With HeroesCon ’11 just around the corner we’re happy to continue to shine a spotlight on several of the creators who will be appearing.  Today we’re featuring an interview with John Arcudi, a veteran writer who has worked on everything from Superman (in Wednesday Comics) and Doom Patrol, to Gen13 and the cult favorite Major Bummer.  He’s also been a mainstay at Dark Horse Comics for years working on titles like The Mask, Aliens, Predator, RoboCop, and for the past several years as the co-writer of the popular Hellboy spinoffs B.P.R.D. and Witchfinder. Make sure to stop by and say hello to John and welcome him to his first ever HeroesCon appearance!

Seth Peagler (SP):  John, we’ve been fortunate to have several of your Dark Horse cohorts appear at HeroesCon over the years, so it’s nice to have you be in Charlotte with us this year.  Many of our attendees probably know you best from your work on B.P.R.D., but you’ve written everything from mainstream superhero titles to original graphic novels like A God Somewhere.  I’m curious how your writing approach differs between superhero books and titles of other genres.  Is there a difference at all, or do you structure your writing the same way regardless of the genre?

John Arcudi (JA): Thanks for having me, and I sure hope many attendees know me.  We’ll see.  As for my writingapproach, that’s an interesting question.  I’m always trying to tell the best stories I can, but there’s no getting around that I look at different work in different lights.  The way I write superheroes, for the most part, is pretty badly.  Never really got the feel for them, hence the creation of Major Bummer, my and Doug Mahnke’s super-satire.  It was more personal so I felt I could pour a lot more stuff into it.  Same thing for A god Somewhere.  In both cases, there’s no existing continuity to adhere to.  They’re my characters and my stories, and I’m more confident that I actually know what I’m doing.

(SP): Particularly with writers I’m always curious about their educational background.  Did you study English and screenwriting?  Was comics writing something you naturally found yourself working toward?

(JA): English major, but was never working towards writing comics.  Never.  It was a kind of accident, actually, but as soon as I started it turned out I worked well in the medium, so it’s lucky I ended up doing this instead of being a mechanic.

(SP): OnB.P.R.D. you’re working with one of our industry’s giants Mike Mignola to develop and flesh out his universe, but you’re still able to bring your own ideas and elements to it.  What’s the creative process like between you and Mignola?  Are plots collaboratively developed with you handling the scripting duties?

(JA): B.P.R.D. is a strange animal.  Mike and I do sometimes collaborate on plots, and sometimes we don’t.  It just depends on what the mini-series is about — but as for the large, over-arcing plot — which is to say, where the series is heading, yes, we did and do collaborate on that.   I’m also very fortunate that for being as big a name as Mike is, he still lets me do what I do, lets me run with an idea, and takes my ideas seriously.  He seems to trust me, which is another reason the B.P.R.D. books work so well, or at least why I’m happy working on them, which one would hope translates to good reading.

(SP): Earlier this year longtime B.P.R.D. artist (and HeroesCon regular) Guy Davis announced he was departing the book.  After working on this title for so long with Guy, I’d imagine the two of you and Mike had developed a kind of instinctive working relationship with each other.  How have you and Mignola handled the transition over to new artist Tyler Crook?  Are you finding elements in his style that are informing your storytelling or that might influence future storylines?

(JA): Sure, it’s been weird, and I do already miss Guy.  He’s so talented, but he’s also a sweetheart, and you’re right; we all got into a groove with him.  That said, Tyler is really an incredible artist.  There’s going to be an adjustment period, obviously, but once we all get used to each other, Tyler’s going to do a great job.  He’s already finished one issue and it’s beautiful.  If he can handle all of our idiosyncrasies, then he’ll kick ass.  And I expect that I will play to his strengths, so sure, my stories — or how I tell them —  will turn out to be a little different.

(SP): Having been a mainstay at Dark Horse for years, I’m curious as to whether or not you’ll be bringing some of your popular characters like The Mask back in the new Dark Horse Presents title?

(JA): Right now we’re negotiating to get an old character back in DHP, but I can’t say much more about it than that.

(SP): I mentioned your original graphic novel A god Somewhere, are there any other creator owned books that you’re developing at the moment?

(JA): I’m working on a Graphic novel involving that self-same character that I can’t talk about (regrettably).  I also have a large OGN I’m developing and am just looking for a publisher.  It’ll be more along the lines of A god Somewhere.  Got a lot of hopes for that one.  Also, while it’s not a new book, Major Bummer is creator owned in every sense of the word and Dark Horse will be publishing the complete collection of that series in October of this year with some extras from both me and Doug Mahnke tossed in.

