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with John Cassaday
Interview
with: Troy
Brownfield
Welcome
again to the Big Question. If you've been following comics
in the last year, then you've heard the name of one title
again and again: Planetary. Written by Warren Ellis,
the title follows a team of archaeologists who are uncovering
the super-heroic secrets of the Wildstorm universe. A huge
part of what makes the series so great is its stunning art,
rendered by our guest. Prior to Planetary, he's done
work for the likes of Boneyard Press, Caliber, Dark Horse's
Ghost, Marvel's X-books, and DC's Batman family of
titles. He got wide acclaim for the Desperadoes mini-series.
However, it's fair to say that Planetary has really
been that break-thru project that has put him at the top level
of comic artists. He's an extremely talented man with a knack
for showing us the ordinary and the fantastic, often in the
same panel. And my wife thinks he's cute.
Ladies
and gentlemen, please welcome John Cassaday!
THE BIG Q&A
Q1. Every time I talk to anyone who really knows comics
these days, "Planetary" constantly comes up as a Favorite
Book. How does if feel to know that your and Ellis' work is
resonating with so many readers?
A1.
Well, it's a great feeling, of course. I knew we had something
special from the beginning, but it's something to see when
a project really lives up to its expectations. And I had many.
I've heard everything from "It's the first book I read when
it comes out" to "It's this generation's WATCHMEN." High praise,
I think. It's a thrill.
Q2.
Speaking of Ellis, he has cultivated a devoted following due
to his at-times outrageous persona. What's it like to work
with such a fiercely imaginative writer, and how does that
come out in your end of the process?
A2.
It does nothing but inspire me in my work. I know I can push
things as hard and far as I want and Warren will be there
to back me up and vice-versa.
Q3.
Your style comes from a very detailed and realistic sense
of design, yet you capture the fantastic quite easily. What
about your background enables you to deal with these disparate
elements?
A3.
I've always been the most thrilled with fantastic stories
when they were portrayed in a realistic manner. It's easier
to relate. And the wonder of it all was that much greater,
depending on the level of realism involved. I also try to
apply a real world sense of design to the fantastic worlds
we create. Who's to say the sculptures of Bernini or the collages
of Rodchenko can't apply to an alien vessel buried for thousands
of years near the Earth's core?
Q4.
In a way, the story arcs of "Planetary" allow to draw nearly
every super-hero and science fiction concept of the last sixty
years. Would you like to take a crack at the icons themselves,
or are you happier doing reinterpretations of archetypal concepts?
A4.
Although I can't imagine having any more fun than I'm having
"reinterpreting" these great characters and genres, I do love
the archetypes themselves. I certainly see myself playing
with some of them in the future. Captain America is my hero.
I've also had a life long fascination with Batman, who's appearing
in a cross over with Planetary that we're working on. It should
make an interesting mix.
Q5.
This is the obligatory "what type of art supplies do you use"
question.
A5.
Smooth and rough stock art board depending on my mood, 0.5mm
HB lead in mechanical pencils and Higgins Black Magic Ink.
I like to mix things up a bit too. I like using charcoal pencils
or gauche to do shading at times. It keeps me entertained
and constantly learning.
Q6.
I can't help but notice that you bear a passing resemblance
to The Drummer. Do you try to include impressions of other
people you know in your art?
A6.
Sure, it depends on whether I see them in my head first or
in the face of a friend.
Q7.
What type of projects might you like to try in the future?
A7.
I'd best not say much here. My editors will start to sweat.
Needless to say, I'm looking forward to more Planetary at
the time being.
We'd like
to thank Mr. Cassaday for taking the time to visit with us
at The Big Question! He's a very nice guy, and if you haven't
been devouring each and every issue of Planetary, you're only
hurting yourself. Late-comers should check out the trade of
the first six issues, All Over the World and Other Stories.
You'll be glad you did.
Troy
Brownfield is the Editor-In-Chief of Shotgun Reviews. If you
have anyone you'd like to see in the Big Question, let him
know at psikotyk@aol.com.
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