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Richv1
Jazma V.P.
Canada
1148 Posts |
 Posted - 07/31/2010 : 08:45:40 AM
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Steve Stern & Dan Cote
Co-Creators, Steve Stern Writer, Dan Cote Artist for Zen
Published by: Zen Comics
Interviewed by: Richard Vasseur/Jazma VP
Posted: 07/31/2010
STEVE STERN
Q: How will this new Unlimited 3D process impact on present 3D pictures?
A: As this is the most intricate and depthful print 3D that I believe has ever been devised, my sense is that it will do nothing less than revolutionize the industry. Dan has already been commissioned to create pieces for people who have seen it and been stunned by its visual impact.
Q: Why is a 3D comic better than a regular one?
A: It’s not necessarily better—just different. The same way the 3D version of a film is different from a standard 2D version.
Q: Do you think the 3D poster will draw people to buy a comic with the same 3D effect?
A: Judging by the reaction at Comic-Con, I definitely do. Most everyone who got a poster from us at the Shocker Toys booth asked when the remastered Zen Earth Day Annual would be released.
Q: How many comics are you planning to make using it?
A: That will strictly be up to the public’s response.
Q: How was Zen created, where did the idea come from?
A: That’s a question I’m always asked. Zen was originally an idea for a short story I pitched to one of the black-and-white magazines I sold stories to back in the 1970s, when I was living in New York City. The story was never picked up, but I hung onto the one-page synopsis, which I came across after moving to Maine in the mid-80’s. That’s when I met Dan, who had always wanted to work on a comic-book. And the rest is a little bit of indie comics history.
Q: What makes Zen such a lovable character?
A: Because he’s really me! Okay, that’s a joke—sort of. I guess that growing up, reading comics and watching movies and TV, I fantasized about being my favorite heroes, from cowboys to the guys dressed in spandex. And I formed a vision of what the coolest hero would be like, then tried to emulate him. For example, for a long time, I actually thought I was James Bond. When it came time to create my own fictional hero, my goal was to make him ultra-cool. When you come to think about it, isn’t that the primary goal of many comics writers today—creating lovably cool characters you want to be like?
Q: When and how did Zen get a nose and a mouth?
A: It’s all explained in the 51-page story, ZEN: Bounty Hunter that can be read for free online at our website, HYPERLINK "http://www.zenintergalacticninja.com" www.zenintergalacticninja.com.
Q: Can you tell us about your comic novel, The Frozen Rabbi?
A: Actually, that’s another Steve Stern. I’m pretty much going by Stephen L. Stern these days, to reduce the confusion. Also because I’ve written a couple of novels, as yet unpublished, and when they go to market, it will be helpful to have my own Stern “brand.” When my prose book Alien Hero was published several years ago, it was, however, as Steve Stern.
Q: What is happening with the Wonderman comic?
A: The Wonderman comic—it’s a graphic novel, actually—has had to sit on the back burner for a while, due to limits on my time. It’s based on the public domain comic-book and has nothing to do with Marvel’s Wonder Man—or any other incarnation of the character.
Q: Will you be writing any other comics in the foreseeable future?
A: Yes. I’m working on a number of them right now. One of the most fun projects I’m currently involved with is adapting the Blaze Brothers screenplay into a GN. And there’s also Majestic Comics, with acclaimed artist K. Thor Jensen, G.L.A.C.K., with screenwriter Peter Sullivan and artist Joseph Carter, Mothmen of the Rainforest with Dan Cote…I could go on, but as you can see, I’m pretty busy these days.
Q: How would you describe your and Dan’s relationship?
A: We’re great friends and have worked together for over 25 years now. We’ve been through all kinds of ups-and-downs that life throws at you, and our friendship has stood the test of time.
Q: When you are not involved with comics, how do you spend your time?
A: I’m an avid fiction reader and moviegoer.
Q: How can someone contact you?
A: They can email me at HYPERLINK "mailto:zenemail@aol.com" zenemail@aol.com.
Q: What do you have to say to all your fans?
