Adam Watson Interview Part III

Part III

W/I C: Lets switch gears a bit and discuss your history with comics. When did your love affair with comics begin? What was your first funny book?

Watson: My love affair with comics first began around the time my parents divorced when I was eight-years-old. My dad was a truck driver and would buy them for me to read when I was along for the entire day.

The first comic I remember ever buying was Willow #1. On a side note, I really, really hate the term “funny books”.

W/I C: (Laughs.)

Watson: I first picked up Willow, not for my love of comic books but because I really really love Willow!”

W/I C: Have you read the Chris Claremont novels?

Watson: No. I own them but haven’t gotten to them yet. You need a lot of time to read anything Claremont writes. (Laughs)

W/I C: How long had you though about doing comics before you began dabbling?

Watson: The thought had been in my mind since I was about twelve years old. But I didn’t start writing scripts til I was about 21.

W/I C: Many of us who proudly proclaim our geekhood or discretely hide it in our parents’ attic or basement found something in comic books that we didn’t have in real life. Could you share with us how comics have influenced your childhood and adult life?

Watson: Comics helped me escape from the reality of my parents’ divorce, which is probably why they were so appealing to me in the first place. Besides giving me a mild case of OCD it’s hard to pinpoint exact things it’s done for me. I’ve certainly made a lot of good friends I may not have met other wise.

And I’ve always been an out of the closet geek.

W/I C: You’ve talked a lot about the cost of producing your books. As the writer you have to hire your artists. For other writers out there who want to tell their stories in graphic form could you tell us how you find your artists?

Watson: The easiest way I found is through the talent search on Digital Webbing or by befriending one through a show or through some one you know.

W/I C: You met your artist for El Bovine Muerte, Nick Larsen through your wife, is that correct?

Watson: They had been lifetime friends. She told me he wanted to get into comics and he should talk to me.

W/I C: What did you have him submit to you before you choose him for the web comic?

Watson: I had him do character designs for Diary of a Deadman (2011?)

W/I C: Could you share your best/worst experience with hired help?

My worst… I prefer to keep that private; I don’t air such things publicly.

It’s hard to narrow down [my best] I’ve worked with a multitude of great talent.

W/I C: What would your advice be for those considering hiring help?

Watson: Make sure you have enough money to do it. It is very expensive to do correctly. Save your money, budget wisely and don’t skimp on quality. It can be a great process when done correctly but a horrendously bad one if you go into it blindly.

W/I C: Have you seen a decline in sales during these harsh economic times?

Watson: Online, yes. At conventions, not as much but I’ve scaled down the amout of cons I’ve gone to comparatively to last year. The comic world seems to have it’s own economy. Which has certainly been hit but luckily I think people still need their escapism.

W/I C: Has the countries economic crisis affected you and your family?

Watson: No. In fact we are making more money now that we have before. But in the long run who can tell.

W/I C: Who had the greatest influence on your career and are there any comic stars you would call yourself a fan of?

Watson: Oh, plenty! The writer I most look up to is Garth Ennis. My comic hero is Jeff Smith. I’m also a big fan of Warren Ellis; Kurt Busiek; Gail Simone; Fabian Nicieza; the list goes on and on. When I met Nicieza at a con I was 13-years-old. I had some sort of weird overwhelming thing occur that wouldn’t let me speak.

How do you recharge your creativity?

My mind is constantly going. I can’t ever seem to shut the damn thing off. Usually going to the movies or strip club works but even then I have the occasional story idea or business idea pop into my head.

I’m probably one of the few comic creators who have done networking at strip clubs.

W/I C: Can you tell us a bit about your writing habits?

Watson: My habits are sporadic. Somedays I’ll write for five hours straight. Then sometimes I’ll go weeks without working on a thing. I’m nowhere near as disciplined as my good buddy Alan [Bennett]. However, I’m always thinking of new marketing and business strategies. So even when I’m not writing I’m working on the company in one fashion or another.

