As you may have seen, I wrote a review about a little indie comic named The Strange Talents of Luther Strode. So grand was the impression on me that I went and contacted Justin Jordan, the writer (possibly the BRAINS) behind Luther Strode, one of the best books out there at this moment in my opinion. If you’ve been neglecting indie comics, boy, are you missing out. Initially, I’d sent a lovely, flattering note to the email listed on the back pages of the comic book and to my utter pleasure, sat down to discuss Luther with Justin.
L: I work in a comic shop as my day job so I regularly see ass tons of comics I either don’t purchase, follow, what have you and one Wednesday, one of my dearest friends, Darren (who runs a comic shop as well) texted me and basically said “OMG, go pick up Image’s The Strange Talents of Luther Strode and read it immediately.” I did. It was amazing, absolutely amazing. My first question is: WHY IS IT ONLY SIX ISSUES?
J: Because we’re new. Comics is a rough business, and especially so for new comics by unknown creators. So I wanted to make sure we were able to produce this one mini. Which is also why we’re way ahead – we’re almost finished with issue six. Fortunately, we’ve done well, so more Luther in the future! Plus, we can’t really make a monthly schedule. We’d eventually run late.
L: It was definitely a kick in the nads once I realized there are only a couple of more issues in Luther’s story.
Was this your very first comic to have published?
J: Yes and no. I’ve been in a bunch of small press anthologies, and I was finalist at the late, great Zuda three times, but this is my first big long form thing. Same for Tradd and Felipe, although Felipe is probably the most established of us.
The Strange Talent of Luther Strode does tell a complete story, though. There will be sequels, but if you just read TSTOLS you get a complete story. People certainly should read the sequels, though.
L: You have no idea how excited I am to hear that! What is your process for getting into writing mode, especially for something as graphically (and oh, so wonderfully) violent as Luther Strode?
J: Well, I mope around in a depression for while, thinking that world is about to discover I’m a complete hack, then remember stare at ablank screen weeping for a while, and then cheer up when I remember that Tradd will make me look good no matter what.
My writing process is pretty intensive, actually – I outline obsessively, down to the page level, so the writing part usually isn’t too bad.
L: Sounds tiring but obviously, everything works out for the best. I absolutely love Tradd’s art as well. It really brings your writing to life.
J: Tradd is stupid good. He is, in fact, a lot better than I thought he was when I approached him to do the project and I thought he was pretty good THEN.
L: That’s so flattering for him! I’m assuming you’re a huge comic fan yourself, so is there anyone in the industry who you draw inspiration from?
J: Warren Ellis and Johnathan Hickman, to name two. It’s not so much how they tell stories – I don’t think I sound like either – but how they use the medium to do different things and play in a lot of genres.
L: In that same vein, do you have a particular book you can’t wait to get your hands on each month?
J: I really, really enjoy Green Wake from Image, and I’ve been fairly obsessed with Azzarello and Risso’s Spaceman. 100 Bullets is my favorite comic, so I’m a total fanboy. I enjoy lots of comics, but those are the two right now where I chomp at the bit to see what’s next.
L: I have both Green Wake AND Spaceman hanging out in short boxes waiting to be read so I’m glad to hear they seem to be worthwhile! 100 bullets everyone raves about but I haven’t wandered down that road quite yet
J: It’s good. You’re lucky that you can read it at your leisure now rather than waiting from month to month. Damn near killed me.
L: I have one book doing that to me at the moment since it comes out only ONCE EVERY TWO MONTHS >_< But back to Luther….as I read it, I couldn’t help but think this is an amazing property to be adapted to either TV or movie. Is that something you’d ever be interested in doing should the opportunity arise?
J: Sur, absolutely. here probably isn’t enough story there for a television series )at least, in the American style – the British method of short series that closer to long minis would work) but I’d be thrilled to have it as a movie. I think it’d make a good one.
L: I KNOW it’d make a good one! This is my typically oddball question that I ask everyone so bear with me: If aliens landed in front of you and, in exchange for anything you desire, offered you any position on their planet, what position would you want? I know I’d crap my pants.
J: Well, if the Pantscrapper position is taken….I reckon I’d have to go with Intergalactic Overlord. I’ve always wanted to be Darkseid.
L: Speaking of, I’m pumped to see how his story plays out in DC’s relaunch of the Justice League.
J: I haven’t been reading it. I never been as much into team books as I have solos, so JLA and Avengers have never been my thing. I do love me some Darkseid, though.
L: I find it interesting. I’m only following about 1/3 of their titles. Some are shit, hahaha. For my last question, what upcoming projects/plans do you have? Do you do the convention thing or work, work, work?
J: Well, I need to start work on the actual scripts for The Legend of Luther Strode some time in January. I also have six (yes, six, because I am fucking nuts) projects that are getting pitched in the near-ish future. I’d have liked to have something ready to start in May, to follow Luther up immediately, but it doesn’t look like that will happen. In terms of Cons, I would like to make it to SDCC, and Baltimore and NYCC are pretty certain, me being an East Coaster. There are other cons I’d like to hit, like Emerald City and Image
Expo, but I don’t think I’ll have the time or the cash. So basically: work work work.
L: Sounds like a busy yet fun year! We wish you the best of luck in 2012 and I personally, cannot wait for more Luther Strode!
Ask about getting Luther Strode at your local comic book shop if you’re interested in checking out this stellar mini-series!
Check out the comic’s website for neat behind-the-scenes info as well!
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I love Image comics. The artists they choose to represent always appeal to my taste, and this looks like no exception.
Very cool you got an interview!