Like all great modern romances, Tom Kurzanski and I met online. I saw some of his artwork and illustrations; I fell in love. I asked him if he wanted to work on this idea I had-- a retelling of Antigone. I sent him a note. Circle one: Yes or No.
The Antigone proposal is on hiatus indefinitely. Mostly because, a better project came along which Tom and I are working on. While I can't offer much information about it, this series should be available in stores by July 2005. I'm excited, because I think this is my best writing yet.
Last night, Tom sent me pages six through twelve of the first issue. Looks great. Our publisher is overjoyed with what he's produced.
It's been a good partnership. Tom and I have similar sensibilities when it comes to storytelling. In fact, Tom recently sent me a screenplay he wrote. It's really freakin' good. Tom knows narrative. He does more than draw. He tells stories visually, and this is the true difference between a good and a great comic book artist.
In particular, characterization is one of his strengths. Each character is distinct. As an example, the noses he draws! Many comic book artists seem to draw every nose the same. Not with Tom, every nose is completely unique. (Of course, now that I've said that, you won't be able to stop looking at his noses.) He is able to capture personalities and a thousand different expressions within a panel. He understands setting and perspective. The characters work within three-dimensions. No flat cartooning. Tom's art has a style that is flexible (able to communicate tones and attitude) and fun to look at.