W/I C: When it comes to spreading to spreading the gospel of Darkslinger Comics, you use the web like a dirty little whore. Can you tell us why you believe this is so important for indie creators?

Watson: It’s the easiest way tot get seen for free! If a prostitute ever offers you a freebie should you ever say no? (Laughs) Besides I’ve never heard of any one getting syphilis from using thee Internet.

W/I C: Is it true you have groupies?

Watson: Define groupies.

W/I C: What is the Darkslinger Mafia?

Watson: It is the official street team of Darkslinger Comics. It’s’ my creators, my fans, and anyone who will drop my companies name to a comic nerd. Think the kiss army divided by a million.

W/I C: Groovy. K, got a couple more. If re-incarnation exists what animal would you like to come back as?

Watson: A wolverine. They are clumsy and not very talented but through shear meanness they get the job done, damnit!

W/I C: Last one, if you could live in any comic universe beyond your own, which would it be?

Watson: Any? The Eros Universe.

W/I C: (Laughs.) Okay, okay. Good stuff. Thanks for taking the time to answer my questions.

Well that is the end of our interview with Darkslinger Comics’ creator, Adam Watson. Don’t forget to visit us again next Monday when our interview with enigmatic Tony Morgan the author and artist behind The Chicken Leg Bone Boy will be posted.

Adam Watson Interview Part II

W/I C: You live in a very small community, would you say this has helped or hindered your success?

Watson: Neither. Though I have sold product to local people I am not actively involved in the community I live in. So it neither hinders, nor helps my career.

W/I C: Can you tell us what it was like to meet your first fan?

Watson: I honestly can’t say who my first fan was but I do recall a guy at an early show I did who asked if he could get images from GA tattooed on him. It felt very surreal but at the same time overwhelmingly cool. And for the first time gave me the confidence booster I needed to allow my mind to think I could actually go somewhere with this.

By the way if you are reading this send me a pic of that tat!

W/I C: Since then you‘ve run into fans in odd places. Can you tell us about the gas station?

Watson: (Laughs.) On my way to a show in Olympia and because the way I dress [the attendant] asked if I was going somewhere to play in a band. But I told him I was a comic creator. He asked what I had done. When I said Ghost Assassin I was pleasantly surprised to find out that he had an autographed copy in his bedroom.

W/I C: How cool was that?

Watson: Very cool. In fact I tell Ty [Wakefield (Alternate Reality Comics)] and Alan [Bennett (Johnny Vega)] all the time that’s the success they need.

W/I C: Do you consider yourself a Rock Star?

Watson: No, not by any means. But I would like to be remembered as the most brutal comic creator of all time!

W/I C: You even had a fan come to a con just for your next book.

Watson: Yes, in fact I did. She’s a hardcore fan who has all the books Darkslinger has put out and constantly pesters me when the new issues will come out. Still hard to believe she paid an eight dollar entrance fee for a three dollar book.

W/I C: Speaking of cons, how many do you average in a year?

Watson: Last year I did 47 shows and signings. This year I knocked it back to twelve. However, next year I will do thirty plus.

W/I C: Why so many? Has it helped to spread the word about your work?

Watson: It is the number one way I’ve spread the word of my work and why I’ve done so many. Same reason a band tours non stop for a year.

W/I C: For people not familiar with your work how would you describe it?

Watson: It’s different for every comic I do. Ghost Assassin is about a hit man who can see ghosts. It is my action-drama comic. The Pauper is my 90’s gritty superhero comic. The Chronicles of Van Helsing is a comic about a family of vampire hunters, and my up coming web comic is the best comic about a cow I’ve ever written!

W/I C: 2010 is a big year for Darkslinger Comics. You have three artists working on three new titles. Could you enlighten us on these projects?

