San Diego Comic-Con 2009: Darwyn Cooke
Tuesday, August 25th, 2009 running time 23:55
San Diego Comic-Con comes to a close with its most explosive interview yet! iFanboy's Ron Richards faces off against Darwyn Cooke! Touch gloves, and come out swinging!
In early 2008, iFanboy and Darwyn Cooke sat down for a chat that ended up surprisingly lucid despite the early morning hour and the heavy doses of alcohol mere hours before.
Darwyn Cooke still claims he was ambushed by the video camera at that first interview, so this year, he proclaimed, any sit down would be on his terms. And what were those terms? It was another early morning for the iFanboys and an on-set liquid breakfast was not only encouraged, but required.
Ron Richards and Darwyn Cooke sat down for a freewheeling discussion covering such subjects as Richard Stark's Parker: The Hunter, Jonah Hex, digital comics, the death of illustration, Batman's death, and Gordon the Intern's tattoo.
It's one of iFanboy's most fiesty interviews yet!
Highlights
barack obama
(
11:04
)
jeff johnson
(
11:44
)
booksellers
(
8:56
)
Automatically Generated Transcript(may not be 100% accurate) ( more )
" War."
" This at some of my -- was brought you -- it. Godaddy.com. And the national fight can strong driving. Over the limit under arrest."
" Good morning we're here at this India comic -- and don't cook hotel room can happen at -- I'm Ron Richards in this another upset about family and we're looking for -- and get us some time before the -- crazy. I thought there after the last week we should probably tries again then this currency of could I interest you hope equality unity but. It's so Alonso last year San Diego they announced it was that you're going to be adapting which -- parker graphic novel and here are -- later in the book came out last week. It's and non it's time on schedule and and seems to be everybody's --"
" Yes we got really lucky and again you know. I think it is a lot to do with Wesley. -- And Hughes whose fan base and effectiveness it's really -- enough -- He's been so. So what was your what was your history -- in the book and we senior and it's kind of right here and -- house. Yeah -- you know like most guys my age I think we came to the book through the movie point blank. You know most guys way to die hard remark it's so at some point we were teenagers we -- Point blank on the wage or whatever and it's it's a pretty (%expletive) mind blown. Is that the first American French art film. And it's a crime problem we market sorts it's just it's tailor made for guys like us and what you've seen the road you're curious about resources. And a couple of years later Stephen King wrote the novel the dark. Which was -- to start as well the idea being writer has."
" Ha ha. Ha I think about the the -- that are anxious you the Brooklyn. Up Medicaid fingers. If that --"
" But this but the dark have to get I was thinking and he talks in the introduction about how it was all based on this series of novels that the characters use sort -- point. He also mentions point -- gonna put it all together and got the book and Andy's. -- This is remarkable and you know started education."
" Right so so that so now that how you get to the point where last year where Wesley degrees which -- adapted it. And can a lot of the adaptations he hasn't allowed the character names to be used or another have been minor changes in those movies of the main things like that that this is that extra adaptation of the book. Heading into --"
" We backed a big truck ammonia -- that they really works -- yeah he's been particular boat about how the name get drug use and I think that. -- focus of a month perhaps. Emails and are working presentation. Stuff for him to see. Just how. Important ways to me and and to Scott that that we were able to to realize. What's in the book which is something that I don't think he's ever felt as happened in an occasion. But -- ever been able to like Hollywood house the Senate and analyze the characters like parker yes that love interest story has. Dog owners out there. And relatable and parkers are completely ever present. Repentant pastors. And to be able to go ahead and play it straight that way and -- to apply any sort of interpretation. I think he was very impressed that that we wanted to try to capture and are we to."
" For animal. Well being -- of Parker's Baston and the book is filled with you know awful people support that. And -- the closest to protect us that we get the book and for use storyteller how do you position and the character and way to make us the reader forum or to you know while he's killing people -- their hands and things that well."
" I'm lucky in that I don't really have to. Did this story in the book does it there's something magic about his character his views on these are a lot like Tony -- actually. In that you find you get you know your your drifting into this point in this story restoring the admire. And you love them. And in the next thing you know it instructed shoots a kid by mistake he thought that the and he's he's. He's just -- monsters and forgotten because he's such as seductive character you really do -- side with them and every now and then you're given holes slap in the face. --"
" So so now when you sit down to add it to adapt the book. Both you know -- the story as well visually actively how many how for how many years is a sword in your head."
