Welcome back, everyone.
To the uninitiated, let me tell you what this interview series is all about. In short, it’s about the love of comics, and with that love comes the knowledge that comics gets a bad rap as an entertainment medium outside of its actual fan base. So what I do here is try and get new readers into comics, or at the very least change their point of view on what comics really are. Not every interview ends well but I’ve had a good track record so far and it’s in part to the consistently great work that’s being done in the comics medium. I truly believe comics are the most innovative and creative entertainment medium available today. So with that, I just hope to spread the good word about all the great work being done in comics.
I do put my money where my mouth is by making comics as well. You can always check out my book SCAM published through ComixTribe, available at fine local retailers and online at Comixology.
Today’s interview focuses on Eddie, a 27 year old guy working for a computer company and living in NYC. So let’s find out what he REALLY knows about comics.
Joe Mulvey: Hey Eddie, thanks again for wanting to do this.
Eddie: No Problem. I think it will be interesting.
JM: It definitely will. So let’s just start it off by asking, what do you know about comics?
E: Wow, just jumping right in, huh? Should I introduce myself first? You write these up, right?
JM: Yeah, I do. I usually just give a quick intro before I get into the interview on the site but if you want to introduce yourself, feel free.
E: I just figure if you have readers, the better they know me the better they’d get my point of view.
JM: Fine by me. So who is Eddie? Do you prefer Eddie? Or Ed? Edward?
E: Always Eddie.
JM: Noted. Ok so go ahead.
E: I’m twenty-seven. I work for a computer company I won’t name because I’m only representing myself and not them.
JM: Fair enough.
E: I’m a big music fan. That’s probably what I spend most, if there’s even any, of my free time enjoying. I’m single but dating. The stereotypical NYC scene stuff. A little bit of a know it all but always willing to learn. Hoping that’s what this interview does. I’m relatively new to the whole comics thing.
JM: But you’re willing to give them a shot, that’s the main thing.
E: Why not? I mean they seem to be making waves in TV and movies so I figured why not give the books a chance. I’m that guy that wants to know what’s cool before stuffs cool. By that time it’s usually already burned out.
JM: Comics are king, my man. Trust me anyone with an open mind picking up a comic will literally see how much of an amazing entertainment medium it is. I always say how pure of an art form it is from concept to delivery. Once you have the idea, it’s just about getting it down on the page. There’s very little interruption between idea and execution. Well, depending on the publisher.
E: Publisher makes a big deal?
JM: Well, yeah. If you have a creator owned character, skies the limit really. But on a book handled by a bigger publisher. An established character or property, it’s different. What I mean is, Spider-Man’s never going to have that coke problem story arch that another book could have if you know what I mean.
E: I’d love a Spiderman hooked on coke story. That’d be awesome.
JM: Well, there’s some really good stuff being done with Spider-man so I can give those to you but not a coke addicted story. But now I’m getting way off topic. Let’s get back to what you know about comics?
E: Well I know the characters. Spider-man, Superman, Batman, Captain America, Thor, Green Lantern, Green Arrow, Wonder Woman, X-Men, Iceman. How many more do you want me to name?
JM: You’re good, that’s fine. Those are definitely some comic book characters you listed.
Continued belowE: Not what you were looking for? I’m confused.
JM: No that’s fine. There’s no wrong answers. I’m asking just trying to figure out what you know about comics. How you see or identify them. You recognize the characters mostly. You’re not alone.
E: I mean, they are the comics no?
JM: Well, yes and no. But we can get into that later.
E: I’m lost so can we get into it now?
JM: Sure. What’s got you confused? Your answer was right. For you. I just want to know what your past experiences or understanding are that’s all really. No right or wrong, I swear.
E: Okay. I’m being nutty than, I apologize.
JM: No need to apologize, you’re doing good and this will be fun. Trust me.
E: Ok. So now what?
JM: Let me ask if you read comics at all? Have any experience with them now or in the past?
E: Eh…when I used to read the newspaper, those comic strips. Maybe a little. Not so much anymore. Maybe coloring books.
JM: Not even as a kid?
E: Eh..nothing that I remember. I mean I don’t remember everything I did as a kid. But I’d bet no.
JM: Gotcha. Well what are some of your hobbies?
E: Music is big. I used to play bass, not as much any more between work and other stuff. I go to a fair amount of shows.
JM: Who are some of your favorite bands?
E: That’s a tough question for me. That could be this whole interview. I’ve been a music fan since I was a little kid. Always LOVED music but when I started going to shows I had this great epiphany that I could like a band but hate them live. So now I have a whole system in my head of bands or performers I like just based on that. So, like, when you ask me. I could answer with favorite to see live or favorite to just listen to. See what I mean.
