If you’ve seen many pictures from C2E2 this year, you probably noticed some kind of promotional material for “Head Smash” from Arcana. They were handing out bags, they had giant signs, and the Arcana booth was set up for nothing but “Head Smash.” They’re promoting it as the biggest graphic novel release of 2013, and they’re putting all their weight behind it. Writer Vlad Yudin was kind enough to answer some questions for me about the book.
“Head Smash” is your first comic work. Is this a medium you’ve had an interest in for a while?
YV: I’ve always been a big fan of graphic novels and comic books. When I had the idea for “Head Smash”, it was just perfect for the medium. When you have a new character, he needs to be introduced in just the right way. This is a whole new idea, and a whole new world. We’re going to be promoting this book all year long.
Was it a hard decision to do a graphic novel instead of monthly issues?
VY: Not at all. It will be a trilogy, but each part is a complete story. This isn’t something we could do right in installments.
Why was Arcana the right home for “Head Smash”?
VY: It’s a great company. They’ve done a lot of cool stuff. They’re an action-driven company with a great catalog. “Head Smash” is very gritty book, like “Sin City”. This story is a perfect fit with what they usually do.
Which writers or artists have you drawn inspiration from?
VY: Tim Bradstreet. I love his stuff, and I’m really excited he did the cover. “Sin City” I already mentioned. The story’s not too dark, and the language is suitable for teens. It’s a hardcore story, but it’s something parents will approve.
Why was Dwayne Harris the right artist for “Head Smash”? How did you connect with him?
VY: He did “Amnesia.” The color and style of it really struck me. Going from scene to scene, the colors change, and it just felt right.
Do you have plans for “Head Smash” beyond this trilogy?
VY: We already have a film in development. The screenplay is almost done, and we start pre-production at the end of this year. We’re working hard to drum up interest in the character now.
What’s the strangest thing you’ve seen at C2E2?
VY: There are some very interesting people and costumes here. I saw one guy with a giant knife with some blood splattered all over him. I don’t know what it’s from, but it stands out.