Watson: Actually 4 currently set to be released [in 2010]. El Bovine Muerte, which we’ve discussed; The Pauper, currently being worked on by Herb Richardson; The Chronicles of Van Helsing, a ninety-eight page graphic novel illustrated by uber-talented Tony Morgan (The Chicken Leg Bone Boy); a Ghost Assassin/Johnny Vega crossover book that Darkslinger is co-producing with Black Box Comics and of course 2010 will see the release of a new volume of our very popular sketch book series.

W/I C: Lets start with The Chronicles of Van Helsing. Why did you choose Bram Stoker’s version of the vampire over the more popular sexy-brooding-“now with more sparkles”-blood-sucking-yet-guilt-ridden-vamp?

Watson: If only I had a steak to shove into the heart of every sparkly vampire. My vampires borrow from several old lore’s, not just Stoker. But in my opinion he wrote the bible for what a vampire should be like and how it should act. The only writer I really feel improved on this was Kim Newman. He had Stoker as a character in his book if that tells you anything. Fuckin’ sparkly vampires! (Laughs)

W/I C: What first inspired the Van Helsing story?

Watson: Originally I conceived of the idea for a writing contest I was entering and when I didn’t win I thought it was to good an idea to let go so I reworked it until I was happy with it.

W/I C: Why did you choose the graphic novel format over a series of comics?

Watson: It was the way it was written I thought the story would lend it self better to that format as a graphic novel as opposed to four or five comics. I am all about experimentation there is no one right way to do something and to that end I will tell a story in whatever medium I feel is best for it.

W/I C: With that said do you plan on ever writing, “The Great American Novel”?

Watson: I might potential release a novel in the same world as one of my comics but at this point I get a lot more joy form sequential art then prose format.

W/I C: When do you expect The Chronicles of Van Helsing to be released?

Watson: I am hoping for a May or June release but I am a quality not quantity guy and however long the story takes, the story takes I don’t set deadlines.

W/I C: When do we get a sample of this delicious tale?

Watson: With any luck I’ll have a preview book out either by Emerald City Comic Convention or Stumptown [Portland, OR].

W/I C: Tony Morgan is your artist for The Chronicles of Van Helsing. How did you meet him and why did you choose him for this project?

Watson: If you’ve seen Tony’s art work then the question is already answered.

W/I C: I first met him at Stumptown two years ago I believe it was the first show he had done, though I ay be wrong on that. I went up to his table because of his metal skull key chains and was pleasantly surprised to see how great his comic work was. I quickly fell in love with his Chicken Leg Bone Boy graphic novel. It remains on of my favorite indie graphic novels of all time.

W/I C: You released The Pauper #1 in 2007, but it wasn’t finished, why?

Watson: That’s not quite a true statement. It was released as a “rough cut” in 2007. Although it was released after Ghost Assassin it was completed before. After completing it I felt it could be better. So I rewrote it. It suffered from a lot of first timer mistakes I believe; artist/writer mistakes. Mainly first time mistakes but I feel the writing could have been stronger. It included things that should have been cut and was lacking elements that would have made it a more cohesive story.

W/I C: You now have a fantastic new artist on the book. Who is he and will he be drawing the whole story?

Watson: Herb Richardson, a brilliantly talented artist from North Carolina and yes as long as he is willing he will be in for the duration.

W/I C: How many issues will The Pauper be?

Watson: Six issues but The Pauper story may not end there or should I say didn’t being there.

W/I C: Oooo.

Watson: That’s called for shadowing, bitches! (Laughs)

W/I C: Why is this the most difficult book to write?

Watson: For some reason The Pauper doesn’t come as naturally as the other books. I actually don’t know why it doesn’t come as easy. Sometimes a book like Ghost Assassin just flows out of you, sometimes…

W/I C: Marvel revamped their films Hulk and Punisher and made drastic changes to the history of their long established iconic character in the comics, I have to ask is that what inspired you to do a full overhaul of the book?