" Really. Quite awhile they -- 2000 whenever we start thinking of the seriously and a friend of mine Chris stone who had been an assistant on the front here. Was working with the now defunct speaking comment. And he's a huge fan as well we tried to get this off the ground there. And it didn't really work. When PC. Unceremoniously fired. Scotland via he ended up that I W and he called -- right away it's it is something one that materials from sending the pension through our secure this. It. And -- the races. And Scott and within two weeks he had it all wired together and were we were up and working."
" Yeah so facilities accounted draw the book you know and it will look is -- very distinctive kind of it's got its black white voters blue comes from them how much of the visual look of it. Team is important I mean and you've begun to sign an electric stuff. You know could have been different feels of the -- the book was written."
" You know this is to use (%expletive) question ever. Obviously looking. -- but -- expect. That it didn't -- have to let. It's about. But it takes a pathetic and it. Up at the."
" Hey everybody godaddy.com has what you need to what you need well dot com names as low as one and a nine month. A world class hosting fast for web site builders go daddy's hosting plans have 99.9 percent up time 324 sevenths support and no annual commitment. The private domain registration from godaddy.com protects your privacy by keeping your address phone number and more out of public database. You can customize your virtual dedicated server matches in one of three popular plans or -- annual Linux or windows or all the plan that you might need. -- gonna put it I can't secure certificate for your website visitors prospects classical total confidence you know my business. And if you're podcaster video -- you wanna dot TV domain names senate and the crowd. Also be sure to check out revision3.com slash godaddy -- was -- he deals and codes."
" It into the completely graphic novel one shot one hard cover write a very different than the standard kind of copilot kind of -- you know issue format or anything like that."
" How can be no -- and I imagine the audience this is of the typical."
" Every Wednesday -- and this is you know for the book market elect as the hum happy how much of that was in your monthly premium."
" Well this is probably the most important part of I think that we all have to -- can wake up to the fact that the direct market. He's a fine day proposition. And it's parameters are really well you know a guy like Bob -- can sit down and crunched the numbers on -- book. And character and creator. And come within a thousand copies of what he knows we will orders. So. We can't grow that market as long as Merlin he's -- locked into what they're doing we can't grow this market so we're growing grow outside. And frankly I've -- I'm pretty calculating bastard I didn't want to off the well over the gate which is something I'm Leo. Sort of fight so in love -- five hadn't had never been properly done and something that had a built in fan base. And on Wesley is that's that's all Wesley and so from my point of view the entire project was designed. Two workers -- direct market we're in a bookstore. -- from a design point of view when you look at the book it's. It's clearly meant to look like it. Hardcover rat model release as opposed to a graphic now. You know I've said -- million times. Or the guy chapters acute cuts the box open just look at ago for a crime fiction. As opposed to stick it in and commitment ghetto. Because that's where we can grow our audience is outside where we are and and with those types of reviews -- that's being -- we always."
" And so what kind of outreach has been done to the booksellers of the stores and -- that are you an idea that. Or even worrying about them putting it with with more on the table congressional section -- days I need to be actively trying to educate them that what offices and."
" You do what you can and I think that there's very little control over these things but you can psychologically control interest from design standpoint actually -- in his copy of it he's thrown over there. -- that. Well yeah you know you expected revenue that certain book. Regular size this looks very much more electors hardcover release to book and the idea from a designs the airport was. The kid at chapters. You -- be open to."
" Indonesian -- looks like this looks like a novel that he'd have to get through page twelve. It before even realizes what he's feeling. So it's yeah we're trying excitement and interest -- at where we want Matt and I don't is that an amazing job. You know we printed in advance review cop thriller hard covers for the book expo for reviewers. And the country great place that because it I think they understand if you IDW has very. They have a much broader sense of the markets available to I think as as the smaller companies and they're reaching out into areas that other -- facing America. And --"
" So and and so in terms of by heavy as an independent publisher and and you look at but it current if and a third publisher and it moved past the -- person's image. Here I'm gonna -- do you think that it's you know through efforts like that throughout outside of that standard comic -- question."
