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| Interview Conducted by Stefan Blitz |
For the past three decades, Chuck Dixon has been one of comics' most versatile storytellers, writing for virtually every major company in every possible genre. Chuck was the primary writer on many of the
Batman titles throughout much of the nineties and early 2000s. Among the other titles he has written significant runs for are
The Punisher, The Simpsons, G.I. Joe, Green Arrow, Savage Sword of Conan, Nightwing, Robin, Birds of Prey and
Marc Spector: Moon Knight.
But, Chuck is also recognized for his creator owned work as well, including
Lawdog, Evangeline, Valkyrie, and the reimaginings of public domain characters
The Black Terror and
Airboy. Most recently, he's written two
Bad Times novels,
Cannibal Gold and
Blood Red Tide which places a team of Army Rangers in a science fiction setting.
Chuck and artist Estève Polls (
Lone Ranger, the upcoming:
Django Unchained/Zorro team-up) are collaborating on
Sword of Wood, a new graphic novel that's also being developed as a feature film. The very busy Mr. Dixon took a few minutes to discuss the graphic novel that's currently being promoted via
Kickstarter.
FOG!: What was the genesis of Sword of Wood? Was it originally conceived as a film or a graphic novel or both simultaneously.Chuck Dixon: I'm a comic book guy. I think of everything as a comic book project first.
How did the project wind up at Framelight Productions?I've known these guys a long time.
You've been one of comics' most extremely prolific writers. The industry has changed significantly since you first broke in. In addition to your past work for DC, Marvel, IDW, etc.; you really established yourself developing your own creator owned work. Do you think a project like this would have had a shot in the traditional comic book marketplace? I do. The comic book market now includes public libraries, digital and book fairs. In those venues, unlike in direct marketing, genres other than superheroes are welcome.
Sword of Wood will be welcomed by that audience as it's a new twist on a tried and true horror genre.
I'm assuming that the story of Sword of Wood involves several of your actual interests. What were your influences in developing the story? I'm a history nut and have a toy soldier fascination with all things military. A chance to explore the medieval world with a horror story that pays attention to the daily realities of that world was the draw for me. I don't want to give too much away but you'll see things in this story you haven't seen before either in a historical epic or a horror story.
Is Sword of Wood a finite property, or if it's successful is it something that you can revisit?We're creating a universe here. Our initial story is certainly complete but the opportunities to go on are built in.
Framelight seems committed to keeping creator's involved with the development of their projects. Are there any of your other creations you'd like to see on screen?I have a lot of stuff in play right now for film, TV and games. But I'd absolutely love to have these guys handle any future properties or even create a fresh story tailored for them.
After the jump, check out the press release for the Kickstarter campaign.
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