Some Kickstarter comics are backed because of the story/concept; others are backed because the creative team is inspiring. While no offense to the story behind “Horizon’s End,” this is a project that deserves your backing because it features the return of one of the great unsung artists of the last 25 years: Darryl Banks.
Banks, who is best known for his long run on “Green Lantern,” has been more or less absent from comics for the past decade or so, has returned to work on this cosmic graphic novel by co-writers Chris Delloiacono and Darren Kappauf. As the co-creator of Kyle Rayner, Banks is no stranger to bringing new creations to life, and the few posted on the Kickstarter page show that he hasn’t lost a step when it comes to his eye for character design.
I reached out to Banks, and he was kind enough to answer a few questions about his involvement with the project:
So, Darryl, this is book is a big deal for those of us who have been fans of your work for a long time and who miss seeing your books in stores each month. What made this project one that got you to sit back down at the table and draw some comics?
Darryl Banks: I haven’t done any comics work since 2011 when I did the Green Lantern retroactive 1990s special. Daron Kappauff approached me with the idea for “Horizon’s End” that he developed with Chris Delloiacono. They commissioned me to do the character designs in preparation for the Kickstarter project. The story has a lot of potential which was essential in getting my interest.
How do you manage your work on a project like this? Is there a certain amount you do before the funding comes through, or do you wait until everything is set in motion and then start on the pages?
DB: Once the project is funded, then I will begin doing the pages although one page has been completed and can be seen on the Kickstarter page.
Obviously, you have a background drawing cosmic characters. Did much of the character design on “Horizon’s End” come from your past work on “Green Lantern?” Or, did you resist the urge to return to that place in your history for this project?
DB: None of the character designs on Horizons End come from my past work on Green Lantern. Imagine the legal trouble from that! The designs are based on descriptions that Daron provided. I have had the opportunity of doing character designs in the early part of my independent comic book career as well as my work with DC comics. I love doing that and I hope it shows!
Regardless of the success of this Kickstarter, is this a one-off project for you, or are you looking to get back in the comics game full time again?
DB: How much comic book work I do from here on will depend on the worthwhile opportunities that I can get. There are plenty of projects out there but many pay the comic book equivalent of minimum wage. I’d like to think that I can garner a much better rate than that with my twenty four years of experience.
In closing I would like to thank all of the supporters that Horizons End has so far in our funding process. I also like to thank Daron and Chris for choosing me to work on this project and of course I’d like to thank you for this interview!
While Banks is the focal point of a lot of the coverage (guilty on my end as well), the project wouldn’t be anything without the compelling story that got Banks on board. What begins as a sci-fi epic quickly turns inward, and deals with isolation, prejudice and self doubt. I love it when a book takes a chance at doing something outside of the norm, and this book seems to aim to do just that.
Continued belowAs for funding levels/rewards, the book can be purchased digitally or in print, plus the usual rewards for higher tiers: t-shirts, coasters, onesies (for your nerd baby), prints, signed copies, original art (both by Banks and guest artists like Mikel Janin and Mike Grell), and the ever popular “get drawn into the comic” option.
Check out the video below, and check out their page for more info.
