The Big Question with John Cassaday: 10-04-00
The Big Question with John Cassaday
Interview with: Troy Brownfield
Welcome again to the Big Question. If you’ve been following comics in the last year, then you’ve heard the name of one title again and again: Planetary. Written by Warren Ellis, the title follows a team of archaeologists who are uncovering the super-heroic secrets of the Wildstorm universe. A huge part of what makes the series so great is its stunning art, rendered by our guest. Prior to Planetary, he’s done work for the likes of Boneyard Press, Caliber, Dark Horse’s Ghost, Marvel’s X-books, and DC’s Batman family of titles. He got wide acclaim for the Desperadoes mini-series. However, it’s fair to say that Planetary has really been that break-thru project that has put him at the top level of comic artists. He’s an extremely talented man with a knack for showing us the ordinary and the fantastic, often in the same panel. And my wife thinks he’s cute.
Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome John Cassaday!
THE BIG Q&A
Q1. Every time I talk to anyone who really knows comics these days, “Planetary” constantly comes up as a Favorite Book. How does if feel to know that your and Ellis’ work is resonating with so many readers?
A1. Well, it’s a great feeling, of course. I knew we had something special from the beginning, but it’s something to see when a project really lives up to its expectations. And I had many. I’ve heard everything from “It’s the first book I read when it comes out” to “It’s this generation’s WATCHMEN.” High praise, I think. It’s a thrill.
Q2. Speaking of Ellis, he has cultivated a devoted following due to his at-times outrageous persona. What’s it like to work with such a fiercely imaginative writer, and how does that come out in your end of the process?
A2. It does nothing but inspire me in my work. I know I can push things as hard and far as I want and Warren will be there to back me up and vice-versa.
Q3. Your style comes from a very detailed and realistic sense of design, yet you capture the fantastic quite easily. What about your background enables you to deal with these disparate elements?
A3. I’ve always been the most thrilled with fantastic stories when they were portrayed in a realistic manner. It’s easier to relate. And the wonder of it all was that much greater, depending on the level of realism involved. I also try to apply a real world sense of design to the fantastic worlds we create. Who’s to say the sculptures of Bernini or the collages of Rodchenko can’t apply to an alien vessel buried for thousands of years near the Earth’s core?
Q4. In a way, the story arcs of “Planetary” allow to draw nearly every super-hero and science fiction concept of the last sixty years. Would you like to take a crack at the icons themselves, or are you happier doing reinterpretations of archetypal concepts?
A4. Although I can’t imagine having any more fun than I’m having “reinterpreting” these great characters and genres, I do love the archetypes themselves. I certainly see myself playing with some of them in the future. Captain America is my hero. I’ve also had a life long fascination with Batman, who’s appearing in a cross over with Planetary that we’re working on. It should make an interesting mix.
Q5. This is the obligatory “what type of art supplies do you use” question.
A5. Smooth and rough stock art board depending on my mood, 0.5mm HB lead in mechanical pencils and Higgins Black Magic Ink. I like to mix things up a bit too. I like using charcoal pencils or gauche to do shading at times. It keeps me entertained and constantly learning.
Q6. I can’t help but notice that you bear a passing resemblance to The Drummer. Do you try to include impressions of other people you know in your art?
A6. Sure, it depends on whether I see them in my head first or in the face of a friend.
Q7. What type of projects might you like to try in the future?
A7. I’d best not say much here. My editors will start to sweat. Needless to say, I’m looking forward to more Planetary at the time being.
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We’d like to thank Mr. Cassaday for taking the time to visit with us at The Big Question! He’s a very nice guy, and if you haven’t been devouring each and every issue of Planetary, you’re only hurting yourself. Late-comers should check out the trade of the first six issues, All Over the World and Other Stories. You’ll be glad you did.
Troy Brownfield is the Editor-In-Chief of Shotgun Reviews. If you have anyone you’d like to see in the Big Question, let him know at psikotyk@aol.com.
