a decent
one “just to collect.” I can only imagine how many
highly-prized books that were “beat up” found their way into
garbage cans or the local trash pickup.

Flash forward to 2018. Those “garbage”
books aren’t garbage anymore! In fact, a whole new genre of
collectors has come forward pushing a market for these allegedly
“uncollectible” comics. Nico Felix Capurro runs a Facebook
community with over 33,000 collectors of these “low-grade”
comics. That’s a lot of people who enjoy what used to be throw-away
paper! Put into perspective, more people participate in the low-grade
collector’s Facebook page than purchase some Marvel Comics titles.
Think about that for a moment.

Nico graciously agreed to take a few
moments and talk to the Paint Monk about this new niche of the
comic collecting hobby as well as his low-grade comics group, which boasts nearly 36K members.

WALLY MONK

Please tell us a little
bit about yourself, and what inspired you to make a Facebook page
about collecting low-grade comic books! Was this something you’ve
always done, or is it a new hobby? How long have you been collecting,
and how old are you?

NICO
FELIX CAPURRO

“I
have been a very serious collector all my life, starting from when I
was little collecting signatures, moving on to collecting Ren
and Stimpy stuff and eventually
moving on to comic books.

For me it was always nice just having the
books. I liked to purchase old, beat up and forgotten issues, clean
them up, get them signed and get them graded and make them desired
once again.

For me a “key issue” was always a “key issue”
regardless of the grade. I was always very sad when I would see
people talk down about the lower grade books. (When people said) “no
one wants or cares about low grades” which to me, I always saw it
as very sad seeing how a book can still be beautiful!

So one day I
decided to make a group and hope to see if there were others like me.
Now at 33 years old, I’m glad to see how there are many people both
younger and older than myself (that) feel the same way.”

WALLY MONK

Low-grade books used to
get pitched or thrown into bargain bins. Why the need all of a sudden
– or the push – for people to hold onto low-grade comics?

NICO FELIX CAPURRO

“I
think the demand might be a little higher now with the introduction
of the group to where people realize that sometimes having the book
is all you ever really need regardless of what grade. It’s true a
lot of these books were once cast aside but the beauty of the story
is still there!”

WALLY MONK

How did your site start
out? Did you think it would be successful? Have you had any hecklers
or “hard-core” collectors give you grief about low-grade books?
What’s the general sentiment from the mainstream comic collecting
community?

NICO FELIX CAPURRO

“I
started the group a little over a year ago (on) November 20, 2016. I
never thought it would be successful. I remember saying ‘well, maybe
if I get 250 members I will be happy that I have a lot of people
putting me down about the idea?’ Sure a lot of them (did) – the most
common line was ‘no one likes or cares about low grades ‘ so many
people believe if you don’t have a graded 9.8 then it’s not even
worth keeping which always made me very sad.”

WALLY
MONK

Low-grade
collecting is mostly about “key” comics, correct? What do you
find satisfying about getting a “.5” comic book back from CGC
that I’m missing? And what’s the favorite low-grade book in your
personal collection?

NICO FELIX CAPURRO

One of Nico’s prized low-grade issues!

“Low grade (collecting) is more than about just keys. It’s about completing collections, completing runs, and enjoying books – enjoying having the book, enjoying the stories and the artwork. There’s more to a book then just the cover! I don’t mind getting a book back from grading at 0.5, it means I saved it (and) it means that I can take better care of it then somebody else did, that I still have the book and the book is still appreciated regardless of the grade!

I would probably have to say my favorite low grade books in my collection would probably be my five signature one – sketch Incredible Hulk #181 (0.5) and Marvel Spotlight #5 with four signatures (3.5).”

WALLY MONK

What is the feedback like from your forum members? I originally subscribed because I was
curious about the low-grade phenomenon. Is this a big movement in the collecting hobby, or is
it a niche, like underground or web comics?

NICO FELIX CAPURRO

“One of the things that I always try to emphasize in the community of low grades is just having a nice time and being able to have your favorite books, regardless of how torn up they might look. I really think people enjoy the group and a lot of people, thanks to the group, are now realizing that there is in fact more to a book than just a grade.”

WALLY MONK

So how does one go about collecting “low-grade” comics? Is it an eBay thing? I know your
Facebook group probably offers some sort of ability for collectors to make trades. How would
you recommend someone make the leap into this particular section of our hobby?

