<\/p>\n","post_title":"ComicBuzz Chats With Ibrahim Moustafa","post_excerpt":"Count","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"comicbuzz-chats-with-ibrahim-moustafa","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2022-10-08 16:19:20","post_modified_gmt":"2022-10-08 15:19:20","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"http:\/\/comicbuzz.com\/?p=206022","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":205967,"post_author":"2","post_date":"2021-02-24 10:52:39","post_date_gmt":"2021-02-24 10:52:39","post_content":"We got a chance to sit down and chat with the very talented Ricardo Delgado, as his latest project Dracula of Transylvania an illustrated novel goes live on Kickstarter.<\/span>\n\nWelcome<\/span><\/strong><\/em> Ricardo, thank you for taking the time to be with us, we are so happy that you could join us.<\/span><\/strong><\/em>\n\nRD: Hey, I\u2019m happy to be here talking vampires, ghosts and other things that go bump in the night!<\/span>\n\nFor some of our readers who may not be familiar with your work, could please tell us a bit about yourself?<\/span><\/strong><\/em>\n\nRD: I\u2019m a comic book creator, novelist, conceptual designer and storyboard artist. My comic book AGE OF REPTILES has been published by Dark Horse for a quarter century, my novels WARHEAD and SAM SPECTER AND THE BOOK OF SPELLS precede this one, and my film credits include MEN IN BLACK, INCREDIBLES, STAR TREK FIRST CONTACT, X2 and a bunch of other stuff.<\/span>\n\n\nWe would love to know about your history with Dracula?<\/span><\/em><\/strong>\n\nRD: I have to start with the different versions from my childhood, from the creepy elegance of the Universal films to the violence and terror of the Hammer films to the TOMB OF DRACULA Marvel comics which I obsessed over and honestly there used to be these very cool Ben Cooper Halloween costumes that I LOVED as well. There was a series of monster model kits in the 1970\u2019s by this company named Aurora and I collected nearly all of them, and man did I love my Dracula model, complete with the glow-in-the-dark head! But more than anything the classic Universal monster movies just seared themselves into my heart and spent many of the days leading up to Halloween watching all of them. To this day because they are in black and white those movies remain\u2026ghostly to me. No other way to describe it. And there was this set of trading cards with stock photos of the universal monsters that I avidly collected. I\u2019ve just loved that stuff my whole life. There\u2019s also this reeeeallly cool image of Dracula and the Frankenstein monster that I found in one of Frank Frazetta\u2019s art books and man did I obsess over that image, nearly as much as the one where Dracula fights the Wolf Man in a graveyard! Wow, to this day.<\/span>\n\nCan you tell us about the origins of Dracula of Transylvania?<\/span><\/strong><\/em>\n\nRD: Nope. Of course! At first I developed this as a story, not sure whether it be a comic book or novel. In the end I went with novel because it was a challenge. I like challenges and think the project came out the better for it. The art here is really lush and beautiful and horrifying, just like the story itself. I appreciate how the story works well to inform about history as it goes along and mostly how it takes pains to celebrate the Victorian Era ghost story like those of Edgar Allan Poe, M.R. James, Sheridan Le Fanu and Bram Stroker himself of course. I love that stuff, those stories and sought to weave that feeling into this story and feel like I\u2019ve succeeded.<\/span>\n\n\nWhat has the process been like working on Dracula of Transylvania?<\/span><\/strong><\/em>\n\nRD: Well, I had to do some historical research to set the stage for the story, but the real work began after that in a broader sense to connect the story\u2019s settings, costumes and other details to the era\u2019s context. I went through three drafts then a dialogue polish. I then created historical \u2018interstitials\u2019 throughout the story, especially when the narrative moved to a different locale, to further explain where that setting and place in the world was at that time in history. After all that I had a novel, but then how to make it unique and more interesting to publishers? That\u2019s when I started creating the concept art that\u2019s part of the book. My pitch was ART OF STAR WARS meets SALEM\u2019S LOT.<\/span>\n\nHow would you describe the novel, Dracula of Transylvania?<\/span><\/strong><\/em>\n\nRD: THE EXORCIST meets LORD OF THE RINGS. Horror within a sprawling adventure that vastly expands the supernatural world of Dracula. Lightning-fast action sequences framed by some pretty damn scary stuff, with endearing protagonists that decide to do the impossible: fight back against Dracula, who once destroyed a combined army of all the city\/states in Europe. Some seriously wicked and violent stuff from the count, who does not whether you are human, vampire or otherwise, he is the son of Satan and you will do his bidding or suffer the consequences.<\/span>\n\n\nThere are many different versions of Dracula in books and on the big screen, do you have a favourite version of Prince of Darkness?<\/span><\/strong><\/em>\n\nRD: A lot of them, but I do really like a few of the more modern retellings like the 1979 Frank Langella version and the Coppola BRAM STOKER\u2019S DRACULA for different reasons. The first because it\u2019s a great mood piece with a very good story and the second because there\u2019s a layer of artistry and artisanry that I really like.<\/span>\n\nWhat can you tell us about the Prince of Darkness in the Dracula of Transylvania novel?<\/span><\/strong><\/em>\n\nRD: That you\u2019ll read about how Dracula came to be, how he rules over all the Nosferatu as king and how this version of Dracula has had a presence throughout history. This novel takes place between 999 and 1899 AD. You\u2019ll also see how some off the vampire king\u2019s subjects aren\u2019t too thrilled with his ruthlessness and taxation, how they resent him for thinking of them as subjects and how certain historical figures throughout time were actually vampires themselves. Heady stuff, hopefully.<\/span>\n\n\n\nWould you have any message for the ComicBuzz readers?<\/em><\/strong><\/span>\n\nRD: Yes, if you think that Dracula is played out, if he\u2019s become a lesser villain in your modern eyes, then this is the book for you because Dracula of Transylvania takes no prisoners, puts everyone in his path to the sword or stake and seeks only to continue to rule, and those vampires that agree with him can come along and be ruled or they can die by his hand. This is the no fooling around version of Dracula, and with some fun yet terrifying stuff to read along with. DRACULA OF TRANSYLVANIA is the novel you\u2019ve been waiting for, with some impressive concept art and historical annotations along the way. Check it out, it\u2019s everything you wish a book like this could be.<\/span>\n\nWe would like to thank Ricardo for taking the time out of his busy schedule to chat with us. If you would like to support Dracula of Transylvania and in the process pick up some great rewards please check out the campaign, visit Kickstarter:<\/span> https:\/\/www.kickstarter.com\/projects\/cloverpress\/ricardo-delgados-dracula-of-transylvania<\/a>\n\nThey have already unlocked a stretch goal at the $24,000 mark for several postcards featuring Ricardo\u2019s art and they have added a new stretch goal which is still locked for a two-sided bookmark at the $33,000 mark.<\/span>\n\nThe Dracula of Transylvania campaign is live now through March 25th, 2021. For updates, follow Ricardo Delgado<\/span> on<\/span> Instagram<\/a>,<\/span> Twitter<\/a> and<\/span> Facebook<\/a>, follow Dracula of Transylvania on<\/span> Twitter<\/a>, and follow<\/span> Clover Press on<\/span> Instagram<\/a>,<\/span> Twitter<\/a> and<\/span> Facebook<\/a>.<\/span>\n\nTo support the campaign, visit Kickstarter:<\/span> https:\/\/www.kickstarter.com\/projects\/cloverpress\/ricardo-delgados-dracula-of-transylvania<\/a>","post_title":"ComicBuzz Chats With Ricardo Delgado","post_excerpt":"Dracula of Transylvania","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"comicbuzz-chats-with-ricardo-delgado","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2022-10-08 16:26:13","post_modified_gmt":"2022-10-08 15:26:13","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"http:\/\/comicbuzz.com\/?p=205967","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":205501,"post_author":"2","post_date":"2020-10-26 17:35:59","post_date_gmt":"2020-10-26 17:35:59","post_content":"

