The following is an interview with Dave Dwonch regarding the upcoming release of the comic book series, The Loose End, through Titan Comics’ Hard Case Crime imprint. In this interview, Fanbase Press Editor-in-Chief Barbra Dillon chats with Dwonch about his shared creative process in working with artist Travis Hymel to bring the world and characters to life on the page, more comic book projects that he has on the horizon, and more!
Barbra Dillon, Fanbase Press Editor-in-Chief: Congratulations on the upcoming release of The Loose End! For those who may unfamiliar, what can you share with us about the premise of this ‘90s crime caper?
Dave Dwonch: Sure! The Loose End is about Steven Hollis, a failing Hollywood screenwriter with an addiction to the high life. When his gambling debt catches up to him, he’s given an offer he can’t refuse. Well, TWO offers he can’t refuse. His best friend, rising star Diedrich Ryan, invites him to legendary film producer Benny Blevin’s bachelor party in Mexico. Before he makes the trip, he’s kidnapped and tortured by the mob who make it clear that the only way out of his situation is to poison Benny during the weekend trip. I don’t want to spoil too much, but Benny’s made an enemy of a very powerful mob boss that wants him dead, and they plan on using Steven to get the job done.
BD: What can you tell us about your shared creative process in working with artist Travis Hymel to bring the story and characters to life on the page?
DD: When my wife and I moved to Colorado, I reached out to Travis for a hang and we talked about the concept over beers. I really wanted to go “old school” with this one—most of my collaborators are in different states, if not countries, so it’s been great to be able to hash out details in person. Some of the fight choreography was very specific, and nothing beats being able to act that sort of stuff out in person. We do get funny looks from other patrons at the breweries, though.
BD: ‘90s films like Swingers, Reservoir Dogs, and Heat left an indelible creative mark on so many of us who were finding our creative voice at that time. How do you feel that these films have inspired or shaped your creative vision for this new series?
DD: Oh, those flicks inspired me big time. My initial pitch to Travis was that it’s the Miramax film that they never made. Filmophiles will see the care we put into the book—deep-cut references that enhance what we feel is a unique take on the genre and the people that were a part of that period of movie making.
BD: What makes Hard Case Crime the perfect home for this series?
DD: Honestly, we felt that Titan and Hard Case just “got us.” They’ve been super supportive of our vision, and I think being a part of the Hard Case Crime library puts a laser focus on what this book is.
BD: Are there any other projects – past or current – that you would like to highlight for our readers?
DD: Yeah! I recently crowdfunded a 100-page hardcover called The Automaton. The book centers around a Walt Disney-like media mogul who is murdered in his theme park. His engineers upload his consciousness into an experimental robot, but with only 36 hours of battery life, he must solve his own murder before he fades away completely. It’s a beautiful book with art by my longtime collaborators, Santi Guillen (Popscars) and Arnaldo Robles, and is available now at hellbrain.com. I also have a series at Dark Horse called Jenny Zero with Brockton McKinney (Rick and Morty) and Magenta King (Huge Detective). Oh! And check out Astroneer, also published by Titan Comics!
BD: Lastly, what would you like to tell fans who want to learn more about The Loose End #1?
DD: The Loose End is equal parts crime noir and high-octane survival comedy, a love letter to all the things I love about a specific set of films that also shines a light on the darker side of Hollywood.
And stick with the series! Like many of the films that inspired us, the twist ending will blow your mind.