JM: Yeah but you’re passionate. That’s a great way to be about a hobby or whatever grabs your interests.
E: Okay but just to speed this up I’ll say Deftones, Beck, Wu Tang Clan, The Black Keys, Interpol, ah the list would go on forever. Lets just say it’s a long list. A lot of bands. Is there some book about music for me? Music Man?
JM: I’m definitely going to give you a few books to scratch that itch I think you’ll really like.
E: Cool.
JM: So as far as movies or TV shows, what are some of your favorites?
E: I don’t watch that much TV really. Movies I’m hit or miss. I get in a groove where I see like 5 in a week than I’ll go a few months without seeing another one. The last movie I saw that just really hit me was Blue Valentine. Crushing movie. That actually knocked me out of movies for a while. Depressing but great. You know what I mean?
JM: I get what you mean but didn’t see it.
E: Check that out. Seriously good film.
JM: I’ll give it a look. But any other movies you saw that you enjoyed? Or books? Games?
E: I don’t really play video games, minus some guitar band stuff when I go to a few friend’s places. But I suck so that gets old quick. Books are rare too. I guess for movies I did see the last Sherlock Holmes movie. Wasn’t great or anything. Oh, Drive was good.
JM: Ryan Gosling fan?
E: Yeah, I mean, If I like someone in a film I kind of give some of there other stuff a look.
JM: Favorite movie of all time? If you can narrow it down.
E: Wow. I haven’t thought of that in a while. As a kid I would’ve said like Parent Trap or Homeward Bound. Loved those when I was little. Now…. Man! I have to think on that for a sec.
JM: I only ask the really tough questions.
E: Ha! Yeah I can see. Man, if I had to say I guess maybe Indiana Jones. Might sound dumb but it’s just that whenever I see it, I’m like, transfixed on it. Just a good time.
Continued belowJM: Very cool. Indiana Jones is awesome. So action adventure does work for you than?
E: Oh yeah. I mean the point of a good movie is to make you live vicariously through the experience, right? I love those Indiana Jones movies. Any good action movies that’ll grab me I’m all about.
JM: Awesome to know. I can’t lie your interests are a little more varied than I’m used to but I think I can definitely get some very cool stuff to give you.
E: Cool. I’m also a conspiracy nut, political or religious. But I’d doubt there’d be comics like that.
JM: JUST YOU WAIT! Ed, I’ve got you covered I’m going to give you a good list of books. Hope you enjoy them and it opens your eyes to how great comics can be.
E: Okay.
JM: Okay so how it works now is that I give you some books to read. Read them and when you’re done call me back and we’ll talk about them. That work for you?
E: Yup.
Okay, so at this point Ed got his reading material. “Punk Rock Jesus” #1-6 from Vertigo. “27: First Set” from Image. “Sandman” Vol. 1 from Vertigo. “WE3” from Vertigo. “The Cape” Vol.1 from IDW. “Revelations” from Dark Horse. “The Strange Talent of Luther Strode” Vol. 1 from Image. “Spider-Man: Brand New Day” from Marvel.
It’s been 13 days since we last talked with Eddie, let’s see what he thought.
JM: Under two weeks, that’s a pretty fast turn around.
E: Yeah, I guess.
JM: Okay, now I’m intrigued. So what did you think about the books?
E: Honestly I didn’t like them. I didn’t get it.
JM: Really? Kind of shocked by that. But let’s discuss it. What didn’t you get?
E: All of it really. I mean, I don’t get why anyone would spend time on them.
JM: Wow, you really didn’t like them that much? What about them turned you off so bad?
E: I tried. I started with Spiderman and it was okay but at a certain point I think I came to the realization I’m just staring at a picture. You know? It just felt stupid. Stilted.
JM: Well the art of comics storytelling is the panel to panel progression. While it’s a static image, it’s still meant to convey action and movement.
E: But you’re staring at one picture. I get it how they’re supposed to be exciting or cool to look at. Maybe that’s enough when you’re a kid. But I’m a little past the idea that a picture can say a thousand words type stuff.
JM: Well what did you think you would get when you’d read a comic? I mean except for the skill level of the creators involved and some printing changes comics have always pretty much told the story through a blend of words and pictures.
E: That’s exactly the problem. Aren’t we kind of past that? Everything’s digital. Why stare at a static image?
JM: Because that’s the medium’s way of telling a story. That’s comic book storytelling.
E: Well than that’s why I find it boring.
JM: Okay, well we can agree to disagree but let me ask you some questions about the content. Were you at least surprised by the maturity or complexity of the actual stories?
