www.superhumanresourcescomic.com

What happens when the Earth’s Mightiest Heroes are having issues with their 401K plan? Who does your favorite Super-dude talk to when he realizes that his computer keyboard is not ergonomically correct? And the biggest question of all is: who does the hiring? Well, the creative team of Justin Bleep (Art), Ken Marcus (writing), and Jacque Nodell (lettering) have decided to answer some of these pressing questions with the new comic “Super Human Resources”.

After reading Super Human Resources we decided that a review of this book just wouldn’t be enough and since they were already answering questions, we thought, maybe they would take a few minutes and answer a few of ours, and guess what? They agreed.

Tell us about “Super Human Resources” and where the original idea came from?

Ken: I think the name just popped in my head. And the first issue kinda just wrote itself. I know there are similar concepts out there. Both The Office and superheroes are popular. It ain’t exactly rocket science to smoosh them together. But I like concentrating on the normal people versus the super heroes. All the people that keep things up and running. I felt like that was a different spin I hadn’t seen. You know Superman doesn’t have time or the inclination to fill out purchase orders for all the crap in the Fortress of Solitude.

Someone said Super Human Resources is like Barney Miller. But instead of the police station, it’s the Hall of Justice. We focus on all the stuff that happens behind the scenes of all the action. I liked that comparison.


Will S.H.R. be a mini or are you guys shooting for the long haul?

Justin: I’ve always encouraged Ken to not exhaust all his best jokes on the initial four issue series—save some for the future—plan big. I think, needless to say, I’d like to expand the SHR project—it has so much potential!
 


How did the three of you find each other?


Ken: We found each other on Digital Webbing. Justin’s style really just jumped out at me. It really wasn’t what I had in mind. But I couldn’t get it out of my head. So I felt like that was a good sign.


This one is for Justin: Your artwork so cool. I totally dig its originality and feel. How did you come up with this style? Are you classically trained?

Justin: I get ask that a lot. No. No art school or anything. I’ve always held that art is not something can be taught. No one taught Michelangelo how to paint the Sistine chapel—it had never been done before—it was just in him. I think people see a lot of non-comic influences in my work though, and although my style is of the Skottie Young-Humberto Ramos-Francisco Herrera era, it is a direct result of my blending of contemporary music culture with the comic’s medium.
 


And this one’s for Ken: I have to admit that I’m not a fan of comical comics, but the writing here was so good that I couldn’t help laughing. I know this is your first comic and I’m curious as to why you chose this book to dip your toe in the chilly, independent comic book pond? 
 


Ken: I just love comics. Go every Wednesday. But the kind of comics I love—stuff from Warren Ellis, Grant Morrison, Matt Fraction, Bendis, Mark Millar—your big idea guys—I’m under no illusion I could write in that vein. I’m in awe of people that can do that stuff. But I felt like I could make lots of silly jokes and string them together with something that remotely resembled a plot. I also think there’s not a lot of pure humor books in comics. I do love Pvs.P, Paul Jenkins’ Sidekick, Maintenance and a few others. But I feel like there’s an untapped opportunity in comic stores. I have a feeling a lot of comic book fans are also fans of Adult Swim. I think our book is a nice intersection of both.

What brought you to Ape Entertainment?


Justin: APE was the buzz word one summer at Wizard World Chicago. I was very excited to approach them specifically with the project. I’m glad I did.


How does it feel to see your comic in print for the first time?

Ken: Technically, we have not gone to press yet. Still in pdf’s. But it’s a thrill to see all the inks, colors and letters come together. This has been a learning experience for me. And the process is a thrill. I love getting new finished art in my inbox from Justin. Also, I’m really excited to go to a comic book store and see our book on the shelves. That will be a good day. And Justin has self-published his own book “Brick City Bunch” before. So this is old hat for him.

Do you have any book signings coming up, or at least in the near future?

Justin: I’ll be doing the Detroit Motor City show in May, and Chicago Wizard World this summer. I’d like to get out to New York with Ken. I’d also like try to make it out to Diego again. And I always have fun at Wizard World Texas, so you’ll probably find me at that show next fall.


I ask this question to every creator. Will we see a version of Super Human Resources hitting the big or small screen anytime soon?

Ken: Not sure. Obviously it’s a big time for movie options and property rights and so forth. Even for indie creators. Honestly, I’m cool either way. I’m a comic fan first and foremost. It’s just a thrill for me to see it on the printed page. If something else happens, great. But I’m not going to hold my breath.


How can we get our own copy of S.H.R.?

Ken: Please, please, please tell your comic store retailer to order Super Human Resources in the December Previews from Ape Entertainment. We will be forever in your debt. It’s a tough time for indies. But if someone asks for a title, retailers will be more likely to take a chance on a book.