Interview with Sullivan’s Sluggers Writer, Mark Andrew Smith
May 23, 2012 by     1 Comment     Posted In: Interviews

Mark Andrew SmithWelcome one and all to the latest StashMyComics.com exclusive interview! Today we are featuring Mark Andrew Smith, whose writing credits include the Amazing Joy Buzzards, New Brighton Archaeological Society, Gladstone’s School for World Conquerors, and more. His work has also garnered Harvey and Eisner awards along with several nominations. Those familiar with Mark’s work will undoubtedly tell you that the worlds and characters he has created are elaborate and unique, and the range in his storytelling ability crosses genres! In this interview Mark will talk current projects and what’s coming next for those, as well as his upcoming horror/comedy book Sullivan’s Sluggers. Have a listen and gain some insight into this great creative mind!

Gladstone's #1SMC: Howdy, and thanks for visiting our humble little corner of cyber world!

MAC: Thank you for having me Chip!

SMC: I’ve had a chance to read a good lot of your work recently, and can say I was pleasantly surprised at the range you have! What do you attribute to providing consistent quality for each of your works?

MAC: Patience, most of my books take four years to put out, haha. Then I get a lot of feedback and input from people before they go to print. So that’s why. Each book takes a long time and hopefully I make doing them look easy, but it’s really not that easy.

SMC: Gladstone’s appears to have a dark, sinister shell around it, but reveals itself to have a nice sweet core. I think the formula has created quite the entertaining and engaging read. Any hints on where the story will go from here?

MAC: Gladstone’s has a few tones running throughout the book and hits a wide range of emotional tones. The story is going off on a Cosmic Quest very soon in volume 3 and then returning in volume 5 to sort out the mess they made and for kind of a big finale starting with 5, but it’s the place I originally wanted to end the book, but I’ve been thinking far beyond that, and it’s more like the end of a first film and we pick up after that with the next set of books and continue.

SMC: Each of the main characters really come into their own, they all have very unique characteristics and personalities. I’m not sure exactly which is my favorite! Do you have a favorite from this series? Did you model them after anything/anyone specific?

MAC: My favorite characters are the Skull Brothers because they’re completely the villains of a book with villains, but the Skulls also love their mother and are being coldly manipulated by her to do her work and betray their friends.

SMC: There’s a part in the story where Mummy Girl goes on a rant about comic books being a “valuable educational tool.” I couldn’t help but think this issue goes beyond the page for you (sarcasm implied). Tell us about that.

MAC: At college I read understanding comics and it was like a bomb went off in my head, so I was very much channeling Scott McCloud there about the potential for comic books to educate and stand alongside great literature.

Sullivan's SluggersSMC: Let’s talk about the horror/comedy series you’re working on, Sullivan’s Sluggers. I have to say, the differences between this and your other work is “striking” (nyuk nyuk)! Is this the first time you’ve done something for mature audiences?

MAC: I’m usually an all ages writer, but I think that’s because those books have made it out but my other projects have taken a longer time to come out. It’s not the first time I’ve done something for mature audiences, I didKill All Parents a few years ago and while that’s funny very adult and also many of my Popgun stories are also mature in nature.

SMC: Was it a challenge to write something this dark?

MAC: No, because I love horror films and splatter horror. So sometimes it goes into dark places but I’m having fun the entire time, and there are great humorous moments during the horror.

SMC: Are there any tricks to finding your “dark place” to write something like this?

MAC: I’m not sure, I feel like sometimes if I am miserable in life, I produce better material. That it a horrible curse, haha. I don’t think there really is a dark place to go to thankfully.

SMC: When will we see this released? Can we expect a Kickstarter with this project?

MAC: Yes. We’re releasing Sullivan’s Sluggers on Kickstarter this month.

SMC: All seriousness aside, your sense of humor permeates throughout each series regardless of subject matter. Are you a “funny guy” in real life? How do you find that sweet spot that connects with the reader?

MAC: I think, I have range in real life. Sometimes you’ll catch me and I’m quiet other times I’ll be the funny guy. It depends on the moment. I think the trick to finding the sweet spot is to make myself laugh.

SMC: Can you name a favorite series out of everything you’ve worked on?Sullivan's Sluggers Panel

MAC: It’s tied between New Brighton Archaeological Society and Gladstone’s School for World Conquerors because I really like working with both artists.

SMC: How about a favorite of someone else’s work? Any specific inspirations for your work to date? Anyone/anything outside of the comic book medium?

MAC: It always changes and then I’m excited about something or someone new. I know early on I had a lot of inspirations but now, I’m not sure. I love film of course and a lot of movies and storytelling from films are inspiring. But the list is far too vast.

SMC: Tell your adoring fans something about yourself they may be surprised to know.

MAC: I think there are too many things. I live in Asia so I’ll eat really weird stuff. This week I ate ant larvae and wasp soup.

SMC: So, what do we have to look forward to from you in the months ahead?

MAC: A new ‘Amazing Joy Buzzards’ volume that’s a prequel story with a guest artist. Then New Brighton Archaeological Society Volume 2 and Gladstone’s School for World Conquerors Volume 2.

If you’re interested in following what Mark is up to, and want to know the latest, follow him on Twitter @MarkAndrewSmith, visit the Gladstone’s Facebook page here, or hit his tumblr. The Sullivan’s Sluggers Kickstarter page is up and running with a kick butt start! Go here to show your support by making a pledge and getting some exclusive rewards!

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