(SP): Thanks to John Arcudi for taking the time to talk with me.  Make sure to stop by and welcome him to HeroesCon this summer.  Stay tuned to the Heroes blog for HeroesCon news and guest spotlights, and remember, we still have tickets available, so pick them up while you can!

1) Dark Horse Presents #1

Dark Horse’s fabled anthology gets a relaunch this week.  This inaugural issue features contributions from creators like Richard Corben, Neal Adams, Carla Speed McNeil, Howard Chaykin, and Harlan Ellison, along with a new Concrete story from Paul Chadwick and a preview of Frank Miller’s Xerxes, an upcoming prequel to 300.

2) Green Lantern #65/Green Lantern Corps #59

DC’s buildup to the Green Lantern film continues with the next two chapters in the “War of the Green Lanterns” storyline.  With Geoff Johns, Tony Bedard, Doug Mahnke, and Tyler Kirkham presiding, the Earth Lanterns face off against the rest of the Green Lantern Corps, with undoubtedly dramatic results.

3) Mister Wonderful HC

Daniel Clowes first ran this as a serial in the New York Times Magazine.  For those who never saw the original run, he’s brought it back in a nice new hardcover format.  If you were one who did manage to read the story in its’ first publication, you’ll be happy to know that Clowes added 40 pages of new material this time around.  Mister Wonderful could be considered a thematic bookend to last year’s Wilson, but there’s more humor and hope in this story than initially evident in Wilson.

4) Super Dinosaur #1

Robert Kirkman fans might want to check out this new title.  Kirkman co-created this new all ages book with Astounding Wolfman collaborator Jason Howard.  It follows the adventures of a kid named Derek Dynamo and a Tyrannosaurus Rex with mechanical arms.  Also worth noting is that Image is releasing a new Super Dinosaur story at Free Comic Book Day this year.  Stop by Heroes on Saturday, May 7 and pick one up!

5) S.H.I.E.L.D: Architects of Forever HC

The first volume of the acclaimed series from Jonathan Hickman and Dustin Weaver finally sees print this week.  Whether you’re a Marvel history buff, or just interested in history in general, this series has something for you.  This book is unique among the plethora of superhero titles that see print every week.  It’s nigh impossible to find a book like this one that offers an intelligent look at how historical figures like Nikola Tesla and Isaac Newton fit into the Marvel Universe.

> Bonus Picks of the Week: Silver Surfer #3, Young Justice #3, Skaar: King of the Savage Land #2, Justice League of America #56, and Safe Area Gorazde Special Edition HC.

1) Hellboy: Buster Oakley Gets His Wish

Aside from having the single best title for maybe any comic published thus far this year, Hellboy readers (and art fans in general) will want to take note of the fact that legendary artist Kevin Nowlan illustrates this one shot story from Mike Mignola.  Even better is the fact that Nowlan will be an attending guest at this year’s HeroesCon!  And if you need another reason to pick this one up, I should point out that it is said to feature aliens, mutant livestock, and robots!

2) Incredible Change-Bots 2 GN

The second volume of Jeffrey Brown’s acclaimed book hits the shelves this week.  Combining a love of ’80’s pop culture with a deserved dose of humor fitting for the subject matter, Brown makes nostlagia enertaining without being overly reflective.  

3) S.H.I.E.L.D. Infinity

This issue from Jonathan Hickman and a slew of guest artists features a four chapter one shot for Marvel’s popular apocryphal title.  S.H.I.E.L.D. is no stranger to the spotlight, but if you haven’t picked it up yet, here’s a great chance to see the adventures of Leonardo Da Vinci, Isaac Newton, Nostradamus, and other historical figures all against the backdrop of the Marvel Universe.   This should also satisfy fans of the series until the second volume officially begins later this summer.

4) Superman #710

J. Michael Straczynski and Chris Roberson continue their tale of a grounded Superman.  This issue, illustrated by Eddy Barrows and Travel Foreman, recounts the first time a young Bruce Wayne and Clark Kent met and worked together in their pre-costumed days.  Even if you’re not a fan of the current Superman storyline, you might enjoy this look at an early, untold adventure.

