The following is an interview with writer/artist Michael Troy, whose Taylor Swift artwork will appear in the April issue of FAME by Bluewater Publishing. Troy’s previous work includes graphic novels like The Blonde Squad and The Boy Who Loved Magnificent Woman, and he can also be seen performing in comedy clubs throughout Los Angeles.
This interview was conducted on Sunday, March 13, 2011.
Barbra Dillon, Fanboy Comics: The Fanboy Comics staff and I really loved your new picture of Taylor Swift! What inspired you to draw this specific image?
Michael Troy: When I was asked to do the pin-up I jumped at the chance to draw one of the most popular pop singers around. Since it was for a bio-comic I wanted to capture some of the grassroots to Hollywood angle. Admittedly not much of a country boy, I thought of Dolly Parton the whole time I drew it.
BD: You have completed a number of images that have been published in previous issues of Fame. Can you tell us about your previous work as an artist?
MT: I have been friends with Bluewater (www.bluewaterproductions.com) publisher Darren Davis for years, and I give him a lot of credit for getting so much press on his Fame and Female Force line of biographical comics. In a niche market monopolized by Marvel and DC, I think any light shed on comics, especially ones with the potential to bring in an outside audience, is an accomplishment in and of itself. Darren knows my sensibilities well enough to know which pieces to offer me. Aside from that, I make threats on his life if he won’t let me do certain projects, as in the case on the Lady GAGA book.
BD: Your graphic novels, The Blonde Squad and The Boy Who Loved Magnificent Woman, have featured your work as an artist and a writer. Do you prefer being a writer or an artist?
MT: I consider myself more of a storyteller and I tell me stories through cartoon pictures. I think they go hand in hand in my case. Even when I am drawing something someone else has written, I tend to add my flourishes.
BD: When you are not creating your own comics, are there any comic series or writers that you follow?
MT: I am so bored with comics right now. They seem to be in a major slump. I can’t think of an ongoing series that is so good right now that I can’t live without. I mean killing the Human Torch? This is the best you can do?
BD: Are there any other projects on which you are currently working and where can we find them?
RN: Aside from getting to work on more Blonde Squad and getting more attention for The Boy Who Loved Magnificent Woman, I am working on a couple of graphic novel pitches and pin-ups here and there.
Barbra Dillon is the Managing Editor of Fanboy Comics, an independent comic book publishing company based in Los Angeles, CA. She has produced numerous short films including Something Animal and Batman of Suburbia, and served as Legal Advisor for the film Walken on Sunshine. For more interviews, blogs, and reviews by Barbra and the FBC staff, check out the Fanboy Comics website at www.fanboycomics.net or sign up for the e-newsletter, The Fanboy Scoop, by emailing subscribe@fanboycomics.net.