" There's no question and and I honestly feel that the majors to a great degree of their heads in the sand to try to avoid this and perhaps you know who's -- a good thing for Scott have to move on man. -- is put an environment where they were interested in -- I use. And it doesn't take rocket scientist to figure. That is the most important election probably point five years. People might interest in the public about Barack Obama that. Or McCain hat at that point in time and and Scott is really good tapping into it. People outside the direct market might interest in saying. He wanted to collect bloom county. And from what Scott told me of Berkeley was very he should know -- Like. People don't plan. And Scotts puts this project together I think that's what like 70000. Pieces of the first collection and you know I -- actively pursuing. That -- that's what it's like. Because you know the superheroes -- you know -- great for Jeff Johnson and you know helps them paid ferocious and violent bookstores. What a but I mean if we're gonna live we're gonna survive past that you know we have to --"
" Hey guys Connor. Part of people who understand it alcohol drugs. And factor in driving over the limit under arrest to open yourself or others in danger. Law enforcement official beyond forced over the country from August papers to Labor Day weekend cracking down on drunk drivers. Beyond putting her life at risk easily cost a bundle of time and money jail time -- driver's license higher insurance rates. Dozens of other unanticipated expenses from attorney fees other fines court costs Clark towing and repairs while I don't work list goes on and on. The worst and the best part of drunk driving -- it so easy to avoid used to go out have fun just plan ahead. If you're gonna drink designated driver call -- taxi use mass transit -- the kind of sober rides program. -- when -- the town get drunk with lots of beautiful ladies I was make sure are kept at ready or to the subway. And Africa and the -- you shouldn't."
" So for personal for you for your career do you see yourself in your future project going through the -- novel route or do you received and we are back on a monthly plan commission comment there. I -- I don't see it but that doesn't mean it won't happen you might anyway. Follow me next week about something and Evernote and I'm. Interest interest in this stuff I want to with people wanna do man. You know takes a lot of work to get to a point where you can start thinking of going through that way maybe but. You know right now it's kind of the way it is you know I'm I'm doing some work for DC here I'm not adverse -- the notion. But something strange -- a couple of years ago I used to do Batman comics for myself. Now I -- I'm doing for an audience. You know and and it's like. We're sitting down to do that I'm aware of the fact that creating entertainment for an audience. As opposed to doing about it -- from so. And it's far more invigorating for me -- is something like this -- them back into it from so you know try to prove to myself. That this'll work and mrs. -- there's something there people respond."
" And that cut ties into the hole I create your own versus company work today where you know where. -- a crater is working on something that he believes in it's that much more love and an amateur and those of something coming out either. On timers -- schedule versus the you know the delays in the the company work. Is that's on the wish more craters in the industry would we kind of embrace there."
" I think there's -- then that again you know we. I don't say guys that this is called I fan boys don't do that but we're so focused on this one tiny little thing you know. But outside of it there are hundreds of thousands of people they're creating you know the wrong things in and getting them out there in whatever way it. You know some Jimmy preaches to your own time he's been doing your own stuff we should be building your own equity in your own characters and he's right you know it's inspiring things the other guys who could make it -- live. -- efficient -- going and trying to actually. You know get something like there and and -- the market open way. And at that pride of ownership."
" It but you know in terms of breaking out of the direct marketer that standard audience."
" There's still a stigma with no its account book Torre today -- he's the you know the the rest of the world and even here we're."
" At comic -- twilight is the big news and lastly -- pilot comics and all -- from my -- of talking talking looks like a bully because -- because they're doing graphic novels based on the movie but it acknowledged this in the movie and a couple people were fans of movies books like -- read comic book was for kids it was a for dorks -- you know that's the thing for personal statement with the."
" In the medium I don't think it's nearly as big as he used to be go I think that everybody in the world. Lights and understands what a comic news except for people in the truck market. Honest to god -- at that note -- case -- point I'm gonna prove my point right here right now. They do a movie called Batman begins huge success which by the way we spent all my anguish people or African Americans involved in it right. Huge success so the bureaucracy. What will hold. Tbilisi -- bodies. There's Oscar talk to movies being piped in height and height so these she's reaction was over its way. So anyway coming in off the movie to buy Batman comic won't know what the market's going. That explains it all. You know these its its so trapped within it so it doesn't even understand -- know. The world outside of what's there."
" Being trapped inside itself to think that it's apparently trouble is incredible I mean how how much longer can we continue like that they don't break out."