5) Journey Into Mystery #622

This issue picks up Thor’s old numbering, while Thor will soon be relaunched in a new ongoing series with The Mighty Thor #1.  Journey Into Mystery (from the creative team of Kieron Gillen and Doug Braithwaite) will focus on Loki, the Warriors Three, and other Asgardians, while Thor will primarily focus on the god of thunder and his interactions in the Marvel Universe.  Also, as a reminder for Heroes Aren’t Hard to Find shoppers, if you have Thor on your reserve list we’ll be pulling the first two issues of both Journey and The Mighty Thor for you, but beyond that remember to make sure to let any of the retail staff  know if you want  both titles to be pulled for you.

>Bonus Picks of the Week: Art of Bone HC, Thor by Walter Simononson Omnibus HC, Infinite Vacation #2, Hawkeye: Blind Spot #3, Captain America: The Fighting Avenger #1, and Cinderella: Fables Are Forever #3.

1) Fear Itself #1

Matt Fraction and Stuart Immonen spearhead Marvel’s new company wide event which has already been building positive early buzz.  The story brings together Asgardian threats with Earth-based villains like Sin, the daughter of the Red Skull, resulting in the Marvel heroes having to face their deepest fears.  Fraction and Immonen have done much to earn industry respect with their previous works, and the first issue reads and looks like they’re putting a lot of energy into this series.

2) Madman New Giant Size Super Ginchy Special One Shot

There are lots of reasons to check this one out this week.  First off, it’s a 64 page comic for $5.99.  Couple that with the fact that Madman creator Mike Allred provides the main story, while creators Emi Lenox, Tonci Zonjic, and Matt Kindt each provide their own backup story. And to top it all off, in the great tradition of Madman pin-ups past, this one shot features art from creators like Gilbert Hernandez, Dave Sim, Darwyn Cooke, Daniel Krall (right) and others!

3)  Aaron and Ahmed HC

This new Vertigo original hardcover focuses on an American Doctor who loses his fiancee in 9/11 and decides to become a Guantanamo Bay interrogator.  There his encounters with a prisoner lead him to examine several things about his own life and beliefs.  This relevant story comes to you from novelist and multiple fellowship winner Jay Cantor and James Romberger, artist behind the recent Vertigo Crime book The Bronx Kill.

4) Blue Estate #1

This book takes the interesting concept of having four  talented artists working on the same book, but does so in a seamless manner.  Written by Andrew Osbourne (based on a story from Viktor Kalvachev and Kosta Yanev), and illustrated by Kalvachev, Toby Cypress, Nathan Fox, and Robert Valley, this comic appears to be a riff on classic crime noir tales, but twists the genre into new forms.  For instance, there is a femme fatale, but the private investigator is an overweight nerd.  The real success of this book is that you forget you’re looking at the work of multiple artists.  Pick this one up if you get a chance as you’ll be impressed by both story and art.

5) Avengers: the Children’s Crusade #5

Allen Heinberg and Jimmy Cheung continue their Avengers tale this week.  Some might not like the fact that it’s 0n a bi-monthy publishing schedule, but Cheung’s work is well worth the wait.  In addition to the Young Avengers, the Avengers, and Scarlet Witch, this issue features what looks like the return of Ant Man and Jack of Hearts.

> Bonus Picks of the Week: Marvel’s Herc #1, Fables TP vol. 15, Superman/Batman Annual #5 (part of the Doomsday crossover), and Justice League of America 80 Page Giant 2011.

1) Ultimate X #4

There are lots of readers out there who have been clamoring for this book.  The wait is over this week as Jeph Loeb and Art Adams finally bring their fourth issue to the table.  Adams’ art is as good as it has always been, and this title always sells well, so don’t forget about this one.

2) Kick Ass 2 #2

Fans of Mark Millar and John Romita, Jr.’s ultra-violent book (and subsequent film adaptation) should be happy to know that the second issue of their second volume sees print this week.  Like every other issue, this one is likely to be popular and move quickly, so if you’re a fan, you might want to pick this one up soon.

3) Dollhouse: Epitaphs one shot

Joss Whedon fans should also be happy this week as Dark Horse releases this one shot that leads into his next comic series.  Picking up where his cult t.v. show Dollhouse ended, Whedon tells the next chapter of his technology run rampant story with help from creators Maurissa Tancharoen, Jed Whedon, and Cliff Richards.  Also check out that snazzy Phil Noto cover!

4) Godzilla: Kingdom of Monsters #1

This series boasts an impressive creative team that should bring some readers to this new series focusing on the famous movie monster and fellow monsters like Mothra, Rhodan, and Ghidorah.  Join Eric Powell, Tracy Marsh, and Phil Hester as they bring Godzilla back to comics.

