PREVIEWSworld D.I.Y. Month: Eric Powell

Comic Books have long been a prime example of the Do-It-Yourself or D.I.Y. spirit. Creating a sequential story via linked, progressing illustrations and dialogue involves many different aspects of hands-on work and creative talent. From writing to drawing to inking & coloring, the tools of the trade may have changed over the years, but the constants involved in the creation of comics are still the most important: Hard Work, Determination, and Talent.

In honor of this month’s D.I.Y. theme, we reached out to comics creators to get their opinions and learn how they got into the business, and what it takes to create comics. Our next D.I.Y. spotlight shines on the writer/artist/publisher at Albatross Funnybooks who is best known for The Goon and Hillbilly...Eric Powell!

PREVIEWSworld: Was there a specific comic that inspired you to begin to create/publish your own?

Eric Powell: Jeff Smith’s Bone was the comic that really gave me the courage to try doing my own stuff. I took Jeff’s example as the way it was to be done. Stick to your guns, do your own thing, and stay focused on your creation!

PREVIEWSworld: What makes a “good” comic?

Eric Powell: There are lots of comics that either have a good story or good art. But truly great comics have that melding of the two, where the art and the writing are exceptional and both compliment the other. Those are the ones that truly stand out to me.

PREVIEWSworld: What advice do you have for creators who want to do it all themselves?

Eric Powell: Dedication, drive, and passion. Make sure you’re doing it for your love of making comics and nothing else. Don’t do it for fame or any kind of perceived financial success. If you don’t enjoy drawing every day for no other reason than drawing, this isn’t the field for you. But if you work at it every day, and your work is good, you will eventually find an audience. Be your own worst critic! Be hard on yourself! But don’t get discouraged. Keep fighting to improve!

PREVIEWSworld: What gives you optimism about the potential of comics right now?

Eric Powell: I’m an eternal optimist (inside a perpetual pessimist) when it comes to comics. I started in this industry around ’94, and I’ve seen such a positive change since that time. More diverse content and a more diverse readership. To me, that’s key to expanding the accessibility of comics and to keeping the industry growing and vital. It seems to me we are finally starting to catch up with other forms of entertainment. By having a little of something for everyone instead of catering to a niche.

Hillbilly: Red Eyed Witchery From Beyond #3 (AUG181482)

The Goon Volume 12: Them That Raised Us Lament TP (OCT120016)