With the release of The Super Hero’s Journey graphic novel on September 26th from Abrams ComicArts and Marvel, we are delighted to be joined by the author, illustrator, playwright, painter, and creator of the comic strip Mutts, Patrick McDonnell.
Could you please introduce yourself to our readers?
Hi, I’m Patrick McDonnell a cartoonist, painter and author most known for my daily comic strip, MUTTS. I’ve had the honor to collaborate on books with Jane Goodall, Eckhart Tolle and the Dalai Lama. My latest book is a collaboration with Stan Lee, Jack Kirby and Steve Ditko. It’s graphic novel love letter to the Marvel comic super heroes and their creators called The Super Hero’s Journey.
Can you tell us about the origins of The Super Hero’s Journey?Â
I had just finished the book Heart to Heart, when Abrams Comics Arts editor-in-chief, Charles Kochman, asked me if I’d like to do a book with the Marvel characters. I immediately jumped on that opportunity. It was a childhood dream come true. I’ve been doodling Marvel super heroes for as long as I can remember.
How would you describe The Super Hero’s Journey?Â
The Super Hero’s Journey is a mashup of my art with the classic pages of Lee, Kirby and Ditko. It tells a new story in a new way, a story of discovering the super being inside us all. It stars the Fantastic Four, the Avengers, Spider-Man, the Black Panther and Doctor Doom, to name a few. it is unlike anything you’ve ever seen in the Marvel Universe.
Do you have your Merry Marvel Marching Society certificate and membership card on display?
I actually do. My MMMS card #167-A is tucked into the edge of a frame of a Jack Kirby original that I have on a wall in my studio.
As a reader, what was it about the Marvel Bullpen Bulletins that you enjoyed?
Everything. I was completely immersed. Those early books had such a fun cosmic energy to them. You felt like you were along for the wild ride with the artist and writers as they reinvented the medium. I am a huge fan of Jack Kirby’s artwork and his endless imagination.
After working on The Super Hero’s Journey, did the way you viewed the works of Stan Lee, Jack Kirby, Steve Ditko, Don Heck, and Vince Colletta change?
I’m more impressed than ever with the staggering amount of work they did at such an outstanding high level.
Any message for the ComicBuzz readers?
The Super Hero’s Journey is a book about our love for comics and their creators. I think your readers can relate to, and will enjoy, the journey.
We would like to say thank you to  Patrick for chatting with us. We would like to wish him the best of luck with The Super Hero’s Journey.
The Super Hero’s Journey is available for pre-order now.
