Matthew Badham has just posted a great interview with 2000AD and small press creators Al Ewing and PJ Holden (who has also worked for Image Comics and Fantagraphics) on his Overspill blog.
“We were supposed to be talking about Dead Signal, their new series for science fiction comic 2000 AD, ” says Matthew. “Instead, we rambled on like lunatics.”
Lunatics they may be but the interview has some interesting points about creating an entirely “new” universe for a comic strip. Al, who works mainly for 2000AD, although he has also written two novels, also talks about Tempest, his ‘ninja judge’ strip that has been running for the last five months in the Judge Dredd Megazine.
Both creators are pleased with the way their work has been received by fans. “What really helps is my brother being proud of me,” says Al. “That was a good moment when I heard that. Mum and Dad are very proud as well, but Tom’s the person who got me into 2000AD and he really understands the significance of me managing to actually achieve what I’ve wanted to do all my life, whereas my parents are just glad I’ve made good with my foolish hobby.”
“I’m amused at how about 80 per cent of the reviews of my work say ‘this is his best work yet’ or ‘seems to have really improved since the last time’,” says Holden, “Which means I’m either f****** great now, or I was really, really s*** to begin with! I’m proud of my reputation within 2000AD of the go-to guy for deadline crunches.”
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The founder of downthetubes, which he established in 1998. John works as a comics and magazine editor, writer, and on promotional work for the Lakes International Comic Art Festival. He is currently editor of Star Trek Explorer, published by Titan – his third tour of duty on the title originally titled Star Trek Magazine.
Working in British comics publishing since the 1980s, his credits include editor of titles such as Doctor Who Magazine, Babylon 5 Magazine, and more. He also edited the comics anthology STRIP Magazine and edited several audio comics for ROK Comics. He has also edited several comic collections, including volumes of “Charley’s War” and “Dan Dare”.
He’s the writer of “Pilgrim: Secrets and Lies” for B7 Comics; “Crucible”, a creator-owned project with 2000AD artist Smuzz; and “Death Duty” and “Skow Dogs” with Dave Hailwood.
Categories: British Comics, Comic Creator Interviews
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