With the release of CANTO: The Clockwork Chronicles #1 from Dark Horse Comics on November 18th, we are delighted to be joined by the creators of CANTO, David M. Booher and Drew Zucker.
Could you please introduce yourselves?
Drew Zucker: Sure, my name is Drew Zucker, and I am the co-creator and artist of CANTO.
David M. Booher: I’m David M. Booher. I’m also co-creator, and I write the words for CANTO.
Could you tell us how CANTO began?
DZ: Canto started as a sketch I did a few years prior to David and I meeting. It initially had a very different type of story attached to it, but once David became involved with the project, it really evolved in a new direction while keeping the spirit of the original vision.
DMB: Drew and I met many years ago when I ran across his art on The House. I loved his style, so I wanted to work with him. The timing on the initial project didn’t work out, but then he sent me the sketch that would eventually become the character, Canto. I didn’t know anything about this character or story, but I knew within about half a second that I wanted to tell it.
David, did you know what you wanted CANTO to look like?
DMB: As Drew mentioned, he’d sketched out this little knight before we’d met. The final character design is very similar to that initial concept. I already knew we had an incredible design right out of the gate—cute and courageous with those wide, expressive eyes. I’m thrilled to say over the course of many adventures, he’s stayed that same heartfelt hero.
Can you tell us about your working relationship?
DZ: Our working relationship is pretty good at this point. After over 30 issues of CANTO, we developed this real shorthand for how we work, and it’s made The Clockwork Chronicles, I think, much stronger for it.
DMB: We’ve gotten into a rare groove that doesn’t come around very often. Most of the time, my collaborations with artists last for a limited series or graphic novel. I’ve never had the opportunity like I’ve had with Drew, working together for almost a decade on the same series with the same character we both adore.
Drew, do you have a favourite scene from CANTO?
DZ: Ah, that’s a great question. I think it has to be the very end of LIONHEARTED. I think the pacing between the writing and the art just works fantastically through that whole scene to wrap up what came before and what is ahead.
David, what made Drew the right artist for CANTO?
DMB: This has been a true collaboration since the first moments we started working together, so CANTO was never going to exist without Drew. I’m so glad to say after all these adventures that I can call Drew not only my co-creator, but a friend.
What has the feedback been like for CANTO?
DZ: Since day one, the feedback has always been pretty incredible; we’re very grateful to the fans who have come on board and supported CANTO with the passion and enthusiasm that they have.
DMB: Amazing! I fell in love with Canto from an initial sketch, so my goal for the story was to translate that feeling to readers. When readers tell us that they’ve enjoyed CANTO, I like to hope that we’ve done that.
David, you are creating all of the art for CANTO. What part of that process did you enjoy the most?
DMB: My favorite part of creating the art for The Clockwork Chronicles has to be the freedom. We left a lot of stuff on the cutting room floor for THE SHROUDED MAN SAGA, but because we’re free to move CANTO into any place we want, it’s really led to an exploration on my end. I’m in a sketchbook again, just coming up with ideas and concepts that don’t necessarily have a story purpose yet, letting David go through it and pick what speaks to him to run with. It’s been a very liberating way of doing a project like this.
How did Dark Horse Comics get involved with CANTO?
DMB: When our prior license ran its course, we had a massive CANTO fan in our current Dark Horse editor, Spencer Cushing. As soon as we started talking about bringing CANTO to Dark Horse, Spencer’s face lit up. We knew right away Dark Horse would be the right home for our little knight. We’re all wildly enthusiastic about The Clockwork Chronicles, and it comes through in every panel on every page.
What can you tell us about CANTO: The Clockwork Chronicles #1?
DZ: It’s going to be a lot of fun! This is a true jumping-on point for CANTO, no previous knowledge needed (although it definitely adds to the experience). We’ve worked very hard to craft what I think is something exciting that all fans will really love.
DMB: We took the hope and courage and heart from the previous stories and used that to propel Canto and his best friend Mico the Malorex across the Mechanical Sea. They’re on a quest to help those who need it in the Unnamed World. In this first adventure, they’re looking for the Forgotten People, but their adventure takes a turn when Mico gets gravely injured. Against all odds in an unforgiving new environment, Canto must now find a way to save his best friend.
Can you tell us about the world that CANTO: The Clockwork Chronicles is set in?
DZ: The world of The Clockwork Chronicles is really exciting; we’re headed to a lot of new areas that we’ve never seen with CANTO. It’s been creatively liberating to be able to take CANTO and explore whatever kind of world we can create.
DMB: We’re heading out for adventure! The Unnamed World is vast, and we’ve only begun exploring the many different climates and landscapes. First, they cross the Mechanical Sea to the Forgotten Isles. Then they head to…well, this is a new ongoing series, so we’ll have to wait and see…
Any message for the ComicBuzz readers?
DZ: Go pick up CANTO: The Clockwork Chronicles! In all seriousness though, thank you to ComicBuzz for this interview and all of the fans who have come out to support CANTO. Without all of you, this series wouldn’t be possible. The entire team can’t express our gratitude enough, but we can keep working to put out the best comics we can. We’re excited for a new adventure with all of you!
DMB: Thank you to everyone who has already taken a journey with Canto. We couldn’t do this without you! And if this is your first experience with Canto, this is a great time to jump on board. You’re going to love Canto’s adventures. That’s something we can promise with all our hearts. 🙂
We would like to say a big thank you to David and Drew for chatting with us, and we wish them the best of luck with the release of CANTO: The Clockwork Chronicles.
