One of the missions here at HeroSpy is to introduce our readers to fresh and interesting Indie comic book artists, writers and creators. John Narcomey Jr. has been working his way into comics since childhood. His creations can be found gracing the pages of High Tower Comic’s Smart Bullets, Space Boogie and Ghost Face. John’s books are unique and his style is so cool I dare you to read a single page of Ghost Face without becoming an instant fan. With Smart bullets hitting stands, we thought that now would be in excellent time to snag an interview with this up-and-coming comic book dynamo. Make sure to check back over the next couple of weeks to see some previews from upcoming and current titles from High tower Comics, but for now here is a cool 5 questions with John Narcomey Jr. to whet the old appetite.
1. Tell us about your comics.
I am currently working on three titles Smart Bullets, Space Boogie and Ghost Face. I am the creator and writer of Smart Bullets, which is being illustrated by the up and coming Jacob Crippen. Smart Bullets is a bloody, brutal, exploitation comic with all the blood, guts, action and oooh & awe one expects to find in the best action movies of the late 70’s and 80’s. The writing coupled with the raw and brilliant art of Jacob Crippen gives Smart Bullets a must see to be believed urgency that is not to be missed. Space Boogie I handle all of the creative chores on minus lettering and is my surreal ode to sci-fi b-movies, masked Mexican wrestlers (luchador) and punk rock. The artwork in Space Boogie is what people have come to expect from my work – something new, and different, with wild character designs and cool retro flourishes that I hope are as fun for the fans as it is for me to draw. And finally High Tower Comics top seller (for now) Ghost Face the pulp poltergeist of a bygone era. Ghost Face just keeps getting better as the story gets darker and the artwork moves from the clean lines of the first issue to the rough, expressionistic art of #2. With the conclusion of the first story-arc coming with Ghost Face #3 and the release of a new #1 to start the on going bi-monthly in July. Fans can expect more tough talk, insane villains, pulp action and more hard-boiled noir from the ever evolving story of Ghost Face.
2. Who are your biggest influences?
Some of my biggest influences as an artist are George Herriman, Cliff Sterret, Alex Toth, Frank Robbins, Jim Steranko, Jack Kirby and Pablo Picasso to name a few. The truth is there are so many all of which range from fine art to comic art. As for influences on my writing I love the storytelling stylings of the old pulp masters like Robert E. Howard, L Ron Hubbard, Norvell Page, Raymond Chandler and Mickey Spillane.
3. On a more personal note: how did you end up where you are today? What lead you to comics?
Comics are my life. Like the tattoo on my hand reads “Live by the ink, Die by the ink” which pretty much means I would be making comics whether I was paid to make them or not. As for anything deeper than that, maybe next time.
4. What advice would you give to someone trying to break into comics?
My advice for aspiring professionals is to get a day job while your learning your craft. Life experience, and responsibility make a good professional. Look at everything not just comics. Storytelling is key so learn the rules before you break them. And above all else this is an entertainment business if your book does not entertain then there will be no business. Obviously there are exceptions to all these rules but I’m talking good comics and solid professionals here so don’t get nit picky.
5. What’s your all-time favorite movie?
My all time favorite movie is True Romance.
True Romance! This is a man after my own heart. See more of John’s work by visiting www.hightowercomics.com
