The following is an interview with Eisner Award-winning comic book creator Rob Guillory on the upcoming Kickstarter campaign launch for the comic book series, Ghostbrawler, in collaboration with Eisner Award-winning writer John Layman. In this interview, Fanbase Press Editor-in-Chief Barbra Dillon chats with Guillory about his shared creative process with Layman for bringing the supernatural story and characters to life on the page, the incredible backer rewards available through the campaign, and more!
Barbra Dillon, Fanbase Press Editor-in-Chief: Congrats on the upcoming Kickstarter launch for your new comic book series, Ghostbrawler! What can you share with us about the premise of this supernatural action/comedy series?
Rob Guillory: It’s the story of ex-boxer Joey Frezzini, who flatlines in the middle of the ring, only to be resuscitated with the ability to see AND touch supernatural beings. Which means he not only can communicate with unruly spirits, but he can beat the crap out of them. So, he takes up a new line of work, going to haunted houses and punching ghosts until they leave. It’s got action, scares, and a ton of laughs, and we’re thinking people will enjoy it.
BD: As a longtime collaborator with John Layman, how would you describe your shared creative process in bringing this new world and characters to life on the page, and do you find that you have developed a creative “shorthand” in working together?
RG: There’s definitely plenty of shorthand. After so many years of collaboration, you definitely create a nice rhythm that keeps things flowing. Our process is a pretty simple back and forth. John starts the ball rolling with scripts. From scripts I do my thing on the art end. And there’s usually a bit of back and forth while we’re playing our role. Sometimes, he’ll run an idea by me before he writes it, and, sometimes, I do the same when I’m about to draw something. And we’ll chime in and point out if we don’t think something’s working and offer some ideas it might work a bit better. Very no-drama, very easy process. But I think it’s easy because we both have the same end goal, to make a cool comic and have fun while doing it.
BD: Why do you feel that crowdfunding has been such a valuable resource to ensuring the success of today’s comic book creators?
RG: Comics are a risky business, and comic creators historically have had to shoulder the bulk of that risk. We tend to be the ones who have to labor away for months with either very little front-end income or ZERO front-end income in the hopes that the fruit of that labor will turn a profit in the end.
Crowdfunding is valuable because it gives creators the opportunity to raise capital to fund production costs BEFORE the project begins. Which is normal in other businesses, but for some reason is a new concept in the business of comics. And I can’t really overemphasize how life-changing raising that capital upfront can be. It allows a creator to make their best work without having to sacrifice their well-being, or their family’s well-being, to do that.
BD: At Fanbase Press, our #StoriesMatter initiative endeavors to highlight the impact that stories can have on audiences of various mediums – no matter the genre. How do you feel that Joey’s story may connect with readers, and what – if any – conversations might it inspire?
RG: Joey’s a really lovable character that is hopeful almost to the point of being naïve. And hope seems to be in pretty short supply for many folks nowadays, so our hope is that Joey can provide a bit of lightness in a pretty heavy world. We really want readers to leave the book feeling better than they did when they picked it up. It’s a fun book, and we want folks to have fun.
BD: Are there any specific backer rewards that you’re most excited about with the Kickstarter campaign?
RG: The Trading Card set is probably a personal fave. We’ve got some pretty gorgeous prints planned, as well. And there’s a particular Stretch Goal that we’re keeping under wraps that will blow folks’ minds.
BD: Are there any other projects – past or current – that you want to highlight for readers?
RG: Sure, John and I have a pretty big catalog of stories. I’ve got MOSELY at BOOM! Studios, FARMHAND at Image, and INNARDS at Ignition Press. And John’s got CHU and OUTER DARKNESS at Image. All are great stories we’re really proud of.
And fun fact: We’re giving away a 95-page PDF sampler of several of our books to folks who sign up at GHOSTBRAWLER’s Backerkit page. Just sign up, hit the link, and get a taste of our books for free.
BD: Lastly, what would you like to tell fans who want to learn more about Ghostbrawler and your other work?
RG: Hop on over to RobGuillory.com, where I have tons of info on many of my projects, along with previews and links where they can pick them up. There’s plenty there to explore and enjoy.
