With the final chapter now available for download in the epic thriller Box 13: The Pandora Process we continue our talk with series creators David Gallaher and Steve Ellis. Earlier this week we brought the first part of our interview, and now as promised here is Part Two! In which David and Steve shine some light on the process involed in creating Box 13 as well as some of their printed work and give us a hint at what’s next. Read Below for more of our exclusive interview:
Now Box 13 is a comic made to be read digitally, what where some the challenges for producing such a unique comic experience?
DG: I think the biggest challenge is constantly making sure that the story hits the high marks we set for ourselves and our projects. It is an amazingly fun project to work on – one that feels fluid, raw, and unique. It is very different than HIGH MOON, but our method of collaborating on BOX 13 isn’t very different than how we do our other projects.
What would you like readers to take away with them after reading Box 13?
DG: I hope we’ve opened readers up to an exciting story in an exciting new format. Steve and I put a lot of effort into telling the story in dynamic ways. I think the serialized format, combined with the ‘free’ price point, gave readers an incentive to try something new and unique. In the end though, I hope we were able to give readers a really positive experience with digital comics. I know we’ve certainly had a lot of fun.
Looking back at the project now, what are your thoughts on digital comics and the future?
DG: I think there is a real hunger for original digital content — and digital comics offer a lot of flexibility on how that content is delivered. With BOX 13, Steve and I had a tremendous opportunity to experiment and try some rather different approaches to our storytelling. I encourage more creators, readers, and publishers to take the time to discover the new frontier that digital comics provide.
Last year, you guys got to step into the Marvel Universe with the limited Series Darkstar & The Winter Guard. How did that project come about?
DG: I liked the Winter Guard and bugged editor Jordan D. White enough that he let me write something with them in it. That’s the short version of the story.
SE: The slightly longer version of the story is that David and I were up late talking one night about some new project ideas – and my work on the Crimson Dynamo came up. That led to David and I talking to Marvel. I think the original name for the project was “Crimson Dynamo & The Winter Guard.” I think the pitch was that they were the ‘red shirts of the Marvel Universe’ …
DG: … yes. And it gave me an opportunity to bring back the Dire Wraiths, which are always fun characters to play around with.
Now the Crimson Dynamo and the rest of The Winter Guard have been around a while, what was it like to work on something featuring characters with their own history?
DG: It was a blast doing research and building off the foundation that other writers and creators had laid down. Steve worked on the Crimson Dynamo limited series years ago – and it was a lot of fun to pay homage to that and everything else that had come before.
Given the history of comics in general, what in your opinion are the classic comics that everyone should read?
SE: Thor by Kirby and Simonson, Hellboy by Mignola.
DG: I don’t even think I have an answer to that question. Obviously, I like the work that Jack and Stan did, but ‘classic comics that everyone should read?’ – That’s tough, mostly because I know everybody’s tastes are so different.
In many ways your partnership represents a thing of the past in how many comic creators work today. How did the partnership come about? and what advice to you have for writers out there seeking artists to collaborate with?
SE: A collaboration is like a marriage. There are good days and bad days, but when you are both working towards the good of the project, things tend to work themselves out.
DG: Pretty much what Steve said. In terms of advice for other writers looking to collaborate? I think the biggest thing is just being open to new ideas and new ways of doing things.
So with High Moon continuing to deliver thrills and chills on comiXology, and projects like Darkstar and the Winter Guard bringing your work to a larger audience, what’s next ? Are there any new projects your working on or would like to be working on?
SE: In June, we have DEADLANDS: THE DEVIL’S SIX GUN – a one-shot coming out through Image Comics and Visionary Studios.
DG: It’s an deliciously Faustian story. I encourage fans of HIGH MOON to absolutely pick it up.
Be on the look out for Deadlands soon and don’t forget to check all of David and Steve’s awesome work on comiXology. We’ll be keeping you posted as more news on this project comes in as well as all the latest on everything you need to know in the world of digital comics and beyond!
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