" Well I don't know how one can continue this way. You know it's remarkable in its function you know and -- ask you this question -- do so I'm really inspired me. Pocket -- and recorder -- and a -- to these two companies have to be dragged into effect I don't world's -- all right. They're they're ten years behind the curve and they don't want to get in front of okay so so would you be some support of the digital version parker to be put out it's already being there. Oh yeah parker is going to be available on iTunes mean five pieces. Via free app download for the the beginning -- first silence. And in the other four books rule the apps you can buy it separately or boys so you're not afraid of the digital comics revolution -- we should all be there now should be your prime. For delivery. I went up -- Hubert school. Last year. It. First. Okay."
" Abandon print. You're okay by the time we get at a school I think you're going print. Is an issue. Okay there's a freeway for you put your work hold -- told."
" That okay this is the future. I'd love it's going -- over with our."
" There was -- golden -- of those who was so you know he still had with that. -- program. Here's Susan was still doing it. But like illustration is buying it we're going through coaching and that's what we were gonna do -- lines and we. You know I know a lot of us just in -- again realistically it's going away now and become there's no market for the thing you're trying to do. So yeah I think everybody should just be looking at the electronic medium and great will be the you know that'll be eaten. One process. You -- a product out electronically. You hit air mass market electronically. And then for those fans who really love it -- print edition of the legislature's a lot of."
" A little -- and -- enjoy your work is the design aesthetic and who you know the craft designed the -- electric stuff and digital doesn't afford that and it's got."
" Okay because I just don't think anybody stop to really look at it yet every Wednesday what they can take what exists and -- to -- what's available. But when guys start designing expressly for that meeting him and when they're constructing a work. To engage that audience I think you'll see a whole explosion of -- news. That'll pick at all you know."
" So when you're doin' parker is that's on the -- that you were thinking that he edit on these panels on newsprint now about them now in his district but. I think it -- work runs on the grid. So if they can't and from there I'd be more concerned that if it if it -- like Eduardo resort April awkward -- pages of a fully integrated design and it. Here. My work oh rubles this way so. If they read a few of these samples they put together. And it looks looks great. So what's next after the first part of you work it's issue fifty. Which means just roll it back on the horse that. -- horrible things that make intro. But if -- can check. I actually have a project in my -- that is create your own thing. One shot put and I'm looking -- You know right now we're looking where. We've you know fully intend to have the second book in the series for I mean your choice over. Really yes and have you started it there. -- that at the fees that users -- you well for candidates I paid the -- a lot of material it could and should have. What this is frank -- we can't grow up and but -- Through that with -- openers against genius but I mean some of us can. You know my style is is constructed so that I can story. There you -- you with -- true thing. Because I think (%expletive). Kate. I'm I'm there to tell a story and -- you know my levels -- everything is built. Make sure that. Not only. In -- proud that I mean this thing years I've never had a book Shipley because I didn't. Have Edward Shipley. This is this it is via Smith pulled my book until his book. It."
" They go in the -- afterwards for anybody. Guerrilla city. The backed up you know it means that. This article we'll thank you don't revision to kind of always it's always thought there. Cause them so I -- before we wrap up we do have one thing for you should Gordon. The winner and the ability. The could the goods or do. Exactly. That."
" Don't be shy -- on us oh she hit me back. Wow expect past thinking I think -- whose body. That was my fiancee. From the boat fourteen years ago. On the trip to Mexico we were going through it and she she was -- and I can vote. And issues. Hang up and I'm backing the."
" This. So we wanted to sign it and his -- significantly. Oh. --"
" Good good good. -- wrong. Is that they have them. They have."
" Yeah."
" War."
" This at some of my -- was brought you -- it. Godaddy.com. And the national fight can strong driving. Over the limit under arrest."
" Good morning we're here at this India comic -- and don't cook hotel room can happen at -- I'm Ron Richards in this another upset about family and we're looking for -- and get us some time before the -- crazy. I thought there after the last week we should probably tries again then this currency of could I interest you hope equality unity but. It's so Alonso last year San Diego they announced it was that you're going to be adapting which -- parker graphic novel and here are -- later in the book came out last week. It's and non it's time on schedule and and seems to be everybody's --"
" Yes we got really lucky and again you know. I think it is a lot to do with Wesley. -- And Hughes whose fan base and effectiveness it's really -- enough -- He's been so. So what was your what was your history -- in the book and we senior and it's kind of right here and -- house. Yeah -- you know like most guys my age I think we came to the book through the movie point blank. You know most guys way to die hard remark it's so at some point we were teenagers we -- Point blank on the wage or whatever and it's it's a pretty (%expletive) mind blown. Is that the first American French art film. And it's a crime problem we market sorts it's just it's tailor made for guys like us and what you've seen the road you're curious about resources. And a couple of years later Stephen King wrote the novel the dark. Which was -- to start as well the idea being writer has."
