New Reviews of Comics and More!

We’re back with our weekly comic book reviews! This week, we review Archie #627 (Archie Meets MISS Part 1), Angel & Faith #4, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #4, and the Classic Marvel Characters: Iron Man figure.

Check out our video below. MILD SPOILER ALERT! We’ll avoid any big spoilers, but we will give out a few details as we go. So were these comics and items Box-Worthy, Fence-Worthy, or NOT Worthy? Listen to our opinions and then post your own below.

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What did you think of these titles? What should we review next week? Post your comments below!

Dark Horse Month is coming to close, but no worries: we still have a few great interviews for you! Up next: an interview with Eisner Award-nominated writer Brian Wood, who–along with his longtime creative partner, Becky Cloonan–is taking on Conan the Barbarian, a 25-issue adaptation of one of Conan‘s most popular short stories: “Queen of the Black Coast,” depicting a younger, less experienced Conan.

Wood told us how be became involved in the project, his special working relationship with Cloonan, and his next project for Dark Horse, The Massive, which debuts in Dark Horse Presents #8! Plus, enjoy an exclusive preview of both Conan the Barbarian #1 and The Massive from Dark Horse Presents #8.

TFAW.com: You’ve been exclusive to DC Comics for several years now–what made you decide to take on a project at Dark Horse?

Brian Wood: Five years, yeah, which is kind of an eternity, or feels like one, considering that’s about a third of my entire career. So I was really looking to branch out, be a real free agent again, do some projects that just weren’t possible at DC. I was also closing out two multi-year monthly books, so the timing in that respect seemed right.

I really like Dark Horse . . . I always have, and I have a few friends there. Sierra Hahn, my editor on The Massive, had been trying to bring me over for years, but the timing was always off. She would approach me a week after I re-signed at DC, something like that. But she persisted, and I wouldn’t be writing for Dark Horse if she hadn’t.

TFAW.com: Why Conan, and why now?

BW: It was offered to me, plain and simple. And that was flattering, and the details of the job were flattering as well, to take this beloved short story and adapt it over the course of 25 issues . . . it was clear Dark Horse had a lot of faith in me, and was willing to make me this great offer and throw their lot in with me, just as I was ready to do with them. And while Conan was probably not something I think I would have pitched for on my own, it’s proving to be a really good fit.

TFAW.com: How is Conan going to be different, with you and Becky as the creative team?

BW: That’s hard to pin down, to describe into words. I think if anyone is familiar with the past work I’ve done with Becky, you’ll probably have an idea. Becky’s work is very fluid, the characters are incredibly expressive, and she has this great way to bringing a sorta lyrical sense to things without for one minute making anything seem unrealistic or goofy.

It’s a really good fit for this version of Conan, this younger, happier, much more human iteration of him, rather than the older, more hardened battle-scarred warrior. And the human thing is what I’m bringing to the table, trying to forget every stereotype I ever came across about barbarians and Conan and the like, just as I did with vikings in my Northlanders series, and dig deeper and explore the humanity in it all.

TFAW.com: Dark Horse mentioned that “Queen of the Black Coast” is the most-requested Conan adaptation. What is it that readers love about this story?

BW: It’s the story of Conan’s first love. It’s a dark and tragic love story, and its exciting and sexy all at the same time. It’s such a vital point in Conan’s life, and I think it changed the man, had ramifications all throughout the rest of his life, like all first true loves tend to do. As far out there as it can get, its still relatable in that respect.

TFAW.com: Has Conan met his match in pirate queen Belit?

BW: I think its safe to say, yeah. And then some. She has his head spinning pretty much from the get-go, as well as his life in her hands.

TFAW.com: What are the essential elements to a good Conan story, in your opinion?

BW: What I’m interested in doing with this book–and this is what I think works–is bringing to life the world of Conan. Literally, physically, putting a real emphasis on the locations, the cities, the landscapes. I refer to a map constantly as I write. I do a lot of research into what these fictional cities probably looked like. It’s such a rich and realized world, I want to show everyone that.

I also want to write a Conan that lives up to the famous “mirth and melancholoies” quote, not a one-dimensional barbarian, but a real person with ups and downs, victories and failures, and who figures things out as he goes, especially with this younger Conan, as he is in the source material. So, all that, a lot of great sword fights and battle scenes, interesting secondary characters, and hitting just the right note with the dialogue, the tone and phrasing. And being careful not to write “Crom!” too much (I’m guilty of that!)

