The following is an interview with Dave Cowen regarding the recent release of the graphic novel, Should We Buy a Gun?, through SerioComics. In this interview, Fanbase Press Editor-in-Chief Barbra Dillon chats with Cowen about his shared creative process of working with artist Gabriel Wexler to bring the story and characters to life on the page, what he hopes that readers may take away from the story, and more!
Barbra Dillon, Fanbase Press Editor-in-Chief: Congratulations on the recent release of Should We Buy a Gun?! For those who may be unfamiliar, how would you describe the story’s premise?
Dave Cowen: Thank you so much, Barbra. It was fun to see you speak in person at CALA, and I’m so grateful to you for taking the time to highlight my debut graphic novel here on Fanbase. It means a lot!
Should We Buy A Gun? tells the story of a happily newlywed, like-minded couple in Austin, Texas, who are just starting to try for a baby, when they are mugged. They’re shocked to find they now have completely different viewpoints on gun ownership. This causes them to question not just should we buy a gun, but should we continue to try for a baby or even stay together. It’s a heartfelt and humorous way to humanize this debate and hopefully help heal some divides.
BD: This story has had an incredible genesis, as it has been 11 years in the making. What can you tell us about your shared creative process in working with artist Gabriel Wexler to bring this story to life on the page?
DC: Yes, well, it was a failed screenplay for a number of years! And even that version had many iterations, first as a silly comedy, then a progressive polemic, and now as a much more two-sided and open-ended exploration. I met Gabriel through his son’s friendship with my godson in 2020. I was looking for an illustrator to team up to realize the project this way instead. And working with Gabriel for four of the 11 years was exactly what was needed. I’ve found that other collaborations where two people are the screenwriters for instance sometimes aren’t quite as satisfying, because Gabriel brought skills that I totally don’t have! And perhaps vice-versa. Our collaborative process was work-for-hire and somewhat hierarchical. I was in a sense the director/writer/producer (and financier LOL). But Gabriel brought so much, yes, the acting/performances/cinematography/set design/costumes to keep this analogy going. But we also had nuanced conversations where he would offer opinions on many choices. It was one of the best partnerships I’ve ever had, and I am looking forward to working with him again soon.
BD: At Fanbase, our #StoriesMatter initiative endeavors to highlight the impact that stories can have on audiences of various mediums. How do you feel that Maggie and Adam’s story may connect with and impact today’s readers?
DC: I love this initiative #StoriesMatter, because I wouldn’t have spent 11 years on Should We Buy A Gun? if I didn’t think it would impact how our society views gun ownership, as well as political polarization and mental health and much more. When I started the book, I wanted to tell a story that would end gun violence in America, so you can see how idealistic I am about how much stories matter. At this point, because of the organic evolution and maturation of my thinking and the project’s message, the impact of Maggie and Adam’s story might be to get readers to think how they don’t always know the answers and be open to changing their minds. It’s a harder sell than we are on this side and want this tangible impact on the world. But I think it better serves the reader to get them to think about how they think than to provide an answer.
BD: What makes SerioComics the perfect home for this graphic novel?
DC: Well, it’s a perfect home, because it’s my publishing press, haha. It’s a form of self-publishing. I found a literary agent, and even left a comfortable day job at a talent agency due to conflict of interest, for the privilege to try to sell it to some publishers. But it wasn’t happening fast. And when the election happened in November, I just felt like I really want to meet the moment. I didn’t want to keep waiting for a publisher to finally read or accept it and then another 6 months to a year to get it printed. And with tariffs and everything else, I just felt like printing on demand via Ingram and getting my own entrepreneurial business going would best serve the audience and the story. It’s been difficult, not going to lie, a very steep learning curve, and I’d still probably welcome Pantheon if they came calling. But I’ve had a submission and met with an author for their work which is exciting because I hope to help other people publish their projects, too. Mostly, I love how I can put the work out there exactly how I’d prefer without any compromising of the vision.
BD: Are there any other projects – past or current – that you would like to highlight for our readers?
DC: Well, I also have a Substack, SerioComics, where I enthuse about other people’s works of graphic literature that has Q&As. I’ve published some parody books for the Jewish holiday of Passover including one this spring on The Office. And I have another Substack, the NPR-celebrated Substack, Shuffle Synchronicities, where readers learn how meaningful music coincidences can help guide our lives. And I hope to have more graphic novels about Tennis vs. Pickleball as well as one about Enneagram Superheroes much sooner than 11 years!
BD: Lastly, what is the best way for our readers to find more information about Should We Buy a Gun and your other work?
DC: I think the best way, and this is often the case, is to buy directly from the publisher, which is, yes, me in a way, so you can go to shouldwebuyagun.com. It is also available via Amazon and many indie bookstores are starting to carry it. So, you can also call your local shop and ask them to order it no problem from Ingram. Or go on bookshop.org. I also have a big linktree, https://linktr.ee/davecowen, with many of the other things mentioned and more!
