Catch an exclusive interview sneak peak with the writer and artist of an upcoming new title from FSM comics.
While writing for the Girls Entertainment Network, I’ve developed my prowess as a writer on other websites, too. One path I’ve taken while honing my ninja writing skills (okay, red light) has been ComicNerd.com, a wonderful little community of comic book reviewers who are just good ol’ comic book fans. I truly enjoyed my time there—it was a great place to express honest opinions about any comic titles the writers (and readers!) desired to tackle. It was there that I met Greg Padilla, who wrote fantastic reviews and with whom I shared a few joint movie reviews.
After I broke apart from the ComicNerd scene, I was delighted to see an email in my inbox (yay emails!) from Greg himself. Chatting with him in my CN days, he talked a little about a comic he was working on, but said he was having trouble finding a quality artist. Well, Greg has now joined up with artist Aaron Pittman, and his creator-owned comic is well on its way. BOKOR! debuts in spring of next year, and while the first issue isn’t yet completed (although I’m promised a preview, so stay tuned!), Greg and Aaron were willing to talk a little shop in the meantime.
WITA: All right, let’s get started. First off, how did you guys get interested in comics? Tell me a little about yourselves.
Aaron Pittman: Well, I used to get comics from the gas station down the street from my house at the time, and [when] I was little I always read Sonic the Hedgehog comics. From there it slowly grew into a small obsession as I got older and got a larger allowance.
Greg Padilla: I think you are the only person I know who read Sonic the Hedgehog comics … That is awesome.
Aaron: I loved them. I have a huge run of it.
WITA: [Laughs] I have to say I’ve never read a Sonic the Hedgehog comic before, but I do love Sonic. Do you remember your first Sonic issue, Aaron?
Aaron: Not really, but it has since been destroyed. I didn’t take care of the comics back then. I do remember when the run hit issue #50, though, because that’s about when I started actually collecting, and the issue was all gold and had a cool 3D image on the cover. That’s when I discovered bags and boards.
Greg: I was the same way when I was younger. I found some 80s and early 90s Wolverine issues a couple of years back, and they were extremely torn up. I started liking comics when my dad introduced me to the Incredible Hulk TV show. I dabbled in reading comics throughout my childhood, but was never really serious about them. I [was really] into the video games about them and the Uncanny X-men cartoon.
WITA: A friend introduced me to that TV show not too long ago. Getting past the cheesy special effects, it was actually pretty good. [Laughs] And that was the same with me, actually. I loved a lot of superhero cartoons growing up before I really got into comics.
Greg: Yeah, those 90s comics cartoons were the best.
WITA: Let’s talk about how you two came to work on Bokor! Greg, I know you were working on the story for awhile. How did you meet and recruit Aaron on this one?
Greg: Well, at first I tried recruiting an artist around the Mobile area where I live, but that was a bust. I then decided to use the magic of the internet and make a post on the Robert Kirkman Image forum. Aaron was one of the first few people to answer. He actually messaged me thinking that I probably already found an artist and was looking to do a pin up or something. Unluckily for him, he won the burden of working with me.
WITA: Aaron, have you worked on any comics before? What made you respond to Greg’s post? (And now you’re stuck with [Greg]. [Laughs])
Aaron: I’ve done a few small stories for a couple of anthologies before. I also work on two other books called Alex Ghost and Reaper Heights. I’ve been in the process of really pushing myself and keeping myself drawing as often as I can. I figured getting as much work as I could would keep my hand going, and in the process I can build up a nice portfolio. So [I] looked for as many people interested in artists as I could.
WITA: So it worked out pretty well for the both of you, then, it seems! How did you guys get signed on with FSM comics? Did you explore a lot of avenues before FSM, or did you feel it would be a good fit from the start …? What kind of process was it?
Greg: FSM is just a small digital comics publisher. They are just starting out and posted on the internet that they were looking for titles. I had been working on the Bokor! concept for a while and had just found Aaron, who was willing to work with me, so I make a quick pitch and they liked it and we are going from there. FSM has an overall goal of getting new talent recognized. They are made to help you get your name out there. They really like the art. I am just riding Aaron’s coattails. [Laughs]
Aaron: [Laughs] It is the first thing that people see when they look at a comic.
Greg: It’s like my wife tells me, “His art is so good it makes your writing seem good.” I love my wife.
WITA: [Laughs] I’m sure it’s more than that. But speaking of which, what is the comic about, and what was your inspiration for it?
Greg: My inspiration for the comic came from my love of horror movies. I love cheesy, over-the-top action. The comic is about a man, Isaac Daevas, who loses everything in his life he holds dear. In an effort to get revenge on the God he blames for his loss, he is turned into the monster Bokor. With his new-found powers he becomes ultimately evil. Along the way he will discover a secret that has been guarded by one of the earth’s oldest institutions. I will say that it is a mature content comic aimed at adults. Parents, don’t let your kids read this. [Laughs]
WITA: Sounds awesome, I can’t wait to check it out! Aaron, how did you go about drawing the comic? How do you and Greg collaborate as a writer/artist team?
Aaron: Well, he sends me scripts and basically lets me go. I read the script a few times over and then read it again, this time doing page layouts and mapping out panels. Then I do my stick figure version of what will be in the panels, take some pics and send [them] to Greg. He really gives me free rein over what I can do. If there’s anything he doesn’t think works, though, I have no problem redoing it. So all in all, it’s a really easy-going relationship. It helps bring out the best in everyone, I think.
Greg: I will have to agree. Aaron knows a lot more about drawing and art [than] I do. I feel no one can do their best unless you let them have the freedom to do it. A comic should always be a team effort. If it isn’t, I don’t think it will live up to its potential.
WITA: From the artists and writers I’ve interviewed previously, that kind of relationship always seems to produce the best work. Where are you located, Aaron?
Aaron: I live in Illinois, just over the river from St. Louis.
WITA: Greg, what do you think about Aaron’s interpretations?
Greg: I think they suck … [Laughs] Just kidding. I think they are great. [They] look a whole lot better than what I envision in my head. They add so much more life to the comic.
WITA: [Laughs] That’s certainly a good thing! Who are the characters readers will see in the premiere issue, when it’s finished? Can you give a little sneak peak about them?
Greg: Well, in the first issue you will meet Isaac and his family and some mysterious hooded figures. I feel like I should make a ghost noise after I say that. [Laughs]
Aaron: I have drawn so many hoods lately.
Greg: [Laughs]
WITA: [Laughs] It definitely sounds mysterious.
Greg: And trust me, there are many more to come, Aaron. I am going to make one issue where everyone wears hoods for the whole issue. [Laughs] Just kidding.
WITA: Better practice your hood-drawing, Aaron! [Hey,] it’s been great. Thanks for your time [and] take care, guys!
Aaron: Thanks!
Greg: Thanks, as well.
Check out Bokor!’s Myspace page or buy some exclusive swag over at Cafepress—only available before the first issue hits stands.