5) Captain America #616

This week’s issue celebrates Cap’s 70th anniversary with an A-list of top creators offering stories from throughout Cap’s history.  Featuring work from writers like Ed Brubaker, Cullen Bunn, and Frank Tieri, and artists like Travis Charest, Mike Deodato, Howard Chaykin, Paul Azaceta, and Ed McGuinness, there’s something for every Cap fan to enjoy here.  Also worth noting is the issue’s great story from Charlotte creators Jason Latour and Rico Renzi, who continue their impressive year of Marvel work.  Be sure to check out Latour and Renzi’s upcoming southern crime book Loose Ends from 12 Gauge, which features detailed art from Chris Brunner, another of Charlotte’s talented artists.  Their first issue comes out in July, but you can pick up a preview of it on Free Comic Book Day on May 7 at Heroes.

Bonus Picks of the Week: Jimmy Olsen #1, Age of X: Universe #1, Incognito: Bad Influences #5, Detective Comics #875, and Black Panther: Man Without Fear #516.

1) FF #1

Jonathan Hickman and Steve Epting relaunch Marvel’s First Family, but this time FF doesn’t mean Fantastic Four, but Future Foundation.  Alongside Mr. Fantastic, the Invisible Woman, and the Thing are a handful of other characters including the Richards’ children, Dragon Man, and Alex Power of the Power Pack, among others.  You couldn’t ask for a better jumping on point than this issue.

2) Batman Incorporated #4; Batman: The Dark Knight #2

Two of the top Batman titles see print this week.  In Batman Incorporated, Grant Morrison and Yanick Paquette take Bruce Wayne away from his world travels and back to Gotham City for an encounter with Batwoman.  Over in Batman: The Dark Knight writer/artist David Finch continues his storyline that will have Batman facing Etrigan the Demon.

3) Owly and Wormy HC: Friends All Aflutter

Andy Runton’s much loved series continues in this week’s new oversized picture book volume.  Owly books are always great gift ideas for small readers.  The wordless format greatly lends itself to interaction between parents and children, and encourages the kids to get involved with the telling of the story.  At the same time, adult readers can’t deny the quality of Runton’s cartooning.  This one’s not only a great all ages book, but one that should encourage you to sit down and read with your kids.

4) David Boring GN Pantheon Edition

Daniel Clowes continues what will end up being a very busy few years for him.  Last year saw the publication of his original graphic novel Wilson.  Next month another new graphic novel, Mister Wonderful will see print, and later this year a revised version of his Eightball story The Death-Ray will be published.  This week Pantheon offers up a new printing of David Boring, another acclaimed Clowes book that is well worth reading.

5) Green Lantern #64/Green Lantern Corps # 58

Parts one and two of DC’s “War of the Green Lanterns” event are available this week.  Geoff Johns and Tony Bedard handle writing duties, while Doug Mahnke and Tyler Kirkham illustrate.  This storyline is the biggest Green Lantern event to happen since Blackest Night, and it will likely draw in new readers as well as established fans.  Get in on the ground floor with the first two parts of the story this week.

> Bonus Picks of the Week: Astonishing Spider-man/Wolverine #5, Finder Library TP vol. 1, Arctic Maurader HC, New Character Parade TP, and Cardboard Valise GN.

1) Fear Itself: Book of the Skull #1

Ed Brubaker and Scott Eaton kick off Marvel’s Fear Itself miniseries with this one shot prequel.  This issue focuses on Captain America, Namor, and the Red Skull and lays the groundwork for the upcoming series from Matt Fraction and Stuart Immonen.  If you plan on following Marvel’s next big event, you’ll want to pick this one up to make sure you’re in on the ground floor.

2) Ruse #1

Last week saw the release of Sigil #1, Marvel’s first foray into their publishing of CrossGen titles.  This week sees the release of Ruse, one of the most popular of the CrossGen books.  Original series writer Mark Waid returns to tell the Victorian detective’s latest tales alongside artist Mirco Pierfederici.  Don’t forget to pick up Sigil #1 too, which is still available at Heroes.

3) DC Universe Legacies #10

The popular DC series ends this week courtesy of the creative team of Len Wein, Jesus Saiz, Karl Story, Gary Frank, and Scott Kolins.  The series that started with DC’s earliest heroes wraps up with a retelling of more recent occurrences.  Blue Beetle fans should take note as the back up story features the classic Ted Kord incarnation of the character.

4) Avengers: Children’s Crusade: Young Avengers #1

While this is a one shot it does tie in with the current Avengers: Children’s Crusade miniseries.  While the issue’s premise of the Young Avengers all grown up will appeal to some readers, even those who don’t read the book should notice that legendary artist Alan Davis illustrates this issue.  Allan Heinberg also writes this issue, which should hold readers of the Children’s Crusade over until issue #5 is released next month.