NICO FELIX CAPURRO

“There are a ton of different ways to start collecting! The low grade group works the same, though I would suggest a new collector start with local dollar bin shops to find what they like, the characters that make them happy and go from there. Thanks to the group I was able to find a lot of my collection. I would probably say that 70% if not more of it is from the group, 15% is from eBay and the rest miscellaneous.”

WALLY MONK

How do you “appraise” a low-grade comic? Is there monetary value, or is it all based on content
of the book or sentimental value?

NICO FELIX CAPURRO

“Believe it or not, a lot of these low grade books are still signed, graded and so on, so the value is pretty easy to determine thanks to sales listings or many times eBay sold listings. For example, with very specific books, it’s like a lot of people say it just goes down to how much somebody is willing to spend on that particular issue.”

WALLY MONK

Finally, what would you say to someone who was contemplating 1) throwing a low-grade comic
book away or 2) thinking about getting into collecting low-grade key comics.

NICO FELIX CAPURRO

“I think before somebody throws away any low grade book they consider if anything at least giving it to a young reader or somebody starting out or even donating it – whether it be to a local shop or even better a children’s hospital. For example, a lot of people – especially kids -don’t care about grade they just wanna listen to a great story see some cool pictures and imagine one reason that we love these books heck I would say probably one of the main reasons is due to the nostalgia To somebody considering getting into low grades I would tell them take your time enjoy the hobby buy what you like and what makes you happy don’t worry about what’s hot on the market worry about what will make you happy what books you would love to have or to display pick something and go for it it’s a beautiful thing and you can have a beautiful collection if it holds value to you then you have a valuable collection.”

As you can see, low-grade comics aren’t
the stuff of trash bins anymore. For some collectors, they’re as prized as
their higher-grade counterparts. Nico added post-interview that his site is also one of the most successful Facebook-based trading sites within the collecting hobby.

Thank you, Nico, for shedding some
light on this new aspect of collecting.

As always, I am – Wally
(AKA Paint Monk)

April 15th, 2018

Uncategorized

Comments Off

INTERVIEW: Weeds and Lore Lead to Small-Press Success

By WALLY MONK – Paint Monk’s Library Editor

I’ve just started getting into the realm of indie comics, and my indie journey began on Kickstarter. There, I was told, you can find inspired people who want to break into comics. Many of them are “bucking the system” (or building a creative resume) and trying to strike out on their own.

The original **HUNTER’S LORE** graphic novel is what
inspired me to take a closer look at Lee’s comic projects

This search led me to a graphic novel called Hunter’s Lore and writer and artist, Lee Milewski. As you can tell from our Countdown to Conan event, I’m a huge fan of heroic fantasy and Hunter’s Lore seemed to fit the bill. Milewski’s artwork isn’t done in the realistic style; rather, it’s an odd combination of abstract art and compelling panel layouts that don’t always make sense yet look good anyway.

His books – at this point at least – are not the kind of comic that you’d see from Marvel or DC, but his creativity – coupled with his unusual art style- could easily carve its own niche. The fact that Milewski has already funded 8 successful Kickstarters for numerous projects (and completed artwork for others) indicates that he is starting to build his own audience.

Having spent the last week looking over much of his work (graciously provided on a shared drive), I’ve concluded that sometimes his work reminds me of an immature and perhaps anime-inspired Bill Sienkiewicz, where the artwork is drawn as puzzle pieces that don’t always fit, yet they still work when assembled on a comic book page.

Other times, it seems he’s channeling Mike Allred and I expect to see Madman leap out of one of the panels. His art is glaringly inconsistent, but ironically, that’s part of the charm of these books.

Lee agreed to share his story with Paint Monk’s Library in an exclusive creator interview.

WALLY MONK: What was your first project, and was it funded with Kickstarter? Or had you tried some form of artwork in the comics medium before crowdfunding?

LEE MILEWSKI: “Ha, well my very FIRST comic project was a little creator owned book called With The Earth Above Us – a very sci-fi oriented book that I attempted to crowd-fund, but failed, and never really tried again with it after the fact.

I learned a ton with those pages, a ton of the basics of sequential art anyway, and went on to create my horror series Tangled Weeds after the fact.

It was a lot of fun, but like anything, you have to fail in order to learn and get better!”

WALLY MONK: Who are the artistic inspirations for your drawing? I am not at all a fan of abstract art, or art
where proportions are exaggerated (think Rob Liefeld) but your work appeals to me. In some of
your pages I think of anime. On others it looks like you’re attempting a more realistic style.
Sometimes panel transitions are jarring – perhaps intentionally? What is the “look” you are
searching for, or are you trying to create your own mish-mash of different styles to tell a story?

