Eric Powell's interview, US version.

Syntax : In classrooms, where were you sitting? First row or at the back next to  the window and radiator?

Eric Powell : The back next to the window if I could manage it.

Syntax : What kind of studies did you do  ?

Eric Powell : I didn't attend an art school or college. I'm self taught for the most part.

Syntax : I guess you read tons of comic books as a teenager... which  comics artists had the biggest influence on you?

Eric Powell : During my teenage years it would have to be Bernie Wrightson.

Syntax : Should we find  some european realistic comics (known as franco-belge here) among your readings  ?

Eric Powell : Unfortunately not. I lived (and still live) in a very small town where it is hard to find any comics.

Syntax : As with Frazetta’s statue  Death Dealer, Mignola’s Hellboy statue and busts and Frank Miller’s Marv bust, Randy Bowen created a mini bust based on The Goon  (Franky is coming next). How did you met? How was your  collaboration?

Eric Powell : I met him at the San Diego comic con. I was just going to tell him how much I enjoy his work. Turns out he was familiar with the character through the cover art and was interested in doing a bust.

Syntax : The “Franky bust” should be released in  september. Will your collaboration with Bowen Designs give birth to others busts  like “Zombie priest” or “Buzzard”? Can we hold our breath for a Goon full size  statue?

Eric Powell : We'll have to see. Nothing definite yet.

Syntax : On the official picture  from your web site Bio , we can see what seems to be a Buzzard statue. Could you  tell us more about it?

Eric Powell : Yeah, that was something I was playing around with. Just for my own amusement.

Syntax : Do you exert your skills in other art  forms than drawing ?  (painting, sculpture,...).

Eric Powell : I get bored very easily working in the same medium all the time. I try to mix it up and experiment. I think I enjoy oil painting the most.

Syntax : You were  at the SDCC that took place from the 14th to the 17th July. What impressions did  you get from it?

Eric Powell : IT'S BIG!!! It seems to keep getting bigger every year.

Syntax : you will attend the  Delcourt Festival in  Paris from the 16th to the 18th september (Bercy Village). Is it your first time  in France?

Eric Powell : Yes! I'm very excited.

Syntax : Will your French fans outside Paris see you signing  autographs in some comics shops during  your stay among us ?

Eric Powell : There will be other signings but I'm not sure of the details yet.

Syntax : Will you bring some lithographs  of yours in France ? Original drawings and sketches maybe?

Eric Powell : I'm sure I'll bring a few pieces with me.

 Syntax : You recently began to learn french. These 8 audio CD lessons… is it really  working ?

Eric Powell : HA! You really did your research! I am trying very hard to learn some French, but I have to admit it is not going too well. I thought it would be more courteous to try to learn to speak the language a little rather than asking everyone if they spoke English. 

Syntax : Except  France, do you plan to go to other european countries?

Eric Powell : I think there is a signing planned in Belgium.

- « The  Goon : Fancy Pants edition » will be released this october. Does your french  editor plan to release it here?

Eric Powell : I'm not sure. If the books that they have published already do well, it's a possibility.

Syntax : Any common points between you  and the Goon ? Some differences ?

Eric Powell : He punches people a lot more than I do.

Syntax : Regarding Franky : « any  ressemblance with living persons is purely coincidal” or is he inspired from a  relative? ... or yourself?

Eric Powell : There's probably more of Franky in me than I'd like to admit.

Syntax : After meeting Hellboy, will the Goon  cross the path of other heroes? (I’d love a Goon/Hulk  encounter).

Eric Powell : Probably not. I think I'm going to keep the crossovers to a minimum.

Syntax : Your “Marvel Monsters : Devil Dinosaur” is out soon.  Could you explain where the idea come from?

Eric Powell : Marvel offered the book to me. Being a Jack Kirby fan, I couldn't pass it up.

Syntax : After Milligan /  Allred on X-Statix, can we hope a Powell X-book?

Eric Powell : Nope.

Syntax : If Marvel gave  you the choice to draw a series, which one of their characters would you like to  do the most?

Eric Powell : Spiderman or the Hulk.

Syntax : In the future, which artists would you like to work  with ?

Eric Powell : I'd love to draw an Alan Moore story once.

Syntax : With this « comic books movies frenzy » nowadays, do you  wish a Goon movie?

Eric Powell : I wouldn't mind. It would help my book sales.

Syntax : Speaking of movies : Land of the dead (fourth  chapter of Romero’s cult saga) is scheduled in french theaters in August. Did  you see it?  Are you a Romero fan?

Eric Powell : Yes, I have seen it. And, yes, I am. It was OK. I didn't feel it was as strong as his other dead films.

Syntax : If I used my  teleportation belt device right now and if I choose to teleport in front of your  refrigerator… what would I see in it ?

Eric Powell : Milk, some soda. Pretty bare at the moment. I need to go shopping.

Thank you for your kind  answers. While waiting for your french visit in September, all the team is  joining me to congratulate you for your 2 Eisner Awards.


Thanks!!!!

July 2005

Interviewer : Syntax

Translator : Stephen Strange