We got a chance to sit down a have a quick chat with the very talented creator Peter Ricq as he gets ready for the release of his first illustrated book Ghosts Are People Too.<\/span><\/p>\n

Hello Peter, could you give a quick introduction of yourself and your numerous careers that you have for our readers that may now be familiar with you?<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

HI! Yeah I can do that. My name is Peter Ricq and I was born in Montreal Quebec (french for Canada). My parents let me watch whatever I wanted and my dad even rented classics like Alien and Aliens \"You kids have to watch this\" when we were 7 or 8 and Predator or Robocop \"this looks sick, let's watch this tonight\". Obviously, he said these in french and so it sounded different. I didn't end up like a murderous crazy person and am very kind but I do love anything that has to do with murder, mysteries, the supernatural, science fiction and you can see that in my work. Here is what I do:<\/span><\/p>\n

- I'm a fine artist and have been active in the art scene since 2004 (PeterRicq.com)<\/span><\/p>\n

- I'm a filmmaker and have directed many music videos and made a horror\/comedy Dead Shack that is streaming exclusively on SHUDDER.<\/span><\/p>\n

- I've made 3 graphic novels 'Once Our Land 1&2' (Scout Comics) and A King's Vengeance.<\/span><\/p>\n

- I'm in several bands HUMANS, Gang Signs, Ladyfrnd, The Red, Samatata.<\/span><\/p>\n

- I've created several animated television series like The League of Super Evil (Cartoon Network, YTV, BBC).<\/span><\/p>\n

- I'm a very good vegan chef.<\/span><\/p>\n

- I love Halloween.<\/span><\/p>\n

You are currently Kickstarting your first illustrated book, \"Ghosts Are People Too\". Which is currently going very strong over on Kickstarter (<\/span><\/strong>https:\/\/www.kickstarter.com\/projects\/peterricq\/ghost-are-people-too<\/a>). What keeps drawing you back to using this site, as this is your third time I believe in crowdfunding your books?<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Fourth time! Yeah, I love how the site makes it possible for entrepreneurs and artists to put their ideas out there, get the word out, find followers from around the world, and get the funding they seek so they don't sell their soul along with their baby. I think Kickstarter is one of the best things to come out for independent artists and entrepreneurs.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

