The following is an interview with Clover Press publisher Hank Kanalz regarding the recent Backerkit campaign launch to collect Chester Gould’s classic Dick Tracy comic strips. In this interview, Fanbase Press Editor-in-Chief Barbra Dillon chats with Kanalz about his experience in revisiting the strips (released between 1941-1944) for the collection, the incredible bonus features to be included, and more!
Barbra Dillon, Fanbase Press Editor-in-Chief: Clover Press recently launched a Backerkit campaign to collect Chester Gould’s classic Dick Tracy comic strips. As these deluxe editions will collect the strips released between 1941-1944, what has been your experience in revisiting these iconic stories and characters?
Hank Kanalz: It’s been fun to get a snapshot of the culture of the 1940s, or at least Gould’s version of it. Makes me wonder what was going on to inspire Gould to create the characters he did. Looking back, he sure seemed ahead of his time.
BD: As the strips date back to Dick Tracy’s earlier years, do you feel that there is anything in particular that even seasoned fans may be surprised to discover?
HK: Maybe not surprised, but binge reading the strips, I think I’ve gathered a higher appreciation of the pacing and storytelling Gould applies to his storylines. I might try reading a volume at a one-strip-per-day pace for a bit to experience how it was done back in the day, but the times I’ve tried, I just keep reading.
BD: In addition to the strips themselves, readers will be treated to a multitude of incredible extras in these collections. What are some of the added features that readers may anticipate with the four volumes?
HK: Each volume has a brand new cover by a different artist. Jerry Ordway, Stewart Kenneth Moore, John K. Snyder III, and Juan José Ryp provide the covers, as well as a commemorative print. And David Mack has provided a fantastic piece we’ll be incorporating into our slipcase design. I want to also mention Moore provided the art of Dick Tracy’s wristwatch that Robbie Robbins used to design the genius die cut slipcase.
BD: In light of the Backerkit campaign, are there any particular backer rewards that you would like to highlight for our readers?
HK: This is a great way to start your Dick Tracy collection, so I’d suggest taking a look at our THE WORKS tier – it includes everything. All 4 books, prints, the bonus print, the trading cards, the stickers, the lithograph. We take the decision making easy – one click gets it all to you.
BD: Are there any other upcoming projects from Clover Press that you’re able to share with us?
HK: If you like newspaper strip collections, we’ll be launching our new AMAZING SPIDER-MAN NEWSPAPER STRIPS collection later this month. And of course, we are always on the eve of a new MARVEL ART OF or DC ART OF campaign.
BD: Lastly, what is the best way for readers to lend their support to the Dick Tracy Backerkit campaign?
HK: First and foremost, please back the campaign! But if not that, please share this story with your friends and family and your social circles. It doesn’t matter how big or small that circle is, every share and like and repost helps drive awareness! Thank you!
