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At iFanboy, Friday means it’s letter column time.
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Now that Bryan Lee O’Malley has finished up the Scott Pilgrim hexalogy (that’s a six-book series, right?), what would you like to see him work on next? If he were to do some work for hire for one of the big publishers like Marvel or DC, is there a character you’d like to see him write or draw? Thanks.
Josh from Portland, Maine
I’ve been thinking about this lately, and I’m guessing I’m a comic reader in the minority, but I’m going to cheat on your question, and just say that I don’t want to see O’Malley do anything at Marvel or DC. I mean, if he wants to, fine, but having just finished Scott Pilgrim’s Finest Hour (reviews forthcoming), it occurred to me how incredibly unique O’Malley’s voice is, and also how much of the author is in those characters, and in those words. I don’t know O’Malley very well at all. Outside of the video interviews we’ve done with him, I’ve spoken to him once or twice. But, even from those small experiences, I know that his personality is so completely a part of those Scott Pilgrim books that it explains why there’s nothing else like them. Because there’s no one like him.
There’s something about the comics industry that whenever anyone is successful, everyone starts wondering when they’re going to do Marvel or DC work. I kind of can’t stand that. I mean, if that’s someone’s goal (like it was Brian Bendis’ for example) then, yes, by all means, take that path. But O’Malley’s voice is so original, that all I want to see is another story he’s having fun with. I’m fascinated to see what he comes out with next, yet I don’t envy him the challenge. Luckily, he’s probably earned the ability to take some time and think about it.
What do you do after having such a monster hit? I’m sure Marvel and DC have been in touch, and I’m sure that any publisher out there will roll out a red carpet for anything he wants to do. But personally, I hope he sticks with Oni Press, and does something that’s all him. Look at Terry Moore. Strangers in Paradise wasn’t nearly the sales monster that Scott Pilgrim was, but he did Marvel work here and there, and it never had close to the impact of his own work. He had his fun playing around, but his real work is now Echo, and it’s been so good. And Terry’s voice wasn’t nearly so idiosyncratic as Bryan’s.
I am guessing he probably won’t go back to lettering random Oni titles though.
Josh Flanagan
I’ve been listening to the podcast for a few months now and have been wondering; why have you not talked about Orc Stain yet? Maybe it’s not your kind of book or maybe you’re not reading it? I don’t know, but this is an awesome title for the fans of gritty fantasy. James Stokoe is presenting a crazy story with imaginative, colorful art and really bringing this fictional world alive in every issue. It’s funny, it’s dirty, it’s full of great action panels… what’s not to like?
Will
Funny you should ask this question as I just recently read the latest issue of Orc Stain by James Stokoe and was thinking about how awesome it is. I believe we discussed it when it first came out, but in direct answer to your question, we have to limit and pick and choose what books we can talk about on the podcast because we are limited by time as we try to keep the show to 1 hour. That said, I am eagerly reading every issue of Orc Stain and you can probably look forward to a future issue being discussed on the podcast.
For those unaware of what Orc Stain is or who James Stokoe is, oh man have I got something special for you. James Stokoe is an indie comics creator, most notably known for his work over at Oni Press and Wonton Soup. His most recent book is at Image Comics and is called Orc Stain, and can only be described as an amazingly creative and deranged trip into the fantasy worlds like The Lord of the Rings and World of Warcraft. Stokoe’s art is lovingly detailed and the scenarios he writes into his books are devilishly warped. I don’t think there has been a single issue of Orc Stain that I haven’t thoroughly enjoyed. Now it may not be for everyone, and it’s definitely way over on the indie/underground comics side of the fence, but even if you don’t like weird situations with Orcs and other fantasy type beings, Stokoe is a sight for his art, with the latest example of his Galactus as featured in this week’s Sketch Up. Just look at that! Amazing!
If you want something slightly different and beautifully drawn that’s maybe a little bit challenging for you, then I would gladly recommend Orc Stain!
Ron Richards
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If anyone’s hungry for more O’Malley, I would highly recommend his earlier work, Lost At Sea, if you can find it. In many ways it’s a less developed Pilgrim thematically (a girl struggles with growing up as her situation and friendships around her change). I wouldn’t even mind seeing O’Malley approach more in this department! Very much keeping an eye on what he does next.
Scott O’Malley already announced that for his next project he will follow in the footsteps of his idol R. Crumb by doing the comic version of the book of Exodus.
Was that a joke, or did you really mean to write "Scott O’Malley," because that’s funny.
"Where’s that damn Bucky Brubaker and Spider-Man Bendis?"
Orc Stain seems a book most enjoyably read high. Cursed gainful employment, drugwar nonsense.
I think I remember hearing about Orc Stain through the podcast a month and a half to two months ago. You don’t forget hearing a name like that.
O’Malley should do a series about a guy wearing a Maple Leaf’s jersey and carrying a hockey stick trying to survive in a post-apocalyptic Toronto. He meets up with a girl with short hair, and, as a result, is really cool. They have adventures together and are pursued across Canada by the post-apocalyptic hipster gang, "Mother Denature".