Can you tell us something about your works, what have you done so far?
I've been an illustrator and graphic designer since 1995, but I really only started to try to get into comics around 2001. It was a slow but steady road. I was the illustrator on Image Comic's The Occult Crimes Taskforce (the O.C.T.), co-created by David Atchison and Rosario Dawson. That was probably my best known work to date. Since then I've painted covers, colored or penciled and inked for just about everyone including DC/Wildstorm Comics, Boom Studios, Markosia, Devil's Due, Dark Horse, Top Cow, Virgin and Image Comics.
Now I'm on a long 18 issue run of The Talisman and it feels great to be able to dedicate myself to such a large and long running project.
So far I've pencilled and inked 16 pages for the preview issue that will be released in San Diego, and I've also completed issue number one. Issue 2 is sitting on my drawing board right now. That should be done in about 6 weeks.
You said, that the preview issue is completed. Can you tell us something about it? Rumor has it that there are supposed to be things, that weren't mentioned in the novel.
I would say there are things that were mentioned in the book that are shown in more detail in issue zero. I can't mention any specifics yet because it hasn't been released, but you'll finally be able to see some very pivotal moments in Jack's life.
How were you involved in 'The Talisman' project? Is it true that Stephen King and Peter Straub had chosen you for the artist? How do you feel with it?
I was approached by Random House early last November asking if I would be interested in the project. I've been a fan of Mr. King's and Mr. Straub's work for many years, and I told them it would be an honor to be involved in this project. My schedule was free when they needed me, and a two year commitment would work out perfectly.
I was told that the authors personally picked me, and it was quite the shock. I drew a batch of Wolverine sample pages years ago and I was told that Stephen King imagined Wolverine the same way. That was quite the compliment. Especially because I don't draw the handsome Hollywood version of Wolverine!
Have you read both King and Straub's books before?
I have read their before and I'm a huge fan. I recently was able to unload all my books that had been sitting in boxes for years, and I was surprised how many of their books I had read. I guess you could say I was a big fan without knowing!
Did you talk with Stephen King and/or Peter Straub about comic book? Did they give you any hints about person or place's look, or maybe you had a free hand?
Most of the contact I've had has been indirect. I received quite a bit of feedback on my initial character designs from both King and Straub. They were really able to help mold them the way they saw them in their mind. They also have the chance to see all the page layouts and pencils and inks along the way. That way, they can add their input at any point in the process.
Can you tell us something about your co-operation with scriptwriter Robin Furth?
Robin has been great. She's kept me part of the process at every step. She's extremely interested in my input, but I have such respect for her work that I try to change as little as possible when I draw the pages. She's an absolute dream to work with!
How will particular pages look? Are the frames going to be panoramic (like in 'The Dark Tower' series), or maybe more diverse (like in 'The Stand' comic)? Are we going to see many one pages graphics?
The page designs are very diverse. I try to keep them as interesting and dynamic as possible. They are also a good amount of one page graphics as well. We try to keep it interesting for the reader.
Are you going to be as faithful to the original book as possible or maybe you want to have some freedom and show some things in your own way?
I try to be as faithful as possible. I have the book beside me on my desk and I'm constantly going back and looking at details. Robin, Betsy (our editor at Del Ray), and I all have the same copy of the Talisman. That way we can reference a page and we can all... literally be on the same page.
Do you want to draw the Territories, the world that Jack goes to, in some different way than USA in the eighties, the world Jack comes from?
Yes, I do. The territories are more pure than our world. The grass is greener, the sky is more blue, the air is fresher. It's difficult to portray this while I'm only using black and white. One way I do this is by using less heavy shadows in the territories. There is a time and a place for every artistic technique, but for the most part I keep it on the lighter side. A large share of that work will fall on the colorist. They really have a lot on their plate when they color this book.
'Black House' is a rather dark horror, 'Talisman' though is like some Spielberg's adventure. What atmosphere can we expect in this comic? Will it be gloomy or beautiful world? Will 'The Talisman' be something more for young readers or for an adult ones?
I would think it will be more for an older audience. Even though Black House is darker than the Talisman, the Talisman is still dark. Jack goes through quick a horrific journey. Like I said before, the world of the territories can be beautiful, but our world is quite dark. To simplify it, I see our world as Batman's Gotham, and the territories as Superman's Metropolis! Even though they are essentially the same city, they have VERY different sides!
Which character you like to draw the most? Which characters and places so far are your favourites?
I love drawing Jack. He's a lot of fun. I have to turn my acting side of the brain on, since he goes through such the roller coaster, I get to draw him in a lot of emotional states. Morgan of Orris is also fun. Both he and his twinner are so nasty. For the most part, the nastier the character is, the more fun they are to draw. I can't wait to get to Wolf in all his glory!
'The Talisman' is strongly connected with 'The Dark Tower' saga. Have you read it? And if so, have you thought about putting some little ties which only fans could notice?
I have read it. For the most part that will be up to Robin. I'm sure she has some surprises planned along the way.
If this comic will turn out to be a success, would you like to continue this adventure and make comic adaptation of the second part of 'The Talisman' - 'The Black House'?
Like I mentioned before, it is an honor to be involved in this project. If they want me involved in Black House, I will definitely be on board. I couldn't think of anything I would rather do!
[With Tony Shasteen talked: Grzesiek Tupikowski, Michal Ratajczak and Hubert Spandowski]
|
Stephen King 