A: Well, it’s been a long time coming, but I’m betting on a big-budget, live-action ZEN flick within the next couple of years. We have the absolute top representation possible in Hollywood at this point. Like they say, good things come to those who wait!
DAN COTE
Q
How would you describe this new Unlimited 3D process?
A
In its infancy. Painting with a computer is painting with light. Unlimited 3D utilizes light very subtly and effectively. Like all handcrafted arts I'm most excited about how it is going to evolve. It is not only super engaging to look at, it's equally as enchanting to do.
Q
What does the 3D Zen poster look like?
A
It's quite intricate. Zen is leaping out at us while his photon stick releases a burst of light, all the while escaping grappling mecha tentacles.
But you know, if you want to see it, I'll happily upload it to you.
Q
What did you think seeing the finished 3D poster?
A
My first test prints were sadly disappointing. Transferring light to paper is a tricky thing. But I found a printer who was enthusiastic enough to experiment with me. We printed even bigger than I intended, and it was dazzling. It takes a moment and then starts to pull you in.
Q
How would you describe Zen's personality?
A
Spontaneous. Resourceful. Insightful and curious. Always in motion. Always seeking just to seek.
Q
Does Zen have qualities he shares with you and Stephen Stern?
A
That's my heart and soul in there.
Sure, we inject our individual sensibilities left and right. The trick is to figure out which parts are Steve, and which are Dan.
Q
What is Save the Earth Foundation?
A
We were publishing Zen at the same time as the Earth Day movement began. As an avid devourer of National Geographic magazine, I was aware and concerned about this dawn of environmental abuse that was beginning to show itself. Since I was not really built for activism and politics, I felt compelled to use the tools I did have control of to express my concern. I was only thinking in terms of storytelling responsibility. Steve took it a step further, and proposed we share profit to contribute to our planets health. Currently, we're seeing problems that require health contributions in the billions, so our financial bit is rather insufficient. This kind of proves however, that the pen can be mightier than the penny. This means that I believe we make more impact with our stories than financial donations. But I digress. The Save the Earth foundation is us paying a voluntary tax to the Earth.
Q
Which other comic book character will come or does come with the Zen action figure from Shocker Toys?
A
CAPTAIN ACTION
Q
How has working with Shocker Toys been?
A
Love those guys. Passionate and down to earth. I love the enthusiasm and inventiveness. Geoff intends to utilize some Unlimited 3D on their toy packaging. His idea.
Q
How did the latest Comic Con go?
A
You know as glitzy as it is, the amount of comic book talent mixed in and around the place is so inspiring. I can't say energizing, because the event is just exhausting on everyone. I wish I could have talked to a lot more people.
Q
Will you be working on any other comics besides Zen?
A
I'm a dabbler. I have too many ideas to contain. I've been spending the last decade experimenting and growing my craft. I feel like I have hit my stride, and am ready to unleash. So that means yes, especially if time will slow down a bit so I can fit more in.
Q
Why do you and Steve Stern work so good together?
A
Because he's open minded and interested in my perspective.
We both have distinctly different personalities you'd equate with an odd pairing of minds. See, if more people who don't necessarily have the same point of view agree to be curious about the others perspective, then you have a formula for true collabortive creativity.
Q
How can someone contact you?
A
Theres no hiding with the internet, is there? Don't care to hear the phone ring all that much, so yeah, I'd say email. Oh, you want specifics, right? Okay, okay... hypership@roadrunner.com
Q
Any last words for the fans of your art?
A
Lots, but I'll shave it. Most of the fans of my art are peers. Beginners and professionals. Lots of beginners. I've discovered that they find my art accessible, because its not perfect, but the passion and fun I have making it shows through. Those who know my work have also seen it change and grow, further inspiring them to press on. For fans that are not artists, you are the most wonderful creatures on Earth. Obviously something I did resonated with you, and that makes me happier than the cucumber that missed the salad bowl.
Sure, weird analogy.
Just this then...
thanks for existing. You give me purpose.
Richard Vasseur |
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Steve Stern & Dan Cote Co-Creators of Zen