TFAW.com: What’s surprised you the most about working on Conan?

BW: How easy it would be . . . not in the sense that I don’t have to try hard or anything like that, but that its such a good fit. It’s loads of fun to write, the adaptation process was smooth and a lot more creatively rewarding than the term “adaptation” might suggest. It’s more “me” than I would have thought, and that’s great on a lot of different levels, one of which being I can bring my existing audience to this book, an audience that by and large probably doesn’t read Conan.

TFAW.com: You and Becky Cloonan have also teamed up on DEMO Volumes 1 and 2. What’s your working relationship like now?

BW: At NYCC, we did an interview together that had us, literally, answering each others sentences. Which is pretty cheesy, I know, but we do have this terrific working relationship that is based on mutual respect, total trust in the skills of the other, and the wisdom to stay out of each other’s hair. That last bit is possibly the most important–Becky is so good at her job I’m not going to try to direct her, or otherwise guide her hand. It’s been 10 years and counting of working together, no fights, no blowouts. Everyone should be so lucky!

TFAW.com: What else are you excited about right now?

BW: My other Dark Horse book, The Massive, which is a creator-owned book about environmentalists lost at sea in the middle of the end of the world. I’m taking a hard look at everything good and bad I’ve done in past projects and pouring everything that worked into this one. It’s a great challenge, and I love a great challenge.

Our thanks to Brian Woods for an insightful interview. Make sure to pre-order the new Conan the Barbarian comics and Dark Horse Presents #8 right here at TFAW and save 20%!

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Are you impressed that we didn’t use “Crom” in our interview? Oh wait . . . Are you psyched for Conan the Barbarian? Post your comments below!

What could be better than sweet, furry animals who become friends and allies–so that they can guard their neighborhood against supernatural creatures, ghosts, and other horrific happenings? When Evan Dorkin and Jill Thompson’s amazing Beasts of Burden got its own miniseries in 2009, horror fans cheered in delight. Now they’re back again with a series of stories in Dark Horse Presents, including the brand-new #6!

As part of Dark Horse Month, we interviewed writer Evan Dorkin about the past and future of Beasts of Burden, as well as the Milk and Cheese: Dairy Products Gone Bad hardcover, collecting “every single stupid Milk and Cheese comic ever made from 1989 to 2010.” Have these toxic dairy products mellowed since their last appearance in MySpace Dark Horse Presents? Read on to learn more, plus enjoy previews of DHP #6 and Milk and Cheese!

(Psst! Many of the books we talk about in this interview are currently 70% off–and will be 80% off starting 11/25! Sale ends 11/30.)

TFAW.com: When I first saw Beasts of Burden, it was totally unlike anything I had ever seen–was it a kids book? A horror book? Where did the initial idea come from, and how did it develop?

Evan Dorkin: Back in 2003 Scott Allie was putting together the Dark Horse Book of Hauntings anthology and asked me to contribute a script to it. After kicking around some haunted house ideas, I came up with an idea for a story called “Stray” about a haunted dog house. The plot fell into place pretty easily and I had Jill’s art in mind while working it out. I love Jill’s work, we’ve known each other for years, and I was very happy that she agreed to work with me on the story. “Stray” was supposed to be a one-off story, there was no plan to continue it any further, but one thing led to another and we ended up doing three follow-up stories with the characters, which led to a miniseries in 2009.

As far as what Beasts of Burden is, I consider it a horror series first and foremost, but it has fantasy, humor, and romance elements as well. It’s like a dark storybook for kids and adults.

TFAW.com: In my mind, Pugsly is definitely the breakout star. Do you have a favorite character?

EV: I’m partial to the Orphan because he’s based on my cat, Crushy, who died earlier this year. And while I love dogs, I’ve never owned one. Pugs is definitely the most fun character to write, and readers have really responded well to him. We have Jill to thank for him being in the book, when we first discussed “Stray” she asked me to have one of the dogs be a pug. He’s turned out to be a really crucial character, he balances the book out, being our cynic and big mouth. I know it sounds corny, but I honestly love all the characters, they mean a lot to me, and it’s hard not to love a bunch of dogs and cats, especially the way Jill paints them.