" Ha ha. Ha I think about the the -- that are anxious you the Brooklyn. Up Medicaid fingers. If that --"
" But this but the dark have to get I was thinking and he talks in the introduction about how it was all based on this series of novels that the characters use sort -- point. He also mentions point -- gonna put it all together and got the book and Andy's. -- This is remarkable and you know started education."
" Right so so that so now that how you get to the point where last year where Wesley degrees which -- adapted it. And can a lot of the adaptations he hasn't allowed the character names to be used or another have been minor changes in those movies of the main things like that that this is that extra adaptation of the book. Heading into --"
" We backed a big truck ammonia -- that they really works -- yeah he's been particular boat about how the name get drug use and I think that. -- focus of a month perhaps. Emails and are working presentation. Stuff for him to see. Just how. Important ways to me and and to Scott that that we were able to to realize. What's in the book which is something that I don't think he's ever felt as happened in an occasion. But -- ever been able to like Hollywood house the Senate and analyze the characters like parker yes that love interest story has. Dog owners out there. And relatable and parkers are completely ever present. Repentant pastors. And to be able to go ahead and play it straight that way and -- to apply any sort of interpretation. I think he was very impressed that that we wanted to try to capture and are we to."
" For animal. Well being -- of Parker's Baston and the book is filled with you know awful people support that. And -- the closest to protect us that we get the book and for use storyteller how do you position and the character and way to make us the reader forum or to you know while he's killing people -- their hands and things that well."
" I'm lucky in that I don't really have to. Did this story in the book does it there's something magic about his character his views on these are a lot like Tony -- actually. In that you find you get you know your your drifting into this point in this story restoring the admire. And you love them. And in the next thing you know it instructed shoots a kid by mistake he thought that the and he's he's. He's just -- monsters and forgotten because he's such as seductive character you really do -- side with them and every now and then you're given holes slap in the face. --"
" So so now when you sit down to add it to adapt the book. Both you know -- the story as well visually actively how many how for how many years is a sword in your head."
" Really. Quite awhile they -- 2000 whenever we start thinking of the seriously and a friend of mine Chris stone who had been an assistant on the front here. Was working with the now defunct speaking comment. And he's a huge fan as well we tried to get this off the ground there. And it didn't really work. When PC. Unceremoniously fired. Scotland via he ended up that I W and he called -- right away it's it is something one that materials from sending the pension through our secure this. It. And -- the races. And Scott and within two weeks he had it all wired together and were we were up and working."
" Yeah so facilities accounted draw the book you know and it will look is -- very distinctive kind of it's got its black white voters blue comes from them how much of the visual look of it. Team is important I mean and you've begun to sign an electric stuff. You know could have been different feels of the -- the book was written."
" You know this is to use (%expletive) question ever. Obviously looking. -- but -- expect. That it didn't -- have to let. It's about. But it takes a pathetic and it. Up at the."
" Hey everybody godaddy.com has what you need to what you need well dot com names as low as one and a nine month. A world class hosting fast for web site builders go daddy's hosting plans have 99.9 percent up time 324 sevenths support and no annual commitment. The private domain registration from godaddy.com protects your privacy by keeping your address phone number and more out of public database. You can customize your virtual dedicated server matches in one of three popular plans or -- annual Linux or windows or all the plan that you might need. -- gonna put it I can't secure certificate for your website visitors prospects classical total confidence you know my business. And if you're podcaster video -- you wanna dot TV domain names senate and the crowd. Also be sure to check out revision3.com slash godaddy -- was -- he deals and codes."
" It into the completely graphic novel one shot one hard cover write a very different than the standard kind of copilot kind of -- you know issue format or anything like that."
" How can be no -- and I imagine the audience this is of the typical."
" Every Wednesday -- and this is you know for the book market elect as the hum happy how much of that was in your monthly premium."