E: Well, yeah. A bit. Initially with the animal story I thought it was interesting but at a certain point the banality of the whole thing just kind of took me out of it.
JM: I can’t agree with you but I’ll say your take is definitely a first. Interesting at least.
E: You see my point though right?
JM: I understand your opinion, yeah, sure.
E: And even though you read comics and obviously enjoy them, that redundant, monotonous action of looking at a still picture over and over and over to tell a story doesn’t just bore you to death?
JM: Well, no, because to me I’m looking at some tremendous art. Even with artists I don’t like I can appreciate the storytelling. And by the way the art in most of the books I gave you were from some great artists. Frank Quietly who drew “WE3” is a fantastic artist. Sean Murphy who did “Punk Rock Jesus” is amazing. Zach Howard on “the Cape”, I mean the guy who drew “the Strange Talents of Luther Strode,” Tradd Moore, you can’t tell me some of those images didn’t just jump of the page for you.
Continued belowE: Joe, I just can’t stand and stare at a picture, or, Okay, the art by your description. I don’t think anyone does anymore.
JM: You’re right. I guess someone should tell all those museums.
E: Exactly, Museums. Who goes there anymore?
JM: Seriously?
E: Yeah. Come on just think-
JM: Okay look, you’e not helping your argument by saying museums are antiquated. Because a LOT of people do in fact go to museums. A LOT! Now just because you don’t find museums interesting or comics for that matter, doesn’t mean the things don’t have value. Dude, your opinion is your own. I’m not going to change it but to discount the work of someone or an entire museums is a little crazy to me.
E: It’s old media though. All of print is. That stuff doesn’t interest me as much and I’m sure I’m not in the minority here. I think the ideas of the books are good or at least interesting. I’d watch them as a movie or TV show or something like that. But to stare at pictures to enjoy the story seems so stale.
JM: Okay, I’m not going to argue with you about old media vs new media, you definitely don’t like the medium of comics. We’ve got that down. But let’s talk about the content. As far as the content of the books you read, were you surprised by them?
E: Not sure what you mean by surprised.
JM: Well originally when we first spoke you talked about comic books being more about the characters you remembered. You even mentioned them being like a coloring book. So now what’s your take on the content in them?
E: Oh, Okay, I get what you mean. Uh, yeah I guess that’s a little surprising. I did originally think of them as all superhero stories or whatever but I guess not as much now.
JM: Okay, well at least that’s a positive.
E: I guess. I mean, I wanted to like the books, I did. It just didn’t happen. But the ideas, like if someone told me there’s a TV show based on Jesus’s DNA making a new Jesus. I’d definitely watch that. Or a movie or whatever. Maybe even if it was just a book. That’d maybe work too.
JM: Okay, indulge me for a second here, how would you read it as a book? Books, by what I’m getting from your opinion, are old media. So you’d be more interested in staring at words on a page, rather than art? I’d think that would be even more boring to you. And I’m not busting balls on your opinion I’m just trying to understand you.
E: No, well, it’s not my favorite thing to do but if I was just getting the information rather than stopping to look at some picture of it, I think I’d prefer it more.
JM: The art really bothered you that much. You never looked at anything and thought it was impressive or even just a really cool visual to look at?
E: No. I just thought how silly these pictures look with words slapped on them. It seems like a way a kid or someone with a learning disability would need to read.
JM: Wow. Okay. I just don’t think you appreciate the combination of art as part of the storytelling comics do. It’s the writing working with the art that makes the story work. That’s comics. I don’t know what you expected going into this. I mean paper is paper, no holograms or pop up stuff.
E: They’re basically picture books.
JM: Ed, I can deal with you not liking them. Not everyone has to and your opinion is right for you. The problem I have is how you seem to keep knocking them more and more.
E: Because clearly I don’t appreciate them. Or at least appreciate them as some form of art. I’m just getting the idea that you think I’m not able to comprehend the finer points or some shit like that.
JM: Dude, I’m not trying to bust your balls. I appreciate you doing this interview. I’m not saying you’re unable to comprehend anything. I’m not talking down to you. I just see you don’t like comics because of the art, which is a half the part of reading a comic. I mean grab any book I gave you. Seriously, grab one and tell me what it is.
Continued belowE: The Jesus Punk book.
JM: “Punk Rock Jesus”, okay. Wait are you dyslexic? That might solve the problem.
E: No.
JM: Okay, issue #1?
E: Uh, yeah.
JM: Okay, look at page 8. The one with the guy on the motorcycle.
E: Okay.
JM: Okay look at that page. The lighting, the use of perspective, the detail, the background. None of that connects to you?
E: Not really. It’s fine. I mean I get it.