TFAW.com: What can fans expect from your Beasts story in DHP #6?

EV: The story goes into some of the early history of the Wise Dog Society. The bulk of it takes place in medieval England, and I think it’s a nice change of pace for the series. There’s also a story-within-a-story, so we get a lot done in eight pages. I wanted the three DHP stories to be complete, but still give readers more information about the characters and their world that moves the overall narrative forward. It’s something we try to do with every story.

TFAW.com: Is Beasts going to continue in DHP? Do you have another miniseries in the works?

EV: We have a third story finished for DHP, which I thought would be scheduled for #8, but it’s not in the book’s solicitation. I assume it’ll run in #9. I hope it will. Beyond that, there will be more Beasts stories as soon as schedules allow. Fingers crossed.

TFAW.com: The Hellboy/Beasts of Burden one-shot was so fantastic–Hellboy really meshed well with the Wise Dogs Society. What other comic book characters do you wish would “visit” Beasts of Burden?

EV: I can’t think of anyone. I was originally against the idea of the Hellboy crossover because I didn’t think it would work. Because I’m dumb. That being said, I would have liked to do a story showing what happened when Lobster Johnson was “fetched” by the Wise Dogs in the ’30s, as alluded to in the end of the Hellboy comic. But I was the only one into that idea. These things happen.

TFAW.com: For fans who know you from Milk and Cheese, this is quite a departure for you. What attracted you to Beasts?

EV: I’ve always wanted to work on horror comics, my two favorite genres are humor and horror, but I never felt confident enough to pitch any of my horror ideas to anyone. Scott knew I was into horror stuff–I’d done a Hellboy: Weird Tales story for him, and that may be what led to him asking me to contribute to the Book of Hauntings. People who only know my humor work see Beasts as a departure, but I’ve written non-humor material before, I wrote Predator and Mask comics for Dark Horse, I’ve done a few straight superhero jobs for Marvel and DC, and my wife Sarah [Dyer] and I wrote for the Superman and Batman Beyond animated shows. Beasts is the first creator-owned project I’ve done that wasn’t a humor book, and I guess the first non-humor project of mine that anyone’s really supported, so I guess it comes as a surprise to some people that the dogs aren’t drunks who curse at everything.

TFAW.com: This has been bugging me since DHP #4: is Rex’s owner, who doesn’t seem to be a responsible pet owner, going to get his?

EV: The subject of Rex’s owner will be returned to at some point down the line.

TFAW.com: You created stories years ago for the first volume of DHP, with Milk and Cheese and Hectic Planet. What’s it like returning for volume two?

EV: This is actually the third version of Dark Horse Presents, I did a Milk and Cheese strip for MySpace Dark Horse Presents, the online version. I’m very happy to be in DHP, I’m happy that DHP‘s back, and I’m happy there’s an anthology around that wants me to do stories for them and has a budget of some sort. Anthologies were my meat back in the ’90s. I’m a short-story guy, and there’s been no real paying venue for my stuff for some time, so DHP‘s return has been very welcome.

TFAW.com: What do you enjoy most about the short-story format? What does it offer that a serialized story doesn’t?

EV: I like short stories because I feel I can control them–I can figure out what goes where and how it ends, tie it up and move on. I don’t have a lot of confidence in my ability to write longer pieces, I worry I’m going to lose the threads of the narrative and it’ll just be a mess. Or that there isn’t enough material to support a longer piece. That being said, I really do like the short-story format, in prose and comics. I like anthologies, I miss the days when there was more of a market for them.

TFAW.com: In addition to DHP, you also have the massive Milk and Cheese: Dairy Products Gone Bad hardcover coming out. How involved were you in putting together this collection?

EV: Sarah and I were very much involved, Sarah in fact did a tremendous amount of work on the book. It was a very difficult and labor-intensive process, because the bulk of the Milk and Cheese material was pre-digital, and I don’t have a lot of the artwork for the early issues. It was a real haul to find the best sources for some of the strips and pin-ups. Sarah did a lot of corrective work herself, and I re-lettered and drew patches for a number of strips that needed propping up.

