Review Fix chats with comic book writer Martin Dunn, who discusses his new series “A Time to Die From Hashtag Comics. Breaking down his experience with artist John Rivett, as well as what he read as a child and how it influenced the series, Dun gives us a behind the scenes look at the nifty indie comic series.
Review Fix: What did you read as a kid? How do you think it influenced this story?
Martin Dunn: As a kid? I was a big Stephen King fan, I still am. I read a lot of stuff… Not really sure what it matters as a “kid”, but I read a lot of horror stuff. I’m also a huge fan of the Post-Apocalyptic genre. It’s possibly my favorite genre out there. I’ve read everything from Walking Dead, to Wool, to the recent Mad Max comics. I’m a giant fan of Romero films, and I have played every Resident Evil, Dead Rising, and Fallout game I can get my hands on.
Review Fix: What makes “A Time to Die” Special?
Martin Dunn: I think it’s different. It’s a story that holds no secrets. You know getting in that you can’t get emotionally attached to the characters, yet my challenge as the writer is to make you find attachment to them. A lot of this genre is about shock and awe, I am trying to give you real people, with real reactions, dealing with an insane scenario. Everyone I know has a “zombie apocalypse” plan, but plans are made to go awry. This series covers so many facets of that, you get humanity on the whim, with no plan. You get zombies who become recognizable, and you get gore… lots of gore.
Review Fix: What was it like to work with John Rivett?
Martin Dunn: Working with John has been awesome. I’ve been wanting to work with him for a while on something, he and I frequent the same shows and events. So we always end up talking comics, and art. I think John brings a whole new flavor to the book. The thing is, and I don’t even think John knows this, but his style is MADE for horror comics. He has the potential to be the next Templesmith. I think John’s work on the Army of Darkness covers is what drew me to that conclusion, but it has never been more apparent as when I saw the first few pages of “A Time to Die”.
Review Fix: What’s next?
Martin Dunn: I’m always working on something. Hashtag Comics-wise, I have no idea. I have a creator-owned series that I made a deal with them to publish that I’d like to work on. It will be shocking for readers who only know me for this companies work as it’s actually a #kids book. However, I think it’s something that fits better in an adventure or all-ages concept. It’s a lot of fun. My other work right now, I’d say is focused on the second arc of ‘Joshua Black’, and I’m working heavily on my web comic #IFightGhosts.
Review Fix: Anything else you’d like to add?
Martin Dunn: Pre-Order comics! We are blessed to be able to make these stories happen and it isn’t just hyperbole when I say that it is only because of the fans that we can make these comics. If you love our work, don’t hold out for Trades, buy the comics. Tell you comic shops to buy tons of them. Tell your friends! Indie Comics lifeblood is in that of it’s fans.
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