David Hopkins Invents Emily Edison and Explores Juvenile Comics
KEVIN NOEL OLSON: Hi David. Tell us a little about yourself.
DAVID HOPKINS: Under the influence of coca-cola and Belgian pop rock, I wrote the series Karma Incorporated, plus a few short stories here and there. I also contributed an essay to a book about Superman for the Smart Pop Series. And now, I'm the writer and co-creator of Emily Edison. I'm a shameless pop-culture addict. Oh yes, I can speak geek with most anyone. However, the best thing about me is my family. My wife is a rollergirl for the Dallas Derby Devils. (Hell yeah!) And my daughter is two years old and likes to color with crayons.
KNO: What is the story behind Emily Edison?
DH: I'd wanted to work with Brock Rizy for some time. We were friends (and friend of friends) well before I ever started writing comics. Our collaboration initially came together because I'm such a fan of his art. I put a list together of a few possible stories. Emily was the one we decided to do. As far as getting it published, I've got a good working relationship with Viper Comics. I was happy to do another series with them.
KNO: How did Emily enter the picture for you?
DH: The idea came from a desire to create a story for my daughter --something which I could share with her when she's a little older. Also, Brock and I both felt strongly about having an adventure comic, with real consequences and solid action. In the comic book medium, we tend to sacrifice either the story or the action, to serve the other. And that's just crap. We can do both.
KNO: What influences would you like to mention?
DH: There's a lot of people who have inspired me, but it probably doesn't come through as a noticeable "influence". I'd be surprised if people saw Akira Kurosawa in my work, but that's the guy who I really study. Him and Joss Whedon. I watch their stuff with a spiral notebook on my lap and a pen in hand. Both of them combine artistry and personal vision with an ability to appeal to a wide audience.
KNO: Can you make 'if you liked ____, you'll also enjoy Emily Edison' comparisons?
DH: Think Cartoon Network. Dexter's Laboratory, Powerpuff Girls, Samurai Jack. If you love Genndy Tartakovsky, we do too. Some might think Emily Edison has a Kim Possible vibe, but it really doesn't. Completely different style and tone, in my opinion. On the comics front, if you like Scott Pilgrim, Courtney Crumrin, Leave It To Chance, Alison Dare, and if you dig on good manga, you'd like our book.
KNO: What do you think the future will hold for juvenile-oriented comic books?
DH: Comic book creators and fans have spent so much energy convincing the world that comics aren't just "kid's stuff". They've certainly got enough evidence to make their case. But in the process, kids were marginalized from an industry they helped create. Comics should be for everyone. And the trend is moving back towards a more inclusive audience.
For the future of juvenile-oriented comic books, it's too easy to only place a burden on the retailers, the fans, or the publishers. Overall, the industry needs to become more accessible with broader distribution and a growing direct market. Books need to priced affordably for kids, with complete stories. Trade paperbacks are the way to go. Manga has been successful in most every regard. We can learn a lot from that success.
KNO: Are there challenges to writing for a younger audience?
DH: I was at the Eisner's when Michael Chabon gave his keynote address (http://www.comic-con.org/cci/cci_eisners04keynote.shtml). It's a perfect manifesto for anyone interested in writing for younger readers. I took his challenge very personally. In part, a good story is a good story, whether for a twelve year old or a forty year old. So when you write for a younger audience don't dumb down the story or the drama -- you're only selling yourself short as a writer. Blow their little minds. Surprise the hell out of them. Keep them entertained.
KNO: Please feel free to talk about anything further you'd like to mention.
DH: Thanks! Check out Emily Edison in Viper Comics Presents as part of Free Comic Book Day on May 6th. The following month, the graphic novel will be available in stores, 144 pages and full color. Everything is finished, and has been sent to the printers, so it should be on time. For more information, you can visit the Viper Comics website ViperComics.com.
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