We worked out the page order and the back-up sections, we designed the front cover, and I wrote the solicitation. I’d say Sarah spent a few months on this book working with Scott, and especially Daniel Chabon, at Dark Horse, who in turn worked with Dark Horse’s production department to make this the best book possible. I’m very pleased with the results and we’re all very, very happy we’re done working on it.

TFAW.com: Did you discover any stories that you had forgotten about?

EV: The only surprise I had going through the comics was that the early artwork was even worse than I remembered, and there are a few side jokes and bits of business that I repeated more often than I’d remembered. By the way, there are no stories in the book. There’s just stuff that happens.

TFAW.com: How have Milk and Cheese grown as characters since 1989? Are they kinder, gentler dairy products of destruction?

EV: They’ve only gotten worse over time. They’re very frustrated that they haven’t become licensed cartoon stars and pissed off about the rising cost of beer and cable.

TFAW.com: The solicitation copy mentions new Milk and Cheese stories are coming up in DHP–when will they debut?

EV: I assume they’re running next year. I’ve finished up the first one, which Sarah is coloring. We should have a full announcement on what I’m doing next for DHP sometime soon.

Our thanks to Evan Dorkin for his speedy response to our interview questions. Make sure to check out DHP and Milk and Cheese: Dairy Products Gone Bad now!

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Did the Milk and Cheese previews make you flashback to the ’90s, too? Are you excited for more Beasts of Burden? Post your comments below!

New Reviews of Comics and More!

We’re back with our weekly comic book reviews! This week, we review Fantastic Four #600, Batman: The Dark Knight #3, Milk and Cheese: Dairy Products Gone Bad HC, and the Blackest Night Action Figure Box Set, plus we share more details from our upcoming Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals!

Check out our video below. MILD SPOILER ALERT! We’ll avoid any big spoilers, but we will give out a few details as we go. So were these comics and items Box-Worthy, Fence-Worthy, or NOT Worthy? Listen to our opinions and then post your own below.

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What did you think of these titles? What should we review next week? Post your comments below!

Cyber Monday is November 28, and we’ve got some exciting news you’ll love: in addition to 80% savings on sale items and amazing doorbusters, we’re teaming up with Dark Horse Digital to give you an exciting bundle of digital comics for free! Any customer who spends $100 or more at TFAW.com on Monday, November 28 (12:01 a.m. to 11:50 p.m. PST) will receive a coupon code for six of Dark Horse Digital’s most popular titles, a $10 value.

Titles included in this special offer are Star Wars: The Old Republic #1, Buffy the Vampire Slayer Season 8 #1, Serenity: Float Out, The Guild #1, Mass Effect Evolution #1, and Hellboy: The Fury #1!

Customers who spend $100 or more (not including shipping and handling fees) on Cyber Monday will be contacted via email within 48 hours with their special coupon codes! Note: In order to claim your prize and to start reading your comics, you will need to have a Dark Horse Digital account. Visit them today and set up a free account! No substitutions or exchanges are available.

We’ve got incredible Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals in the works for you: remember to follow us on Twitter and “Like” us on Facebook for up-to-the-minute updates, and have a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday.

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Who is the winner of a page of original artwork from Who Is Jake Ellis?, by Nathan Edmondson and Tonci Zonjic? Through a special promotion with Image Comics, we were able to award this special prize to Caleb from New Mexico, who pre-ordered Who Is Jake Ellis? TPB Vol. 01 from us–congratulations!

If you haven’t had a chance to read Who Is Jake Ellis?, you can still pick up TPB Vol. 01 right here at TFAW.com. Called “a modern noir package that is not to be missed” by Newsarama, this stark action-adventure tale centers on Jon Moore, a mercenary spy on the run who is protected by the mysterious Jake Ellis, a man invisible to everyone–except Jon!

Want to stay up-to-date on all of our awesome contests and promotions? Make sure to sign up for the TFAW newsletter, a weekly blast of the coolest comics, products, and events. You can also follow us on Twitter and “Like” us on Facebook for up-to-the-minute updates, photos, and more.

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Plus: stay tuned for an excellent interview with Nathan Edmondson early next month: we’ll quiz him on Grifter and his upcoming series from Image, Activity! Have a question for him? Post it below!