5) Yo Gabba Gabba: Comic Book Time HC

It’s always nice to feature a great new kids book on the spotlight.  This anthology based on the popular kids show features contributions from several animators who work on the show, as well as a wide variety of comic talents like Evan Dorkin, Mike Allred, J. Bone, and even color art from Heroes’ own Creative Director, Rico Renzi!  This book will make a great gift for children that show an interest in reading comics but might be too young to jump into super hero books.

> Bonus Picks of the Week: Xombi #1, Morning Glories #8, Your Highness TP, Guild: Tink one shot, Captain America and Crossbones #1, and IZombie vol. 1 TP.

Throughout the year, as part of our buildup to HeroesCon ’11 we’ve been shining a spotlight on several artists who will be guests at our show.

This week we’re proud to feature an interview with Chrissie Zullo, an artist who burst into the industry in recent years with several high profile gigs, most notably as the cover artist for two Fables spinoff Cinderella miniseries’.  Zullo has also branched beyond covers to provide interior art for books like Madame Xanadu #26 and Fables #100.  Zullo is also one of Charlotte’s many talented local creators, which adds a lot of hometown pride for all of us at Heroes.

Seth Peagler (SP): Chrissie, thank you for taking time to talk with me.  I’d like to first ask you about your background in art.  What kind of training have you had both academically and in your own private studies?  Who are some of the painters and illustrators both in and out of the comics industry that you’ve been particularly affected by? (more…)

1) Venom #1

For those who think that Venom is just a murderous, slobbering thorn in Spider-man’s side, you might be genuinely surprised to see where Marvel is taking the character in this new series.  Directed by Rick Remender and Tony Moore, this new Venom twists the concept in a unique way, not only by giving the symbiote to Spider-man supporting cast mainstay Flash Thompson, but by incorporating more militaristic elements into the character’s new identity.  It’s Venom being used as a willing weapon by the U.S. Armed Forces, and Flash trying to control the living weapon’s baser tendencies.

2) Batman Incorporated #3

Batman Incorporated has had a solid, easily accessible start thus far.  It’s greatest success is that it doesn’t bog you down with continuity issues.  All you need to know is that Bruce Wayne is now an international Batman of sorts, and spends a lot of time traveling the globe setting up and interacting with a global cadre of Batmen.  This isn’t Grant Morrison’s most groundbreaking work, and I wouldn’t say he’s even trying to reinvent the wheel.  It is, however, a fun comic that so far has been worth the read.  A word should also be said for artist Yanick Paquette, whose art complements the global settings quite nicely.

3) Freeway GN

The Fantagraphics website (link to it here!) has done a fine job of late in posting video clips of their new titles.  That’s where I found out about this new graphic novel by animator/cartoonist Mark Kalesniko.  Occurring during a California traffic jam, Kalesniko uses the helplessness and restlessness of that setting to mirror his protagonist’s own internal frustrations.  The novel setting lends itself well to what looks to be a good existential story, but the quality of Kalesniko’s cartooning adds fluidity to a story where the character is stuck in literal and figurative ways.

4) Cinderella: Fables Are Forever #2

The second issue of the second Cinderella spinoff miniseries arrives this week.  Writer Chris Roberson and artist Shawn McManus helm the story of the Fables world’s espionage agent.  Also check out the awesome cover art from Charlotte artist Chrissie Zullo!

5) Stuff of Legend: the Jungle #4

This book has been slowly building a loyal readership base since it debuted last year.  Set in ’40’s era Brooklyn and featuring a cast of toys as protagonists against the villainous Boogeyman, Stuff of Legend reads like a darker version of Toy Story.  Writers Mike Raicht and Brian Smith wrap up their second miniseries this week alongside the fine and intricate line work of series artist Charles Paul Wilson III.

> Bonus Picks of the Week: Sigil #1, B.P.R.D. Hell on Earth: Gods #3, Superboy #5, Hawkeye: Blind Spot #2, Walking Dead #82, and Thor: The Mighty Avenger TP vol. 2.

Don’t forget that this Saturday, March 5 at 1:00 p.m., the Heroes Discussion Group will be meeting in the store to tackle one of 2010’s most acclaimed books, Daytripper.  Join discussion group coordinator Andy Mansell and the rest of us as we delve into this thought-provoking comic.  We always have a great time, and you’re guaranteed to walk away with a new perspective on the book.