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Thoughts from the Land of Frost:
A Discussion With Darick Robertson By Alexander Ness
07.01.03
Darick Robertson's work is consistently among the most cherished and acclaimed by fans. The former TRANSMETROPOLITAN artist now headlines two prominant works at Marvel: BORN, a new look at the Punisher's past, and WOLVERINE with Greg Rucka, which promises to cause a surge in the sales figures for Marvel.
Without further ado, enjoy our interview with Darick Robertson. Be sure to click on exclusive art from Darick's upcoming projects, including Wolverine, Born, and Deathlok: Detour.
Alex Ness: Please tell my audience where they might find some biographical information about yourself -- where you are from, married, education, children, cats...
Darick Robertson: Why yes! You can find out way to much about me at my site www.darickr.com.
AN: What comics do you try to stay current in your reading?
DR: Alias, Daredevil, X-Statix, Batman, and anything Garth Ennis writes.
AN: Describe your take on Spider Jerusalem. Does it differ in any way from co-creator Warren Ellis's vision of him?
DR: I can't describe it better than I drew it. I don't think it differs from Warren Ellis's view of the character. I often thought of us as his parents of sorts, replacing genitalia with craft, we're the parents of the character and we both have been responsible for what he became. I think we always agreed on who Spider was, and I was trying to do with Warren what I do with all the writers I work with, which is achieve their vision first.
AN: In BORN you revisit the facts of the issues that underpin the motives of the PUNISHER/Frank Castle. Hasn't that been done before and is working with Garth Ennis a new experience in working with a writer?
DR: I think BORN is a very original and unique take on Frank. It's the most realistic of Garth's stories. It's not funny at all.
AN: Your depiction of the character Frank Castle in BORN is excellent and looks consistently like a younger Frank rather than the typical ageless image most other artists give us.
DR: This is specifically a story about a very young Frank Castle. I'm drawing him a gritty 21 year-old. I've been looking at photos of Vietnam Marines, and at 19 these guys had been through so much they looked 30.
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AN: Do you think that placing him in the NAM specifically will force a boot or recon 10 years from now so Marvel won't have a 60 year-old hero?
DR: Everyone forgets that when Marvel Knights first relaunched Punisher,Chris Golden had him die, and come back as an avenging angel.
Garth Ennis brought him back from a state of death, and mentions that he'd been dead in the first Punisher he did with Dillon, so I think aging in that context goes right out the window, don't you?
AN: Makes as much sense to me as it can I guess. WOLVERINE is bound to sell a buttload of copies. Do you worry that your work will be taken for granted in that sales are almost guaranteed on the title?
DR: If that were the case, I don't think it would jumped over 100,000 copies when we took over.
AN: I love that you make him the runt that he truly is, as well as a hairy bastard. Is this all part of why you love the character, that he is not the archetype of a hero?
DR: Very much so. I think it's important that he look different than everyother hero. It redefines what a hero is. You shouldn't have to be a Hollywood hunk to be respected for your good deeds and character.
AN: How well do you utilize EBAY to sell pages or otherwise promote your work?
DR: It's unreliable for steady sales but the best place to move my original art without a dealer mark-up.
AN: Why go exclusive? Won't that limit your ability to sell your art to many folks?
DR: No, it just limits my ability to work for DC. I had at least 2 years of Marvel projects on my plate anyway and now they pay my health insurance as well. I have a family, so that really helps.
AN: Tell my readers about your goals for your website.
DR: Just to be straight-forward with factual information.
AN: What future projects can you share with my readers?
DR: I'm getting back into the hardcore chores on Deathlok: Detour with Daniel Way. I'm quite excited about this project. Beyond that I'm just sticking to as much Wolverine as I can produce.
All comic publishers and talent are invited to submit product for review. Readers comments are also welcome: Alexander Ness Land Of Frost Box 142 Rockford MN 55373-0142
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Alex Ness: Please tell my audience where they might find some biographical information about yourself -- where you are from, married, education, children, cats...