" Well this is probably the most important part of I think that we all have to -- can wake up to the fact that the direct market. He's a fine day proposition. And it's parameters are really well you know a guy like Bob -- can sit down and crunched the numbers on -- book. And character and creator. And come within a thousand copies of what he knows we will orders. So. We can't grow that market as long as Merlin he's -- locked into what they're doing we can't grow this market so we're growing grow outside. And frankly I've -- I'm pretty calculating bastard I didn't want to off the well over the gate which is something I'm Leo. Sort of fight so in love -- five hadn't had never been properly done and something that had a built in fan base. And on Wesley is that's that's all Wesley and so from my point of view the entire project was designed. Two workers -- direct market we're in a bookstore. -- from a design point of view when you look at the book it's. It's clearly meant to look like it. Hardcover rat model release as opposed to a graphic now. You know I've said -- million times. Or the guy chapters acute cuts the box open just look at ago for a crime fiction. As opposed to stick it in and commitment ghetto. Because that's where we can grow our audience is outside where we are and and with those types of reviews -- that's being -- we always."
" And so what kind of outreach has been done to the booksellers of the stores and -- that are you an idea that. Or even worrying about them putting it with with more on the table congressional section -- days I need to be actively trying to educate them that what offices and."
" You do what you can and I think that there's very little control over these things but you can psychologically control interest from design standpoint actually -- in his copy of it he's thrown over there. -- that. Well yeah you know you expected revenue that certain book. Regular size this looks very much more electors hardcover release to book and the idea from a designs the airport was. The kid at chapters. You -- be open to."
" Indonesian -- looks like this looks like a novel that he'd have to get through page twelve. It before even realizes what he's feeling. So it's yeah we're trying excitement and interest -- at where we want Matt and I don't is that an amazing job. You know we printed in advance review cop thriller hard covers for the book expo for reviewers. And the country great place that because it I think they understand if you IDW has very. They have a much broader sense of the markets available to I think as as the smaller companies and they're reaching out into areas that other -- facing America. And --"
" So and and so in terms of by heavy as an independent publisher and and you look at but it current if and a third publisher and it moved past the -- person's image. Here I'm gonna -- do you think that it's you know through efforts like that throughout outside of that standard comic -- question."
" There's no question and and I honestly feel that the majors to a great degree of their heads in the sand to try to avoid this and perhaps you know who's -- a good thing for Scott have to move on man. -- is put an environment where they were interested in -- I use. And it doesn't take rocket scientist to figure. That is the most important election probably point five years. People might interest in the public about Barack Obama that. Or McCain hat at that point in time and and Scott is really good tapping into it. People outside the direct market might interest in saying. He wanted to collect bloom county. And from what Scott told me of Berkeley was very he should know -- Like. People don't plan. And Scotts puts this project together I think that's what like 70000. Pieces of the first collection and you know I -- actively pursuing. That -- that's what it's like. Because you know the superheroes -- you know -- great for Jeff Johnson and you know helps them paid ferocious and violent bookstores. What a but I mean if we're gonna live we're gonna survive past that you know we have to --"
" Hey guys Connor. Part of people who understand it alcohol drugs. And factor in driving over the limit under arrest to open yourself or others in danger. Law enforcement official beyond forced over the country from August papers to Labor Day weekend cracking down on drunk drivers. Beyond putting her life at risk easily cost a bundle of time and money jail time -- driver's license higher insurance rates. Dozens of other unanticipated expenses from attorney fees other fines court costs Clark towing and repairs while I don't work list goes on and on. The worst and the best part of drunk driving -- it so easy to avoid used to go out have fun just plan ahead. If you're gonna drink designated driver call -- taxi use mass transit -- the kind of sober rides program. -- when -- the town get drunk with lots of beautiful ladies I was make sure are kept at ready or to the subway. And Africa and the -- you shouldn't."
" So for personal for you for your career do you see yourself in your future project going through the -- novel route or do you received and we are back on a monthly plan commission comment there. I -- I don't see it but that doesn't mean it won't happen you might anyway. Follow me next week about something and Evernote and I'm. Interest interest in this stuff I want to with people wanna do man. You know takes a lot of work to get to a point where you can start thinking of going through that way maybe but. You know right now it's kind of the way it is you know I'm I'm doing some work for DC here I'm not adverse -- the notion. But something strange -- a couple of years ago I used to do Batman comics for myself. Now I -- I'm doing for an audience. You know and and it's like. We're sitting down to do that I'm aware of the fact that creating entertainment for an audience. As opposed to doing about it -- from so. And it's far more invigorating for me -- is something like this -- them back into it from so you know try to prove to myself. That this'll work and mrs. -- there's something there people respond."