LEE MILEWSKI: “I actually really like the way that you referred to my style as puzzle pieces trying to fit on the page – in all honesty, I can totally agree with that and understand where you’re coming from. In fact, I’m not a very “artsy” artist, and have always thought of comics like any other creative thing – you have to think of what you’d “like” to accomplish, and attempt to achieve it.

Lee putting his “best foot forward” in this
page from The Winter Year.

It really is just patience and learning over time, but also the understanding of where your weakness lies and how to better it.

The thing is, I found out early in my learning that I will probably never be a super realistic illustrator… I tend to not prioritize perspective or other things that others may consider, but that all lines up with what I want to do or hope to do. It doesn’t always work, of course, but in the case of Hunter’s Lore – there were several panels/scenes where I re-wrote based on what I know I could accomplish rather that what I would like to.

With my newest project, The Winter Year, I’m really attempting to put my best foot forward and make every panel count… even the ones I will need to draw a million times!”

WALLY MONK: Do you draw by hand and then color digitally? What is your process for completing comic art?
And do you do lettering by hand? I’m guessing your lettering is computer generated. Am I
correct?

LEE MILEWSKI: “I used to draw by hand and took too long, actually. My entire process is now digital, including the coloring and lettering. I have tried to go back after the fact, though the time saved is just not worth it in the end.

For my personal projects, I just jump right into things – so, no layouts or anything, just begin working on what will eventually be finished pages. For contracted work, I tend to do layouts for the client, then work in the same way.

Lee uses primarily freeware like
GIMP to produce his digital comics.

I’ve found that this is super surprising to many people, but I use a totally free program to create my pages called GIMP – so, no Photoshop (nearly ever), Illustrator, etc.”

WALLY MONK: When you’re writing your own comics, I’m curious if the artwork comes first or the story comes
first. Do you get an idea and jot down some sketches, or do the stories tend to come from the
sketches? What were your inspirations for some of the series you’ve completed, and which ones
are your favorite? Will we see more Hunter’s Lore?

LEE MILEWSKI: “Good question! A lot of times, I’ll be messing around on the weekend or something, come up with a character or style that I really enjoy working in, and begin the story process after that. Most of my projects began like that – the Winter Year has been restarted nearly FIVE times in the last year because I began with the art side of things and couldn’t nail down the story. So, after several months of thinking on the project and the artstyle, I landed on what i have now.

A lot of my influences come from film or video games; when scenes or environments really, really captivate me, it can be stuck in my mind for a while until I jot it down or make something of it. The first time I played Bloodborne, as an example, drove me to create a small indie vampire comic called Of The Dark a few years back.

Hunter’s Lore felt wrapped up in the two books, and like I said, I just don’t even draw in that same traditional style anymore – my plan is to actually Kickstart a hardcover version of both books sometime in the near future!”

NO MORE LORE? Lee said he feels this series has been “wrapped up.”

WALLY MONK: Out of nine Kickstarters that you’ve created, only one failed to fund. What was that story about,
and why do you think it’s the only book of yours that didn’t make it to the presses? What did
you learn from that project that helped you be successful with so many follow-up projects?
Which of your successful Kickstarters did you find the most fulfilling from a creator’s
viewpoint? Was it the most “commercially” successful book that is your most fulfilling or a
different one?

LEE MILEWSKI: “Well, my first Kickstarter was a scifi book called With The Earth Above Us – and though I liked the idea at the time, I can easily recognize now that it wasn’t ready for public consumption. It’s an easy, and beginner, mistake to make – that you have something that you really love and have put time into, but just isn’t presented in the way that you can hook people. Probably for the best, of course.

What I did learn from that though, and each consecutive one that I do, is that you cannot rely on past successes. It may sound simple, or silly, but you always have to be trying to outdo your previous efforts – this is because backers are super keen to what you’re pushing and can tell if your ENTIRE heart is in it, rather than just a portion left over from the last one. It’s important to take people’s time seriously – and when you’re talking about sharing a link online or something, it’s especially true.”

WALLY MONK: You mention in your Kickstarter and Patreon profile that you are married. What’s it like
balancing full-time work (assuming you have a day job), advancing your comic book career,
and having a young family? And is your family supportive?

LEE MILEWSKI: “I actually work full time on comics, and believe it or not, my wife Kat works at home with me!

We’ve been doing this for the last few years and love it – I’ve certainly done many, many years with a full time day job and doing art on the side, but nowadays I find that I earn more if my attention is entirely focused on comics and illustration.

