Revere Artist Grant Bond Tells Why The Red-Coated Zombies Are Coming!
Grant Bond, artist for the upcoming patrio-punk comic Revere from Alias Comics, has produced some amazing and intriguing artwork for the series. Last week, SBC interviewed Revere writer Ed Lavallee *click for interview*. The interview included sample pages from Revere #1. This week, we’ll hear Grant’s thoughts on the project and look at samples of his artwork from issue #2.
KEVIN NOEL OLSON: Hello Grant. Can you relay what exactly Revere is all about?
Revere is a supernatural thriller set in colonial America. Revere himself is very much a family man with strong ties to his loved ones and to the fledgling colonies and what they are striving to accomplish. He is at the same time very much aware that the colonies are accursed and plagued with entities of unnatural origins. He has vowed to take a stand against them and do what he can to not only protect his family but to help ensure the growth of the nation.
KNO: How did you become involved with Revere?
GB: I original met Ed at a local comicon and hired him to letter a submission of mine. Ed had mentioned the idea for Revere and I began doodling concept art based on his early descriptions and it kind of just went from there. Especially after I found out Ed was making the submission a paying gig.
KNO: Does the story of Revere relay any messages to you personally?
GB: I believe so. The struggle to better your life through all manner of adversity seems to chime with me. As corny as it sounds, this really is something I have thought about. I have been able to identify with Revere in this respect. He comes across to me as a very devoted guy and will do whatever needs to be done to uphold his devotions.
KNO: Are there any favorable comparisons you might make for Revere to other material, comic book or otherwise?
GB: My experience may leave a little to be desired but I would have to say Revere stand on its own. It surely has influences. It is in the vein of Hellboy as far as the basic concept. The art has influences in manga and even some silver age stuff if you ask me, but Revere has a whole is very much unique. The art is unlike anything I have seen on the shelves. It is very much experimental in a way. I am still hammering out the overall feel of what I am wanting to accomplish with the work. I am just hopeful that it will catch on with the readers and they will understand that aspect of the book and continue to give Revere a shot. We have some very solid concepts for future stories should our readers want them.
KNO: How would you rate working under the auspices of Alias Comics?
GB: Alias has been great!
KNO: Who do you consider your artistic influences?
GB: There are honestly so many I wouldn't know where to begin other than just saying that I completely owe my love for art to my grandmother. She was a great painter and all around terrific lady that inspired me from the very beginning. When I say beginning really I mean beginning. My first painting was done at two years of age! She crammed the brushes in my hand.
KNO: Can you tell us something about your history as an artist?
GB: I can't imagine I am too much different from any other guy or gal who decided they didn't want to abandon their imagination. I personally view art as something more than a collection of images cleverly placed on a surface. I see it as a language and a form of expression that, I believe, can be conveyed in any type of good art. I see the great names that inspire me accomplish this and I would like to say that in itself is my goal with my art. I will say right now I will probably never attain this goal!
KNO: Are there future plans for Revere?
GB: We do have several very solid ideas. Ed is talking Salem for the next story. Revere is pitted against vampires and witches! I have already done a page of concept art for the main character and I have to say I am pretty eager to do more of the art. I seriously hope we get a chance to tell more stories.
KNO: Any future projects you are free and willing to discuss?
GB: Oh man, I better not put anyone on the spot right now! I have several things "in the works".
KNO: Grant, thank you very much for the interview. I’ll leave this space left blank for any final thoughts from you.
GB: Thank you very much for giving us a chance to help spread the word on Revere. It does mean a great deal that we are getting such positive support and feedback from everyone who is checking it out. If anyone wants to see a preview of Revere please check out RevereComic.com or MySpace.com/RevereComic or AliasEnterprises.com For more on my art please check out GrantBond.com or TinyCowboyHat.com Thank you very much!
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