" And that cut ties into the hole I create your own versus company work today where you know where. -- a crater is working on something that he believes in it's that much more love and an amateur and those of something coming out either. On timers -- schedule versus the you know the delays in the the company work. Is that's on the wish more craters in the industry would we kind of embrace there."
" I think there's -- then that again you know we. I don't say guys that this is called I fan boys don't do that but we're so focused on this one tiny little thing you know. But outside of it there are hundreds of thousands of people they're creating you know the wrong things in and getting them out there in whatever way it. You know some Jimmy preaches to your own time he's been doing your own stuff we should be building your own equity in your own characters and he's right you know it's inspiring things the other guys who could make it -- live. -- efficient -- going and trying to actually. You know get something like there and and -- the market open way. And at that pride of ownership."
" It but you know in terms of breaking out of the direct marketer that standard audience."
" There's still a stigma with no its account book Torre today -- he's the you know the the rest of the world and even here we're."
" At comic -- twilight is the big news and lastly -- pilot comics and all -- from my -- of talking talking looks like a bully because -- because they're doing graphic novels based on the movie but it acknowledged this in the movie and a couple people were fans of movies books like -- read comic book was for kids it was a for dorks -- you know that's the thing for personal statement with the."
" In the medium I don't think it's nearly as big as he used to be go I think that everybody in the world. Lights and understands what a comic news except for people in the truck market. Honest to god -- at that note -- case -- point I'm gonna prove my point right here right now. They do a movie called Batman begins huge success which by the way we spent all my anguish people or African Americans involved in it right. Huge success so the bureaucracy. What will hold. Tbilisi -- bodies. There's Oscar talk to movies being piped in height and height so these she's reaction was over its way. So anyway coming in off the movie to buy Batman comic won't know what the market's going. That explains it all. You know these its its so trapped within it so it doesn't even understand -- know. The world outside of what's there."
" Being trapped inside itself to think that it's apparently trouble is incredible I mean how how much longer can we continue like that they don't break out."
" Well I don't know how one can continue this way. You know it's remarkable in its function you know and -- ask you this question -- do so I'm really inspired me. Pocket -- and recorder -- and a -- to these two companies have to be dragged into effect I don't world's -- all right. They're they're ten years behind the curve and they don't want to get in front of okay so so would you be some support of the digital version parker to be put out it's already being there. Oh yeah parker is going to be available on iTunes mean five pieces. Via free app download for the the beginning -- first silence. And in the other four books rule the apps you can buy it separately or boys so you're not afraid of the digital comics revolution -- we should all be there now should be your prime. For delivery. I went up -- Hubert school. Last year. It. First. Okay."
" Abandon print. You're okay by the time we get at a school I think you're going print. Is an issue. Okay there's a freeway for you put your work hold -- told."
" That okay this is the future. I'd love it's going -- over with our."
" There was -- golden -- of those who was so you know he still had with that. -- program. Here's Susan was still doing it. But like illustration is buying it we're going through coaching and that's what we were gonna do -- lines and we. You know I know a lot of us just in -- again realistically it's going away now and become there's no market for the thing you're trying to do. So yeah I think everybody should just be looking at the electronic medium and great will be the you know that'll be eaten. One process. You -- a product out electronically. You hit air mass market electronically. And then for those fans who really love it -- print edition of the legislature's a lot of."
" A little -- and -- enjoy your work is the design aesthetic and who you know the craft designed the -- electric stuff and digital doesn't afford that and it's got."
" Okay because I just don't think anybody stop to really look at it yet every Wednesday what they can take what exists and -- to -- what's available. But when guys start designing expressly for that meeting him and when they're constructing a work. To engage that audience I think you'll see a whole explosion of -- news. That'll pick at all you know."
