IFF-What was your initial feeling and what came to your mind when you were told you will be the artist
BW-I was really excited! As is often the case with comics, it wasn't all that cut and dry, and I was asked about several different projects that didn't happen, for whatever reason. But when this came up, and I heard it was going to be with Abnett and Lanning again, who are amazing, I was thrilled. And as it got closer and closer, and more and more fleshed out, it got me even more excited.
IFF-What Characters will be the core members considering the large number of characters involved.
BW-Well, I don't want to say too much on this topic and ruin any of the surprises. But all of the characters from the teasers and the cover that have been shown are involved, and the premise of the book kinda leaves us available to bring in anybody we like (that fits tonally, of course). So, it's been fun to switch from scene to scene, and character to character. Of course, that also means it will take me that much longer to feel like I've really "gotten" each character... Ha!
IFF-Are you a big fan of Iron Fist? if so how was it like drawing Iron Fist
BW-I love Iron Fist! Initially when I drew the alternate cover for issue 1, he was my favorite to draw. I love his costume (though, I admit, I miss the collar and the kung fu footies, because I think they were very uniquely "him").
IFF-From the look of the cast it looks like a major book full of respected Street level super heroes how do you manage or plan to fit all these characters in one book?
BW-Well, that's part of the surprise that makes it a unique type of team book. And that will also be why it will make sense that all of these characters are working together. I've seen people online complaining about "Why would Ghost Rider be a hero for hire?! He doesn't need money!" There's a reason for everything, so just read and find out!
IFF-How is it like working with Dan Abnett & Andy Lanning? Whats the creation process like do you work with two of them at the same time or one at a time?
BW-It's my favorite! I love their scripts! They understand the unique pacing of the comic book medium (as opposed to film or television) probably better than most other writers out there. And I think we kind of "see" a scene in very similar ways. So, it's always a lot easier to do their scripts than many other writers.
IFF-What is the tone of the new series going to be? It seems is going to be pretty dark and violent with the characters involved you have, The Punisher, Elektra, Ghost Rider
BW-I think it's got that angle because of the characters involved, but it's also going to be a lot of fun. It's very much in the Marvel Universe, and all of us working on it are life long comic fans, and love the well rounded nature of Marvel Comics, through the years. So, it's gonna have a lot of the same elements that made Guardians so entertaining. Lots of action, fast pacing, surprises, twists, intrigue, comedy, big visuals, and great dialogue!
IFF-Of all the characters do you have any favorites?
BW-Well, growing up, I really liked the Punisher (but more as a Spider-Man villain than an anti-hero). I love Iron Fist. I've had a blast so far with Falcon and Moon Knight. And I think Misty and Paladin will surprise people and end up being real fan favorites!
IFF-How will your work on this be different from what you did for Guardians of the Galaxy. What is the art direction for Heroes for Hire.
BW-For me personally, the difference is Earth. And more specifically, New York City. I've lived in New York for eight years and drawn comics for seven, and aside from a short story I did earlier this year in the Age of Heroes anthology, this is the first time I've ever drawn the City! In Guardians, every environment, location, or object was made up, or referenced from other comics. But in H4H, things have to look like what they are, and they have to look dirty and used, and "correct". So, that's a fun challenge. As far as the characters though, it's the same as always. Try to make everybody look real, and individual, and alive, and tell the story as fluidly as possible!
IFF-Will this be a continuation of the Last Heroes for Hire series or will it have similar features or this will be a completely new thing
BW-Not my place to say! :)
IFF-What are you bringing to the table for these characters especially Iron Fist and any last words
BW-Along the lines of what I said above, I feel like my role as a penciler is to tell the story without making the reader aware that it's a sequence of drawings and balloons. I try to add elements that ground things in reality, whether that's graffiti on the freeway, or the way light and shadow fall on the Falcon's shoulder. I like the architecture of pages and trying to figure out the best way to break things up so that the reader's eye moves through the story (without them realizing that I'm doing that). And I always want to try to heighten the emotions and moods written into the script, and make sure those things come across loud and clear.
As for Iron Fist? I want to make sure he kicks a lot of asses, and looks cool doing it!! :)
2 comments:
Great interview. You guys have me really excited for this series!
Thanks freddy..Looking forward to it myself
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