Comics Interview — Issue #078

Rude discusses his upcoming DC World's Finest three-issue mini-series, written by Dave Gibbons, in which he aims to return Superman and Batman to their original Joe Shuster/Bob Kane roots and exploit the contrast between the two characters. He speaks candidly about creative burnout while drawing Nexus, the importance of mental health for working artists, and his admiration for Jack Kirby, whose influence he channelled in the Mr. Miracle Special. He also covers the recent major status-quo change in Nexus (Horatio Hellpop replaced as Nexus), his ongoing frustrations with creator compensation at First Comics, and his aspirations to produce a Nexus animated series in the style of Jonny Quest.

Reis describes his extensive private collection of original Batman artwork, acquired over roughly fifteen years by trading handmade multi-layer 3-D paper shadow-boxes with artists including Berni Wrightson, Jack Kirby, John Byrne, Bill Sienkiewicz, Walt Simonson, George Pérez, and many others. He explains the mechanics and artistry of the 3-D shadow-box medium, offers advice for new collectors on acquiring original art at conventions and through trades, and reflects on how creating the 3-Ds deepened his appreciation for comic art as a craft.

DAK recounts his unsuccessful attempt as a Marvel editor to run a raw Ed Hannigan sketch as a Ghost Rider cover, using it to frame his enthusiasm for Steve Rude's unpolished Batman model-sheet cover for this issue and the forthcoming World's Finest.