My family is super supportive and has always been – I always have to give credit to my wonderful wife for allowing me to live this dream for many years and am happy that she can now join me in the studio.”

WALLY MONK: You’re currently running a Kickstarter project as this interview is being published. Tell us a little
bit about The Winter Year issue #1.

Milewski’s The Winter Year, currently a live project on Kickstarter.

LEE MILEWSKI: “The Winter Year is a fantasy comic, written and illustrated by me. I’ve been working on this series for the better part of a year and am SUPER excited to share it with yourself and others – it’s a true labor of love and my most proud project that I’ve put together.

It’s a story about a hunter with a family, Garai, and his journey into the winter lands to reclaim what he believes is owed to him. It’s about discover, revenge, and ultimately, redemption. It’s a ton of fun and I would love for everyone to check it out!”

WALLY MONK: Have you ever
thought about writing/drawing for Marvel or DC or another one of the larger publishers? How
important is that to you, or could you happily be a “self-publisher” because of the freedom it
gives you?

LEE MILEWSKI: “I have always put publishing with a publisher on a pedestal, until about two years ago. Then, I realized that as long as I’m able to create the stories I want to make and earn somewhat of a living doing so, that I feel happy about my situation. Of course, there’s a glamor to working with a bigger company like DC and Marvel, though it’s not my primary goal or achievement in my career.

Like anything, you have to be happy in your day to day – and as long as comics make me happy to create, I’ll continue making them. And, of course, hoping that people enjoy reading them!”

WALLY MONK: Excellent! Thanks so much Lee, for talking with me for the readers at Paint Monk’s Library, and good luck with your newest Kickstarter. I’ll definitely be following along.

To view Lee’s latest Kickstarter, the Winter Year Issue #1, please click this link!

* * *

As always, I am – Wally (AKA Paint Monk)

March 25th, 2018

Uncategorized

Comments Off

AfterShock Comics Presents the Art of Jim Starlin

THE INSPIRATION FOR THANOS REVEALED IN EXCLUSIVE “LIBRARY” INTERVIEW BY DAVID CONINE

If you haven’t heard of Jim Starlin, then you’ve either never read a comic book or you’re totally oblivious to the massive Marvel blockbuster coming out at the end of April. He’s the man behind the creation of Thanos, the intergalactic villain and titan behind next month’s Avengers: Infinity War. He also wrote the The Death of Captain Marvel, perhaps the most valuable and sought after book in Marvel’s original graphic novel line up. So if you’ve ever heard of Thanos, Drax the Destroyer, or Gamora, you’ve got Jim Starlin to thank.

AfterShock Comics will be honoring the legendary writer and author with their re-release of a retrospective and art book honoring Jim’s legacy. See their press release below:

“FIRST AFTERSHOCK PRINTING! There are few creative names in comics whose influence is felt more in pop culture than Jim Starlin, with his creations Thanos, Gamora, and Drax the Destroyer occupying such prominent roles in Marvel’s cinematic universe. The “father of the cosmic soap opera,” Jim Starlin’s name is synonymous with the larger-than-life epic, which is why AfterShock is proud to bring back into print, this epic 328-page retrospective on the career of one of the most popular and prolific comic book artists of the last 40 years! Covering everything from his humble beginnings to his rise as one of the industry’s top creative talents, this oversized volume includes glimpses into Starlin’s files and sketchbooks, as well as images of his personal favorites with insights into his life and creative process. The first edition of this volume sold out instantly. Don’t be caught short this time! Just in time for the release of Marvel’s Avengers: Infinity War movie!”

On how the project came together and why he’s excited about it:

“When I started in the comic book business “Art Of” books were strictly the provenance of the greats, like Rembrandt and Di Vinci. But times change and so do attitudes. Now the comic is considered an art form and I hope A Life in Words and Pictures contributes a little to that art form’s history. As I come to terms with the drawing part of my career ending, the reissuing of this volume (big enough to knock out a cow with) provides me and readers a chance to look back at a forty-something year long stint in comics and see the starling changes in the industry that occurred during this time frame, both technically and artistically. I have to thank Joe Pruett for instigating this project and the Herculean effort he put into assembling and designing the book.”

On how the experience has been working with AfterShock Comics thus far:

“AfterShock and Joe, as usual, have been simply terrific to work with on this project.”

A sneak peak at the interior of the new Jim Starlin art book from AfterShock Comics.