Watson: There will never, I repeat NEVER be a Red Pauper nor will he be huntin' any demons in the near future. Also, David (Ghost Assassin) will not go through a severe character change were he trades in his yellow spandex for a leather vest with no shirt underneath!

W/I C: I re-read Ghost Assassin last night and felt the same attraction to the story I’m sure all your fans feel. You took a very different approach to this story than one traditionally would. Told only through dialogue, there are no captions, no thought bubbles and only a few SFX, yet it is still a complex emotional dram all wrapped up in a neatly packed twelve page book.

Why did you write in this fashion and why do you think you pulled it off so well?

Watson: Wow, that’s a complex question. If you tell believable dialogue do you really need a thought bubble ala Todd’s head or a caption stating David goes through a door? I think… sequential story telling has been bogged down by over use of these devices for so long most have forgotten to tell a story with out them. Personally I only use them when I feel they are absolutely necessary.

Do you really need a “BOOM!” when a grenade goes off? If the art is clear enough your mind should be able to tell what noise this makes.

W/I C: In an interview online you mention an upcoming Ghost Assassin mini series called, The Dig. Can you tell us a little about it and why it hasn’t come out yet?

Watson: Haven’t had the capital to do it yet. The Dig is still very much in the works. Although it may have another title by the time it comes out. It’s more just an issue of putting the funding together for it.

W/I C: Will it be a standard mini-series?

Watson: Currently it is planned as a two, twenty-eight page [series]. Though I may bump it up to as many as four [issues]. But then again I have to have the funding to do that.

W/I C: Page one, panel four in Ghost Assassin Prelude, there is a female ghost. Many have speculated on who she is. Could you fill us in?

Watson: You’ve already seen her in Origin. She is the girl who Brad -David’s father- brutally executes in front of police officers.

W/I C: Where did you come up with the idea for El Bovine Muerte?

Watson: I came up with it while in the shower. I was singing Nacho Libre songs when the idea of doing a comic involving cheese stuck in my head.

Adam then goes into a riff impersonating the cow, “They thought they were making the perfect cheese but instead they got Meeeee!”

(Laughs)

W/I C: Have all your best ideas come to you when you are in the shower?

Watson: (Laughs) Either in the shower or while driving down the road.

W/I C: When will we get to see this comic?

Watson: This is my first web comic. The very talented Nick Larsen is currently handling art chores so hopefully we’ll have something to go by early 2010.

W/I C: You brought an exclusive to our metaphorical table for our readers. Tell us a bit about it.

Watson: These are the basic character designs for three of the main characters which will be appearing in El Bovine Muerte. All I can tell ya without giving to much away is, one is a cow, one is the Doctor and one is a cute lil’ red headed girl… or is she?

Adam Watson Interview Part I

Subject: Adam Watson

Company: Darkslinger Comics

Published Works: Ghost Assassin: Prelude and Origin, The Pauper: #1 Rough Cut

Upcoming Projects: The Chronicles of Van Helsing; El Bovine Morte; Ghost Assassin mini series and The Pauper mini series

Website(s): www.darkslinger.com

I first met Adam Watson at the 2008 Olympia Comic Festival. My first impression: who is this freak? I soon found out and to my surprise we quickly bonded becoming fast friends. I caught up with Watson at his new home to find out what makes him one of the hardest working men in the independent comics world. I found him surprisingly humble and almost diplomatic saying of my claim, “I wouldn’t say I am. That’s a bold statement.”

W/I C: Fans have said, “…you are the comic industry.” How do you respond to that?

Watson: I heard it twice in Olympia [referring to the Olympia Comic Festival Watson has attended for three years in a row now]. My response. I’d like to know if I exemplify what the industry should be like or if they see me everywhere so they associate me with the industry.

W/I C: You’ve also been called a marketing genius by your peers could you tell us just how big of a marketing whore are you?

