The following is an interview with writer Christopher Stanton regarding the release of the graphic novel, Nick Pope. In this interview, Fanbase Press Editor-in-Chief Barbra Dillon chats with Stanton about his shared creative process in bringing the story and characters to life on the page, what he hopes that readers may take away from the story’s themes, and more!
Barbra Dillon, Fanbase Press Editor-in-Chief: Congratulations on the release of Nick Pope! How would you describe the story’s premise?
Christopher Stanton: Thank you! It’s the illustrated diary of a troubled high school sophomore in 1987. Nick was born with prominent birthmarks around both eyes and he’s constantly teased and bullied; he also has undiagnosed bipolar disorder.
Nick is a talented artist and starts a diary of his feelings and drawings as he begins a chaotic fall semester at a brand-new school, where he becomes tentative friends with two fellow outsiders.
BD: What can you tell us about your shared creative process in working with artist Christopher Darling to bring this story and its characters to life on the page?
CS: I’d been online friends with Chris Darling for several years when he shared that he was looking for a project to illustrate for his thesis at the School of Visual Arts. I sent him the diary manuscript in 2009 and he loved it! Chris had free reign as to what the finished book would look like – he just emailed me a few times with questions. Imagine my amazement when I saw the incredible completed diary! We printed 50 spiral-bound copies for family and friends in 2012.
Sadly, Chris Darling died in 2018. It took a few years of legal hurdles, but it was my honor to self-publish the book and make it available to the world two years ago.
BD: Graphic Medicine is an emerging genre that combines the field of medicine with the medium of comics. How do you feel that Graphic Medicine stories like this one can help to better depict the adolescent experience and the challenges that it may pose for young people?
CS: Nick is bullied and struggles hard with his depression. He also begins to suspect that he’s gay.
Things were tough in 1987, when I was in high school. There was no Internet — only afternoon TV talk shows, stodgy library books, and questionable advice from older siblings. The challenge for any teenager who’s struggling with mental health or questions about their sexuality is gaining the courage to reach out – which Nick eventually does. There are consequences, but he’s stronger at the end of the diary because he revealed what was in his heart.
BD: At Fanbase Press, our #StoriesMatter initiative endeavors to highlight the impact that stories can have on audiences of various mediums. How do you feel that this story may connect with and impact readers?
CS: I feel that any reader who has ever felt “different,” or has been teased or bullied because of who they are, will find a kindred soul in Nick – and hopefully gain strength from his story. Plus, the book is packed with ’80s pop culture references, and readers of a certain age will appreciate that!
BD: Are there any other projects – past or current – that you would like to highlight for our readers?
CS: My novel, Kings of the Earth, is about a haunted surfing town – on Lake Michigan! That one’s widely available.
This summer, I’ll self-publish a collection of linked short stories set in a shopping mall. Dandelion Crossing takes place in 1983 – the year of Cabbage Patch Kids and Return of the Jedi.
And, I’m currently in talks with an artist to hand-write and illustrate Nick Pope: Summer of ’88. I care so much about Nick that I had to continue his story.
BD: Lastly, what is the best way for our readers to find more information about Nick Pope?
CS: Please visit my site – christopher-stanton.com. The book is available on Amazon and at more than 30 libraries across the country. Thanks!