So this book is about making friends with ghosts, and getting the message across that they are also scared of us that are living. Can you tell us about the origins of the book and if have you ever had an encounter of the spooky kind?<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

I kind of wish I did have an encounter but I'm not sure if I'd be able to handle it honestly. I think I'd be too scared and so I made this book to help myself with the idea to be less afraid of ghosts.<\/span><\/p>\n

The book idea came from seeing Edward Gorey's books in the bookstore and thinking \"Is this the only dope kids book here? Where are all the other morbid spooky books?\" So I figured, I can help put an end to this tragedy and give the kids in the world what they want and deserve, another great, morbid, funny, and fun kids book with wonderful illustrations.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Which came first - the idea for the story or Ethan's' character?<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

The idea, as for Ethan, I wanted to his design to be contemporary like the Cartoon Network shows but I wanted the execution to be more like something out of an old book you would find in a haunted house.<\/span><\/p>\n

How long have you been working on \"Ghosts Are People Too\", and did the current global Coronavirus lockdown allow you to focus more on your work or did it restrict your creative thinking?<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

I've been thinking about this book for years but you could say that I've been working on this book my whole life since it takes everything I've developed since I started drawing and has put them together all into this one thing here. The pandemic has helped me see it to its completion though yes. I was scared, lost a ton of work and decided to finish this book as I wait for things to get better.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

You have mentioned before that you enjoy the works of Tim Burton and Neil Gaiman. Can you recall how you came across their works and which has been the most influential on your own style?<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Tim Burton's work, I don't like his newer stuff but I love and still rewatch in aw his older work. I think I saw all his films as they came out starting with Pee-Wee but Beetlejuice, Edward Scissorhands, and Batman were my favorites and the art direction and vision in his films were just incredible. His work was so magical and it made me feel like anything is possible. I loved how he always had his monsters kind and not necessarily villains (Just like Guillermo Deltoro) and I wanted to do something in that vein with this book.<\/span><\/p>\n

When you are creating an illustration for this book, what is that process like and how long does it take? Did you research or have any source material that helped you develop the final character design for Ethan? <\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Yeah, I use a ton of reference and with my photoshop wizard skillset, I manipulate the photos to make them look a bit more cartoony, like their shapes. I then draw my characters and sometimes use photography as a base too. I then print it, pencil it, then transfer the pencil to the illustration board and start inking a few lines but mostly do pointillism to give it that old-time look. It might sound like it's a long process and it is but I get to relax when doing this and listen to great podcasts, audiobooks, TV shows, and youtube videos. I learned a lot about the world and history while working on this book.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

How would you describe the look of the book?<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

I would say it's a more contemporary\/cartoony version of Edward Gorey and Tim Burton's work.<\/span><\/p>\n

Thank you very much for your time Peter, it was a pleasure getting to interview you. Have you any message for our ComicBuzz readers that will be reading this right now?<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Be afraid, be very afraid MUHAHAHAhahahaaaaaaa. Nah I kid, enjoy yourself, and be kind to your supernatural roommates. <\/span><\/p>\n

If you would like to get a copy of Ghosts Are People Too<\/strong> or find out more information about it please feel free to check it out at:<\/span><\/p>\n

https:\/\/www.kickstarter.com\/projects\/peterricq\/ghost-are-people-too<\/a><\/p>\n

I would first of all like to say a big thank you to Peter for taking the time out of his busy schedule to sit and chat with us. I would also like to thank Vixen Ninetails for all the help with this interview.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n\n\n

<\/p>\n","post_title":"ComicBuzz Chats With Peter Ricq","post_excerpt":"We get ready for the spooky season","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"comicbuzz-chats-with-peter-ricq","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2022-10-08 19:16:58","post_modified_gmt":"2022-10-08 18:16:58","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"http:\/\/comicbuzz.com\/?p=205501","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":204681,"post_author":"3","post_date":"2020-03-09 15:20:04","post_date_gmt":"2020-03-09 15:20:04","post_content":"Our very own Paula Wise<\/span>man interviews George MacKay at the True History of the Kelly Gang Red Carpet event at the Virgin Media Dublin International Film Festival.<\/span>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nBased on Peter Carey\u2019s Booker Prize winning novel, Justin Kurzel\u2019s TRUE HISTORY OF THE KELLY GANG shatters the mythology surrounding Ned Kelly to reveal the essence behind the life of the notorious icon. Hero to some, outlaw to others, Kelly (played by George MacKay) throws a long shadow over a specific period of Australian history. Spanning his life from his younger years to the time leading up to his death, the film explores the story behind this legendary figure. Nurtured by the notorious bushranger Harry Power (Russell Crowe) and fuelled by the unfair arrest of his mother (Essie Davis), Kelly recruits a wild bunch of warriors to plot a campaign of anarchy and rebellion that will grip the entire country. Youth and tragedy collide in the Kelly Gang, and at the beating heart of this tale is the fractured and powerful love story between a mother and son.<\/span>\r\n