The following is an interview with award-winning writer/editor Chris Robinson (All-Negro Comics 75th Anniversary Edition, Werewolf Frankenstein) regarding the recent release of the comic book anthology, ODB: Lyrical Ruckus in the City, through Oni Press. In this interview, Fanbase Press Editor-in-Chief Barbra Dillon chats with Robinson about the thematic approach to honoring two staples of the hiphop community, what he’s most looking forward to about the upcoming book reading, Q&A discussion, and signing at Book Soup, and more!
Barbra Dillon, Fanbase Press Editor-in-Chief: Congratulations on the recent release of ODB: Lyrical Ruckus in the City! In honoring two staples of the hiphop community – New York City and Ol’ Dirty Bastard, as editor, how would you describe the thematic approach of crafting this complementary collection of comic book stories?
Chris Robinson: ODB and NYC were our two north stars in crafting this book—every creative choice was informed by one, the other, or both…even down to the book design! If you’ve taken NYC Metro, you will know what I mean. As for ODB, he’s a multi-faceted individual of paradoxical harmonies—a “lyrical ruckus” one might say—so not only are there multiple characters inspired by his different aspects, the very setting of the book (a pan-dimensional New York City) was specifically chosen to allow us to juxtapose chaotically-different genres and tones in a singular satisfying read.
BD: Likewise, as a writer on the project, what can you share with us about your contribution to the collection?
CR: I was one of many contributing writers, but I was also the editor—so I had a crow’s nest view of the whole project and how all the different pieces fit together thanks to my close collaboration with the good folks at Four Screens (who control ODB’s image and life rights along with his estate). The story I scripted is called “Sword of the Cypher” and was very near and dear to them, so I was happy to get what they had in their hearts out onto the page and then direct the artist Chris Gooding (who Four Screens already had involved from the jump) in refining their vision even further. It’s a superhero origin story that fans of Miles Morales or Static shouldn’t miss!
BD: What makes Oni Press the perfect home for Ruckus?
CR: Oni Press has a pedigree of publishing beloved, genre-bending experimental comics, authentic music-inspired comics, and top-tier licensed comics—and Lyrical Ruckus is all three! Frankly, I couldn’t imagine this project happening anywhere else.
BD: The collection will be featured at a book reading and Q&A session at Book Soup in West Hollywood on January 27. What are you most looking forward to about the event, and how do you feel that readers may connect most with the collection?
CR: I’m excited to hear readers’ personal ruckuses! The book establishes many different worlds and characters; each tale could have easily been its own full-length graphic novel. I imagine every reader will be inspired by the stories in a unique and personal way that I would love to connect with them on—and share my own!
BD: Are there any other projects – past or current – that you would like to highlight for readers?
CR: As I type this, I’m sending the latest installment of my creator-owned series, Werewolf Frankenstein, to the printer. It’s a monster-mashup where Frankenstein’s Monster searches for a cure to his lycanthropy while Invisible Dracula makes his life an unliving hell. In this new issue, he meets the Hunchback Phantom! Who knows who’ll show up in the next chapter! Follow us at werewolffrankenstein.com if you’re the kind of monster maniac this appeals to.
BD: Lastly, what is the best way for our readers to find more information about ODB: Lyrical Ruckus in the City and your other work?
CR: ODB is available right now! Whether you know the man’s rhymes bar for bar or you’re just into wild anthology storytelling that fits together like a Swiss watch, ask your LCS to order up a copy for you. And keep up with me on BlueSky (@chrisrobinson.info).
*Be sure to stop by the book reading, Q&A discussion, and signing for ODB: Lyrical Ruckus in the City on Monday, January 27, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. at Book Soup (8818 Sunset Boulevard, West Hollywood, CA 90069). More details may be found on the Book Soup website.