JM: Okay, so that’s what I’m saying — the fact that you don’t like or appreciate, say it however you want, the art, the skill it took to do that is a huge disconnect for you with comics. That’s all, look at the Luther Strode book if you have it handy. Flip through that, or “WE3” or any of the books I gave you. If you’re not connecting with the art, comics are definitely a lost cause for you. Which is fine. Not everyone likes everything.
E: I guess. I mean I’m not as enamored by someone drawing something like you are.
JM: Which is pretty much the definition of not appreciating art. We’re going in circles here my man. No need. You don’t have to defend yourself. You’re a huge music fan right? It’s like saying I don’t like the music because it’s too noisy. You don’t appreciate the rhythm or beats or any part of what makes music music. So when you don’t appreciate the art of comics you don’t get a comic. You see what I mean?
E: Not really and I have to argue with you on this. I get what you’re trying to do. Get people to read comics. You make them, right? So the more people you get to read them the more that can buy your book.
JM: No. This has nothing to do with me or my book. I don’t ever give someone who I interview my books. This is about breaking the stereotypes that people have about comic books. Ideas like they’re just for kids or they aren’t as valid a form of entertainment or storytelling as TV, movies or other books. That’s the point.
E: Sure. But if more people read comics you’d never try and sell them your book?
JM: I’m not some shitty, skell salesman trying to make money off of you. I just want people to enjoy comics and understand what they really are.
E: I’m not so sure. Maybe I just can’t appreciate your viewpoint.
JM: See, now why be the dick? This was going fine. You actually had an interesting point of view that I hadn’t heard before. I disagreed with it but it was fine.
E: I just think there’s more to your move here than what you’re letting on. No? Maybe you don’t like being called on it.
JM: Okay my man. That’s it, we’re good for the interview. I appreciate your time. I do. I appreciate you doing this.
E: Hit a little too close to home?
JM: No, I think you sound crazy.
E: Can you appreciate my point though?
JM: Actually I can’t.
E: Let me ask you some questions. Why waste your time doing these interviews if there’s nothing in it for you? You seem like a smart guy. So why do these things unless you have something to gain.
JM: Dude, go back and look at all my past interviews. I never push my book or anything to make money off the people I interview. If anything these interviews cost me money.
E: What about the books you supposedly suggest to the readers? Those people don’t pay you?
JM: Ed, I’m a comic book fan and creator, I’m not a fucking lobbyist.
E: I bet. I’m guessing these questions won’t make your interview.
JM: They absolutely will. I’m not hiding anything. If anything, you just seem like you’re off your meds.
E: So you seriously do this for nothing?
JM: Sometimes, actually most times I get to make new fans of comics. People check out comics and realize what they actually are. They like them and start reading. That’s the payoff. Or if the person doesn’t like them I get a different opinion on how comics look from the outside or some different perspective. I find it interesting.
Continued belowE: I just googled you. So when you make a new fan, you never say, oh I’d also recommend “Scam.” That’s your book right? So that never happens?
JM: No. It doesn’t, Hell maybe I should. But when you like a band and tell someone to check them out, is that band paying you? No. You just like something and want to share it.
E: Yeah, but I’m not interviewing people on whether they like the band or not. Say what you want about what you do but I smell bullshit.
JM: Then close your mouth.
E: You probably get money for the books you recommend and push yourself as this guys who’s all about comics.
JM: Yup. You nailed it dead on. But if I wasn’t doing this, whoops hold on I just dropped my gold cereal bowl and it slid all the way down my pile of money I’m sitting on, If I didn’t do this we would have never spoke. Where would both our lives be then.
E: What site will this be on? Yours?
JM: Either mine or MultiversityComics.com
E: And they don’t pay you or make money of this either, right?
JM: Dude, you’re whacked. Seriously, let’s just end this. I appreciate you doing this. It didn’t work out but it was interesting at least. Thanks for doing it and giving comics a try.
E: Don’t like it when you get found out, huh?
JM: DUDE! If anything you’re giving me way too much credit. Trust me.
E: Nah, I think we both know the deal.
JM: Okay, Ed, I got to go. I get bored talking on the phone. It’s such old media.
Well that wraps up another interview. This one DEFINITELY didn’t go down the way I’d have thought. As always I highly recommend the reading list of books that were suggested to Ed. We didn’t make a new fan today but hopefully the next one will.
I’ll be attending this years BOSTON COMIC CON on August 3 & 4 so if you’re around please stop by the COMIXTRIBE booth and say hello. Always interested in talking comics.
As always feel free to contact me on Twitter @JoeMulv or through my website JoeMulveyArt.com or by email at JoeMulveyInc@me.com
Thanks again for reading.