It’s time for a house call from Witch Doctor! We’re pleased to announce a signing for Witch Doctor TPB Volume 1 with local creators Brandon Seifert and Lukas Ketner December 14 at the Hollywood TFAW at 4133 NE Sandy Blvd. Portland, Oregon. Stop by, say hello, and purchase copies of the book from 7 to 10 p.m., while enjoying complimentary food and beer (21+, with valid ID).

Meet Vincent Morrow, a doctor looking for a vaccine . . . for the apocalypse! In this debut series from Robert Kirkman’s Skybound imprint at Image Comics, Dr. Morrow encounters medical horrors that include demonic possession, an infestation of Cuckoo Faeries, an epidemic that’s turning people into fish-people, and . . . a magical malpractice hearing?!?

Make sure to stop by the Hollywood TFAW December 14 to pick up your copy of Witch Doctor TPB Volume 1, described by Fangoria magazine as “Loaded with fresh wit and originality” and named “my favorite miniseries of the year” by Ain’t It Cool News!

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Have you made an appointment with Witch Doctor yet? Are you heading to the signing? Post your comments below.

TFAW Interviews Dark Horse’s Mike Richardson!

For our latest Dark Horse Month interview, we went straight to the top and chatted with Dark Horse Comics Founder and President Mike Richardson! Richardson–who, in addition to helming the nation’s largest independent comic book company, is an accomplished comic book writer in his own right–told us why now was the right time to return to Star Wars: Crimson Empire. He also let us know his favorite Star Wars era, and filled us in on some of his proudest moments during Dark Horse’s 25 years of creating awesome comics.

Check out our video interview with him, below:

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Shockwaves rocked the Buffy universe in August 2010 when it was announced that Angel, then at IDW Publishing, would return to Dark Horse Comics, home of Joss Whedon’s other properties, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Serenity, and Dollhouse. Some fans of IDW’s interpretation were wary, especially when they discovered that Angel would be paired with Slayer Faith Lehane instead of original show characters like Gunn, Illyria, and Connor–and after the events of Buffy Season 8, everyone was wondering how Angel could possibly come back from killing fan-favorite Giles.

Fortunately, the creative team of writer Christos Gage (Avengers Academy) and artist Rebekah Isaacs (DV8) knocked it out of the park when Angel & Faith debuted in August 2011. Focusing on the close-yet-sometimes prickly relationship between Angel and Faith, relocating them to England, and giving Angel a shocking goal (bringing Giles back to life), Angel & Faith has been an action-packed exploration of two fascinating characters grappling with redemption, responsibility, and hope.

We caught up with Gage and Isaacs as part of Dark Horse Month. Check out our interview, below, and enjoy an exclusive three-page preview of Angel & Faith #4!

TFAW.com: We interviewed you both shortly after you were announced as the writer and artist for Angel & Faith. How do you feel after getting several issues under your belts?

Christos Gage: I feel better about each issue than the last. The downside is I feel like I didn’t do a very good job on the first few. I think I hit more of a comfort zone with #5. I think Rebekah started great and has only gotten better, and Dan (our colorist) has been aces from the word go. I’m really happy people seem to like it.

Rebekah Isaacs: Much less anxious about my two greatest worries at the time: likenesses and whether I’d be accepted by fans. Everyone I’ve met or heard from has been so welcoming and enthusiastic! I love meeting Buffy/Angel fans at cons now and hearing their viewpoints on the storyline.

TFAW.com: What’s surprised you the most about taking on Angel & Faith?

RI: How many hardcore Faith fans there are out there! It’s great that we got to do this series because she’s a character that hasn’t really gotten her due until now. I love that we’ve been able to make those fans that have been waiting for a starring role for Faith since “No Future For You” happy.

CG: Honestly? That there haven’t been more people angry at me. I got a lot of warnings–mostly from the Whedonites themselves–that they are a passionate bunch. It was actually really sweet; it’s like they were saying, “Listen, I may be cursing you out later but please don’t take it personally.” But so far everyone’s seemed pretty pleased with the book and they’re being very kind to me.

TFAW.com: Christos, as you know, Angel has a lot of very dedicated, very vocal fans–many of whom weren’t happy about the prospect of an Angel comic without Gunn, Illyria, and the other regulars from the TV show and IDW comics. Do you think you’ve won them over?

