The following is an interview with Gooney Toons regarding his all-ages comic book series, Conco and the Fudge. In this interview, Fanbase Press Editor-in-Chief Barbra Dillon chats with Toons about the inspiration behind the series, the shared creative process in working with the team, and more!
Barbra Dillon, Fanbase Press Editor-in-Chief: Congratulations on the release of your all-ages adventure series, Conco and the Fudge! For those who may be unfamiliar, how would you describe the series’ premise, and what inspired you to tell this story?
Gooney Toons: Thanks so much! Conco and The Fudge is an all-ages adventure story told using elements or pro wrestling, and starring real-life independent pro wrestlers. All that said, this comic series is not about pro wrestling. The reason for this pro wrestling twist was also my inspiration. Over the past year or so, I have gotten to know the guys and gals from Newcastle Pro Wrestling/Pro Wrestling Australia, and it has been a very long time since I have met such a driven, hard-working, and talented group of people. I could not help but be inspired by these guys.
BD: What can you share with us about your creative process in writing the graphic novel, and what have been some of your creative influences? Likewise, what can you tell us about coordinating with Butch Mapa for the artwork of the series?
GT: The creative process was really fun. It started with taking Concrete Davidson and Big Fudge, two real-life pro wrestlers from the aforementioned Newy Pro and PWA, and placing their real-life gimmicks into a world where anything is possible, and seeing how far I could push them without losing the essence of what makes them who they are. Coordinating with Butch is a complete dream.The guy is an absolute professional and has an amazing ability to interpret what I have written and hit the nail on the head with the art every time.
BD: What do you hope that readers will take away from your work?
GT: There was a few things I was trying to achieve with issue one. Firstly, I wanted readers to care about Conco. Secondly, I wanted them to genuinely want to know what happens next. And finally, I wanted them to look up the real-life Conco and Fudge. Moving forward, the number one goal is to simply entertain the reader, but for those looking for more, there will be a little more to take away from Conco and The Fudge if you look a little below the surface.
BD: If given the opportunity to expand your series into other entertainment mediums, in what format do you hope to see it adapted?
GT: It is funny you ask this question, as we will be expanding into other mediums VERY soon. As far as long term goals go, I promise one day we will all be discussing how we are going to move beyond Conco and The Fudge Cinematic Universe phase four, and if all these wrestlers who turned to dust will stay dead.
BD: Are there any upcoming projects on which you are currently working that you would like to share with our readers?
GT: Nope, it is all Conco and The Fudge. This is a project I am all in on, and it will have my complete focus for the foreseeable future.
BD: Lastly, what is the best way for our readers to find more information about Conco and the Fudge?
GT: The best place to check us out is www.concoandthefudgecomic.com. Here, you will find out what the series is about, more info on issue one, and where you can buy Conco and The Fudge. Beyond that, Instagram (@concoandthefudgecomic) is our chosen social media platform.
