The following is an interview with Nicole Dubuc and Shannon Lee regarding their comic book one-shot, Bruce Lee: The Walk of the Dragon, from Darby Pop Publishing. In this interview, Fanbase Press Editor-in-Chief Barbra Dillon chats with Dubuc and Lee about the inspiration behind the comic, their shared creative process, and more!
Barbra Dillon, Fanbase Press Editor-in-Chief: Congratulations on the recent release of Bruce Lee: The Walk of the Dragon through Darby Pop Publishing! How would you describe the premise of the one-shot comic book, and what inspired you to tell this story?
Shannon Lee: Thank you! The inspiration for this story came from wanting to give Bruce a moment of recognition regarding the impact he has made on our present world… while at the same time having a fun adventure that works well within our overall story arc. The premise is a bit of an After Hours-adventure that takes the reader a little bit deeper into the world of Bruce Lee.
Nicole Dubuc: Exactly! It’s one of those days when everything seems to go wrong, with the revelation being that those missteps actually steer you toward more meaning than the original goal ever could have.
BD: What can you share with us about your creative process in writing the comic in light of its connection to last year’s Bruce Lee: The Dragon Rises?
ND: After I read and loved The Dragon Rises, Jeff Kline (Darby Pop’s founder and the book’s co-creator with Shannon) invited me to come on for a one-shot. It can be tricky to choose a story to tell, because anything is possible! I read a lot of Bruce’s philosophies to pick several thematic elements that intrigued me, and I brainstormed with Jeff and Shannon to choose a premise we all liked. Then, Brandon McKinney’s art and Zac Atkinson’s colors made the story even better than what we’d all imagined.
BD: What do you hope that readers will take away from the comic, especially as it relates to Bruce Lee’s legacy?
SL: I hope readers will get a sense of the humor, wisdom, and energy of Bruce Lee and want to know more. My wish is for it to be an engaging spark that ignites curiosity and — if not that — at least a smile!
BD: What makes Darby Pop the perfect home for The Walk of the Dragon?
SL: Darby Pop are just the best collaborators we could wish for. They are smart, experienced, creative, and they like to have fun. What more could you ask for?
ND: I’ve been a fan of Darby Pop’s titles since its inception. (Indestructible was a particular fave.) I’m in awe of Bruce Lee and his legacy. And I’ve collaborated with Jeff on more than five TV shows, so I’m well aware of his talent, desire for perfection, and excellent storytelling sense. Basically, it’s just a lot of fantastic people and concepts coming together in the perfect union!
BD: Are there any upcoming projects on which you are currently working that you would like to share with our readers?
SL: I am currently shooting a TV series for Cinemax with partner Justin Lin based on a treatment that my father wrote. And I have a couple of film projects in the works, as well! We are also piloting a Bruce Lee Summer Camp for kids through the Bruce Lee Foundation this summer, through which we hope to give kids access to my father’s legacy of self-confidence and growth.
ND: I’ve just wrapped-up as executive producer on My Little Pony, and I’m showrunning The Rocketeer for Disney Jr. But I always hope to write more comics!
BD: Lastly, what is the best way for our readers to find more information about Bruce Lee: The Walk of the Dragon?
SL: The best place to start is at darbypop.com.
ND: I know Darby Pop is also on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, etc. Tell a friend!