(EDITOR’S NOTE: Guest Librarian and freelance writer David Conine was given an exclusive opportunity to interview the amazing Jim Starlin in anticipation of his upcoming art collection from AfterShock Comics.)

DAVID CONINE: Regarding your process, what methods did you employ when developing such interesting characters, and did you plan on them not only surviving the test of time, but flourishing as they have?

JIM STARLIN: “David, I was working for a paycheck at a job I loved doing, only looking forward as far as where my next job was going to come from and (back then) hoping I’d actually get paid for the job I was currently working on. That didn’t always happen, at least not on time, and that includes companies like Marvel.

I always saw future stories for the characters I was creating but there was no guarantee I’d ever get the chance to do them. But whenever I came back to Marvel, whether it was for a Warlock or Silver Surfer Series I always saw it as an opportunity to do more Thanos stories.”

DAVID CONINE: What were your inspirations when writing these characters and the cosmos of the Marvel Universe many exist in? Many of your peers were doing “normal” superhero crime fighting comics, and you were busy earning the label of “Father of the Cosmic Soap Opera.”

JIM STARLIN: “Every character serves a purpose in a story or he/she shouldn’t be in the story. Settings are determined by intention. Setting my tales in outer space allowed me to tell stories that might be uncomfortable or preachy if taking place on Earth.

Gamora was needed to put a female touch on the good guys’ side of the Warlock series, a counterweight to the Matriach.

Pip was a much needed comic relief for the otherwise dreadfully serious Warlock series.

Drax was brought in to be Thanos’s kyptonite.”

DAVID CONINE: What idea or event spawned the character Thanos?

JIM STARLIN: “A psychology course in junior college after I got out of the service: Freud’s concept of the darker and lighter side of humanity, Thanos/Eros. Once I started playing with the idea, the darker side proved the much more interesting of the two.”

DAVID CONINE: How did you initially get into writing/drawing comics? Any formal training?

JIM STARLIN: “No formal training, which I regret. A little classical art schooling probably would have made me a better artist.

Marvel was expanding their comic line from eight books a month to about twenty- something and started hiring anyone who could hold a pencil to draw them. I barely qualified. Started writing because I thought I could do a better job of it than many I worked with.”

DAVID CONINE: As you have seen the industry change over the years, what changes/decisions have you witnessed that you feel hurt the genre or industry on a large scale?

JIM STARLIN: “The big corporations buying the companies. The bigger the owner the harder it’s gotten to do good stories. Feeding the bottom line crushes the efforts beneath it to keep it balanced.”

DAVID CONINE: Same question, except instead of harming the industry, what have you witnessed, such as advances in technology, that have changed things for the better?

JIM STARLIN: “Computers. Better coloring, lettering, printing and spell check.”

DAVID CONINE: Who or what was your biggest inspiration when you began your career in writing and drawing comics?

JIM STARLIN: “Jack Kirby, Steve Ditko, Joe Kubert, Charles Dickens, Roger Zelazny, Citizen Kane, and so many more. Artists should have myriad inspirations.”

DAVID CONINE: Did you know that you wanted to draw and write comics – create comics – or was it something that just happened?

JIM STARLIN: “My father worked at Chrysler as a draftsman and used to bring home tracing paper and #2 pencils. With them I started tracing out the characters. The pastime became an obsession, which eventually turned into a career.”

DAVID CONINE: What do you feel was your “made it” moment?

JIM STARLIN: “Still not sure I’ve hit that moment. Don’t want to become complacent.”

DAVID CONINE: Did you read comics as a child, and if so what were your favorite characters and titles, and why?

JIM STARLIN: “Yes, Superman, Batman and (believe it or not) Wonder Woman. They were the only characters being published back in the fifties.”

DAVID CONINE: Who are you favorite illustrators?

JIM STARLIN: “You got all day? N C Wyeth, J C Lyndecker, Frank Frazetta, Frank Schoonover, Dore, Howard Chaykin, so many more that I can’t immediately bring to mind. I’m on vacation and away from my library to be reminded.”

DAVID CONINE: When working for companies like Marvel and DC, how far ahead would you write or plan a storyline? Did you have a specific method you employed for this?

JIM STARLIN: “It would depend on the job. I usually like to have a lot of extra time built into the schedule, to avoid mishaps or unexpected events throwing things off but that’s not always possible. Some early jobs, like one issue of the Cat that Alan Weiss and I drew we only had three days to get the job done.”

DAVID CONINE: What was the first comic you ever wrote?