Watson: The biggest whore there is! (Laughs) I never turn down shows or signings unless I can’t afford it. My fellow comic creators have called me a marketing genius. Lucky for them I share my ideas.

W/I C: How important is marketing?

Watson: Exceedingly important. If they don’t see you out there they think you don’t work anymore. Getting your work seen is “the” most important thing in becoming a creator be seen wherever you can.

W/I C: When you talk about your books you more than not express your ambitions for expanding into toys, clothes, cards and even movies. What makes you think your ambitions will see the light of day?

Watson: The quality of my products. I believe the stories I’m creating would easily translate to other mediums. I believe the types of stories are the kind people would enjoy seeing playing video games playing with action figures. If Marvel can have ten thousand action figures of Wolverine why can’t I have one of Robert Van Helsing? However, if it never extends beyond comics, that’s perfectly find with me. Comics are my first love.

W/I C: Does the quality of the stories you write set you apart from your peers?

Watson: No. I have several friends on the indie level that are the same level I am. However, I would say the question of what I turn out is superior to what it should be for the amount of time I’ve been in the industry.”

W/I C: What products do you bring with you besides books?

Watson: Give away postcards, posters; this year I will be incorporating temporary tattoos, buttons and designer vinyls.

W/I C: I was on a fan site some time ago and saw someone say Elijah Wood was considering playing Todd in a Ghost Assassin movie. Is there any truth to this? Has Hollywood ever contacted you?

Watson: Hollywood has contacted me, but nothing has ever come of it. As far as I know their where no actors ever discussed.

W/I C: Awesome!

Check back here tomorrow for Part II! I will also add the promised exclusive preview from Darkslinger comics upcoming projects!

Coming soon!

Today I went to the opening night of Tony Morgan's gallery show at the Sequential Art Gallery in Portland, OR. I met many new people and many interesting people. I am more than prepped for my interview with Morgan on Saturday and am very excited to be picking the brain of this rising star! The results of said interview will be posted Monday Nov. 16th only on this blog!

And coming this Monday, Nov. 9th Adam Watson answers my questions in an in-depth interview with a few surprises and dare I say, exclusive news? Yes! Be here or be square, and we all know square is not good....

"It's Blogging Time!"

Hello Warriors!

I'd like to introduce new features from Warrior/Innkeeper Comics exclusive to Myspace and Blogger!

You’ve already read a review of “Ghostbusters: Displaced Aggression” on myspace, well, now every Friday a new review will be posted only on our blog here! What makes these reviews worth your time and dedication? Why educational value of course!

Now before you yawn at the prospect of learning (Heaven forbid!) take a look at what will be posted here in the weeks to come:

This Friday, Oct. 30^th, just in time for Halloween, a review of Tony Morgan’s enchanting fairytale of the macabre; The Chicken Leg Bone Boy!

Coming Nov 6^th the first in a six part series of “How to…” books about comics and the business of comics. I will share my opinion and experience with the books I’ve found most helpful as well as ones I’ve found to be a waste of precious capital. Some of the titles to be reviewed here are:

Tony Caputo’s, “How to Self-Publish Your Own Comic Book”

Josh Blaylock (Devil’s Due Press), “How To Self Publish Comics: Not Just Create Them”

And portent to Warrior/Innkeeper Comics web-comic venture: Todd Allen’s thesis, “Online Comics Vs. Printed Comics: A Study in E-Commerce and the Comparative Economics of Content”

Then here on blogspot we have another exclusive feature, one I am very excited about! I’ll be interviewing pros and indie creators about their breaking-in experiences! The first interview will be with none other than the genius comic creator behind such books as Ghost Assassin; The Pauper and the super-secret upcoming vampire epic “The Chronicles of Van Helsing”: Adam Watson!

These interviews will be posted every Monday starting Nov. 9^th!

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Keep the Inn doors open and your Warriors on guard!

-BJK

P.S. How'dja like our silver age-esque punctuations!

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