CG: I don’t know, I hope so. As I’ve said before, Joss called dibs on Illyria pretty quick in the story summit; he has plans for her. And you will see various supporting characters pop up from time to time–Harmony, Clem, Drusilla, Connor. But this was always going to be a very Angel and Faith-focused book. I think the readers understand that, given where they are right now, their journey does not call for a big ensemble cast. And that Season 10 may well be a whole different thing.

TFAW.com: One thing that strikes me about your writing is how spot-on Angel and Faith’s voices are–they’re recognizable right off the bat without being overly hammy or catchphrase-y. How do you achieve that?

CG: Thanks! I just watch the shows. When you absorb 12 years of TV in a year or so, it leaves an impression, especially when the voices are as distinctive as Joss’ characters tend to be. I also have to give credit to editorial; they’ve had a lot of experience with these characters, and Scott will always tell me when Faith gets a little too talky, for instance, which is a risk when you take someone who’s mostly been a supporting character and make them a lead.

I’m flattered that people think I’m doing a good job and wish I could better articulate how I approach it; I guess it’s just something I’m used to. My wife and I have written TV before, and in TV, unless you create the show, your job is to identify and be true to voices someone else established. That’s all I’m doing here; it’s no different than doing it for Law & Order: SVU, for example. You pay close attention to what’s been done and try to do be true to it. I guess it’s a lot like, say, if your best friend said something that didn’t sound like them, you’d know it. If I write a line that doesn’t sound like Angel, it’s usually pretty glaring.

TFAW.com: I’m really loving the relationship between Angel and Faith right now. How do you feel about them as a duo?

CG: I think they’re great. These are two people who have been through a lot, and helped each other through a lot. They’re flawed, they’ve hurt people, they’ve hurt themselves . . . they’ve hit rock bottom, and they’ve worked hard to come back. And their roles in the relationship have almost come full circle–with Faith now the strong one–which I think is very cool.

TFAW.com: I’m sure many, many readers are wondering: are they going to become a romantic duo? Do you see that in their future?

CG: I’m gonna resort to the ever popular “keep reading!” But I do want to say that I really dig the fact that these are two attractive young heterosexual people of the opposite sex and yet their relationship is very deep, meaningful and complex while not having anything to do with sex and/or romance. Not to say that it couldn’t at some point, but even if it went there, that wouldn’t be the sum total of the relationship. Which I think shows how strong they are as characters . . . it’s not about “will they or won’t they.” There’s so much more to them.

TFAW.com: Faith’s in a really interesting place right now–in many ways, she has a lot of the things Buffy used to have: the support of Giles (in the form of most of his worldly possessions), a mentor relationship with the other Slayers, and a close relationship with Angel. Do you think Faith sees it that way?

CG: I think Faith sees it much less that way than other people might. She’s just now coming to grips with the idea of being the responsible one. But ultimately she’s not Buffy, and things are not going to unfold for Faith the way they would for her; Faith will make different choices, for good or ill.

TFAW.com: She’s also balancing a lot of lies and secrets–with the best of intentions, of course. Is this part of her growing up? Is it a mistake?

CG: Faith has always been someone who wouldn’t hesitate to play a little fast and loose with the truth. She’s a lot better than she used to be–as you mention, she wouldn’t lie to hurt people any more, or purely out of self-interest; it’s to help or protect others. But all lies create the potential for complications, and some may well be coming.

TFAW.com: Can Nadira and the other Slayers ever forgive Angel? What could he do to redeem himself in their eyes?

CG: That’s a good question. A very good question. Stay tuned.

TFAW.com: What about in his own eyes? Does Angel consider himself beyond redemption? What’s your opinion?

CG: I think Angel said at one point in his show that nothing he ever does can make up for what he did as Angelus . . . some acts are so horrible you can’t atone for them. So clearly, in that sense, Angel feels he is beyond redemption; I think he accepted that and planned to spend the rest of his existence doing good as a way to not erase, but maybe counterbalance the evil he had done. What’s different now is that he is trying to atone for things he did as Angel. He didn’t choose to be made a vampire; he did choose to be Twilight, even if he wasn’t always in total control of himself.

That’s why he’s so obsessive about bringing Giles back . . . it’s a microcosm of the wrong he’s done as Angel. For me, I think he is redeemable. Nothing will ever erase his wrongs, but if he dedicates himself to doing the right thing long enough, I think the scales can be balanced . . . they probably already have been. I think he’s a good man. But good luck convincing Angel of that.