JIM STARLIN: “The middle chapter of a Captain Marvel issue. I took over scripting that series completely the following issue.”

DAVID CONINE: What is your favorite comic that you have written? Specific issue, and why?

JIM STARLIN: “The Death of Captain Marvel for so many reasons.”

DAVID CONINE: Do you have a favorite illustrator/creative team that you enjoyed to working with the most?

JIM STARLIN: “Bernie Wrightson would probably be #1 with Alan Davis and Ron Lim fighting it out for second place, for very different reasons, obviously.”

DAVID CONINE: Over the years, what are a few of your top 10 favorite writers?

JIM STARLIN: “Alan Moore, Frank Miller, Steve Gerber, Roy Thomas, Stan Lee, and Bob Kaniger.”

DAVID CONINE: If you were to choose, what character that you’ve ever worked with is your most beloved?

JIM STARLIN: “Thanos.”

(EDITOR’S NOTE: David Conine and Paint Monk’s Library would like to offer our deepest thanks and heartfelt appreciation to AfterShock Comics and Jim Starlin for the opportunity to conduct this exclusive interview.)

Welcome to the Library!

Language

INTO THE KNIGHT PODCAST

Weirded Wonder

COMIC BOOK GRADING

Golden Age Podcast

Robert E. Howard News

WRITER JIM ZUB’S BLOG

ARTIST TIM TRUMAN’S SITE

Atlas Comics Archives

“Groovy” Comics Blog!

THE DEFENDERS FAN SITE

MARVEL UNLIMITED

COMIXOLOGY

Posts Tagged ‘Interviews’

INTERVIEW: Embrace Your Inner (Radioactive) Hamster (Part I) – A Chat With Creator and Comic Writer Don Chin

INTERVIEW: Talking and Filming With Jack Kirby

An Interview With Glenn B. Fleming, Writer, Artist and Creator of Kirby Documentary

It’s a bird…it’s a plane…it’s THE SUPER DEACON!

NEW Scout – Interview With Tim Truman (Part II)

Scout: Marauder, An Upcoming Movie, Scout: Blue Leader and More! Part 2 of 2

Low Grade Comics – Hold Onto Those Key Issues!

One Man’s Trash is Another Man’s Treasure – and nearly 36K Collectors Agree!

INTERVIEW: Weeds and Lore Lead to Small-Press Success

AfterShock Comics Presents the Art of Jim Starlin

THE INSPIRATION FOR THANOS REVEALED IN EXCLUSIVE “LIBRARY” INTERVIEW BY DAVID CONINE

Conan: The Podcast (Episode 2)

Conan: The Podcast (Episode I)

Subscribe to Paint Monk’s Library!

Follow the Classic Conan Countdown!

@Paintmonk Twitter Feed

Bargain Bin Adventures With Paint Monk!

Welcome to the Library!

Language

INTO THE KNIGHT PODCAST

Weirded Wonder

COMIC BOOK GRADING

Golden Age Podcast

Robert E. Howard News

WRITER JIM ZUB’S BLOG

ARTIST TIM TRUMAN’S SITE

Atlas Comics Archives

“Groovy” Comics Blog!

THE DEFENDERS FAN SITE

MARVEL UNLIMITED

COMIXOLOGY

Posts Tagged ‘Interviews’

INTERVIEW: Embrace Your Inner (Radioactive) Hamster (Part I) – A Chat With Creator and Comic Writer Don Chin

INTERVIEW: Talking and Filming With Jack Kirby

An Interview With Glenn B. Fleming, Writer, Artist and Creator of Kirby Documentary

It’s a bird…it’s a plane…it’s THE SUPER DEACON!

NEW Scout – Interview With Tim Truman (Part II)

Scout: Marauder, An Upcoming Movie, Scout: Blue Leader and More! Part 2 of 2

Low Grade Comics – Hold Onto Those Key Issues!

One Man’s Trash is Another Man’s Treasure – and nearly 36K Collectors Agree!

INTERVIEW: Weeds and Lore Lead to Small-Press Success

AfterShock Comics Presents the Art of Jim Starlin

THE INSPIRATION FOR THANOS REVEALED IN EXCLUSIVE “LIBRARY” INTERVIEW BY DAVID CONINE

Conan: The Podcast (Episode 2)

Conan: The Podcast (Episode I)

Subscribe to Paint Monk’s Library!

Follow the Classic Conan Countdown!

Popular Posts

@Paintmonk Twitter Feed

Bargain Bin Adventures With Paint Monk!