" So when you're doin' parker is that's on the -- that you were thinking that he edit on these panels on newsprint now about them now in his district but. I think it -- work runs on the grid. So if they can't and from there I'd be more concerned that if it if it -- like Eduardo resort April awkward -- pages of a fully integrated design and it. Here. My work oh rubles this way so. If they read a few of these samples they put together. And it looks looks great. So what's next after the first part of you work it's issue fifty. Which means just roll it back on the horse that. -- horrible things that make intro. But if -- can check. I actually have a project in my -- that is create your own thing. One shot put and I'm looking -- You know right now we're looking where. We've you know fully intend to have the second book in the series for I mean your choice over. Really yes and have you started it there. -- that at the fees that users -- you well for candidates I paid the -- a lot of material it could and should have. What this is frank -- we can't grow up and but -- Through that with -- openers against genius but I mean some of us can. You know my style is is constructed so that I can story. There you -- you with -- true thing. Because I think (%expletive). Kate. I'm I'm there to tell a story and -- you know my levels -- everything is built. Make sure that. Not only. In -- proud that I mean this thing years I've never had a book Shipley because I didn't. Have Edward Shipley. This is this it is via Smith pulled my book until his book. It."
" They go in the -- afterwards for anybody. Guerrilla city. The backed up you know it means that. This article we'll thank you don't revision to kind of always it's always thought there. Cause them so I -- before we wrap up we do have one thing for you should Gordon. The winner and the ability. The could the goods or do. Exactly. That."
" Don't be shy -- on us oh she hit me back. Wow expect past thinking I think -- whose body. That was my fiancee. From the boat fourteen years ago. On the trip to Mexico we were going through it and she she was -- and I can vote. And issues. Hang up and I'm backing the."
" This. So we wanted to sign it and his -- significantly. Oh. --"
" Good good good. -- wrong. Is that they have them. They have."
" Yeah."
mari1ee
Started discussion: August 26, 2009 @ 9:34am GMT
Episode 135: San Diego Comic-Con 2009: Darwyn Cooke [Discussion]
San Diego Comic-Con comes to a close with its most explosive interview yet! iFanboy's Ron Richards faces off against Darwyn Cooke! Touch gloves, and come out swinging!
Watch or download this episode now!
Tim
3 months ago
I thought it was an excellent interview. Dawyn is one of today's modern masters. He is usually candid and this interview was no exception. Two things stuck out most. As he stated, his style is made for storytelling. He doesn't draw every little detail in each panel, but he gets the message across and it looks so beautiful (I said that, he didn't). Second, the comments about the direct market are what people need to hear. Print will become the last method of distribution for a lot of books. Digital is the way to get the material out there and grow the market. It needs to happen now. Sure, the iPhone, iPod touch, PSP, etc. aren't 'perfect' for reading comics, but they're quite good, especially given the apps that can make reading comics on those devices, like ComicZeal on the iPhone, easy and enjoyable to read. And there are companies formatting the pages to work panel-by-panel on the iPhone. Darwyn gets it. I don't understand the fear by fanboys and publishers, but whatever. When they wake up, they'll realize what they've missed and they'll end up selling more print copies in collections. I would prefer to read monthlies on my iPhone and just pick up the collected editions. Storing comics is a pain in the ass and the cost is just too much for many fans.
soidl
3 months ago
Extremely insightful
iFanboy,Thank you for sharing such an excellent and extremely insightful interview. While I know you all were tempted to lock this away because of the sound quality or camera work, I applaud your sense of duty in publishing it for the masses. I have been a fan of the show for quite a while and catch the podcast on occasion but this was something truly special. Darwyn Cooke’s view of the world is one that you rarely hear about in the comic community. He has the right idea about putting comics out via iTunes and every other digital format. My favorite line was “How do you sell a million copies of Spiderman? Put it on iTunes for a quarter a pop.” It may sound crazy but I would probably read a lot more comics that way
NaveenM
3 months ago
Excellent interview. It's notable that what we all seem to be commenting on here is Cooke's comments on the business of comics even more than the story and craft. He gets it! Inexpensive comics delivered on time and via as many avenues as possible. And as he himself shows, we can do that AND have quality. Thanks again for this interview. The video shows will be missed!
DarkKnightJRK
3 months ago
Excellent interview--Cooke is a really cool guy. His comments on the business and the upcoming rise of digital makes a lot of sense, and I loved his reaction to signing Gordon near his tattoo to have it inked--"You're fuckin' nuts." :D











