Comics Interview — Issue #027

Gillis discusses his approach to comics writing — building stories around central images or ideas — and reflects on how his academic background in literature and theater informs his work on Marvel titles like The Eternals, The Defenders, and the forthcoming Morituri. He draws extended parallels between the Marvel Comics mythos and Arthurian legend, praises the cosmic scope of Kirby's work, and offers sharp analysis of how the comics-fan-to-professional pipeline of the 1960s generation shaped the industry. He also weighs in on censorship, arguing against rating systems while endorsing transparency for retailers, and critiques the use of shock deaths and sensationalism as lazy substitutes for genuine character development.

The co-creators of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles describe their equal 50/50 collaborative process on plotting, penciling, and inking, and recount how the book originated from a late-night sketch session while working on their unreleased Fugitoid story. They self-published the first print run of 3,000 copies using borrowed money and income-tax funds, sold out within a month, and grew to 50,000 copies by issue #3. They discuss how the book began as a parody of Frank Miller's Ronin and Daredevil but has evolved into a more straightforward adventure comic, and outline plans for a Fugitoid one-shot and Michaelangelo holiday micro-series.

In part two of his interview, Drake discusses the international history of Kelly Green, the graphic novel series he draws with writer Leonard Starr, which originated through a connection to Dargaud International and is now published in twelve foreign-language editions. He reflects on his working relationship with Starr and explains the challenges of adapting to a new assignment drawing Blondie for King Features, where he is trying to faithfully capture the look established by long-time artist Jim Raymond while working with writer/co-owner Dean Young.

Duffy recounts her career at Marvel from proofreader in 1977 through assistant editor to her current dual role as writer of Star Wars and managing editor of Epic Illustrated, discussing the skepticism she faced from senior writers when she began writing. She talks at length about her passion for Japanese comics and animation — which began with Astro Boy and Eighth Man as a child — and how it has influenced her visual storytelling instincts. She discusses the creative latitude Lucasfilm gives her on Star Wars, noting that recent restrictions on what she can do with established characters signal major developments planned for the next film, and explains how she populates the Star Wars universe with her own alien races and new characters.

(letters column) — A notable letter from artist/writer Freff sets the record straight on the dissolution of the D'Arc Tangent partnership with Phil Foglio, detailing how creative and legal disputes led to Foglio attempting to claim sole ownership of the jointly-created property. A letter from veteran writer Bill Woolfolk thanks DAK and teases his forthcoming interview on Captain Marvel Jr. and the Golden Age.