TFAW.com: The huge game changer in the Buffy universe has been the destruction of magic, which keeps resulting in unexpected repercussions over and over again. How on earth can Angel think that NOW’S the right time to bring Giles back–something that was considered impossible before the Seed was destroyed?

CG: Well, Giles wasn’t dead before the Seed was destroyed. Angel just can’t live with the fact that he killed Giles . . . this man who meant everything to the woman he loves, this man who forgave him even after Angelus killed Jenny Calendar, who Giles loved. It doesn’t matter what’s going on in the world, Angel is going to try to bring him back, come hell or high water . . . or both. Is he thinking calmly and rationally? No. Does he have any reason at all to think he can actually do it? Yes . . . and wait until you see what that is.

TFAW.com: Rebekah, I’m loving your art more and more with each issue! How are you enjoying the job?

RI: It’s been amazing. Every issue new designs and set pieces to sink my teeth into–my favorites have been the demon fight club, Kurth, and Alastair’s house. I was so excited to find out I’d be drawing Drusilla, and I love Victorian clothing, so it was really fun to design a dress for her first scene. (Although Steve painted her in such a lovely gown for #7 that I had to copy it for her second change of clothes in that issue.) There’s always something surprising and challenging to keep me on my toes artistically in every issue.

TFAW.com: What’s the most difficult aspect of drawing Angel & Faith?

RI: I never thought I’d say this back in April, but the likenesses are no longer the biggest challenge. Lately it’s been making the environments rich and detailed enough to feel realistic, especially with the London street scenes. I found out there’s a huge Buffy fanbase in the UK and I wanna make ‘em proud! When I visited London a few months ago I took tons of photo reference all around the city and I’ve been using it religiously. It’s time-consuming, but so worth it. Even if readers have never been to London, having unique details in backgrounds makes the whole experience feel more genuine.

TFAW.com: How often do you use references for likenesses now?

RI: I’ll sometimes pull up reference for covers, but for interiors I try to avoid it entirely now. I find it screws with my head after drawing the faces from memory for so long; I focus too much on the details and not enough on the big picture. I’m certainly still conscious of the eternal need for improvement, though. When I watch an episode, pass by our DVD shelves, or see a screencap online I take a second and examine it really closely and try to take away one feature that I can draw a little different to make it more accurate next time. It’s definitely easier for me now, but it’s ultimately up to the readers whether I’m getting it right!

TFAW.com: Any other characters/actors from the television show that you’re–ahem–practicing drawing right now?

RI: I’ve drawn about a dozen pages of Dru now, and I’m getting geared up to draw another major player from Angel’s life soon!

TFAW.com: The new “big bads,” Nash and Pearl, are gorgeous–and terrifying! How did you come up with the design for them?

RI: I was only told their powers and that they should look otherworldly or alien-like. I’m a huge Bowie fan and I immediately thought of the Thin White Duke era and his look in The Man Who Fell to Earth. For Pearl I used Lady Gaga and Karen O. from the Yeah Yeah Yeahs as a starting point. I have a weakness for clothes that I could never pull off myself, so I love designing outfits for these spoiled psychopaths who’ve styled themselves as demon royalty.

TFAW.com: There are a lot of fight scenes for you to draw in Angel & Faith. I really enjoy the sense of motion I get from your pages–how do you create that?

RI: Good karma and lots of desperate prayers before drawing them, I guess! I like to cheat a little by giving everyone hair and clothes that move with them. If only I could give Angel his old Angelus hair back . . .

TFAW.com: What’s been more difficult: drawing a comic set in another country, or drawing the demons?

RI: Definitely drawing a foreign country. When you live in a city, I think you get a sixth sense for how it feels; even if a scene is 90% right, there might be some essence that’s missing that only a native would pick up on. It’s like how a New Yorker can always tell when a movie’s set in NYC but shot in Toronto. Because I’ve never lived in London, I’m not sure I’ll ever be able to convey that mood perfectly, but it’s been fun to try! Getting reference firsthand has been invaluable, though. I’d be totally lost if it was still just me and Google Images.

TFAW.com: What’s your process like for creating covers?

RI: I’ll email the editorial team and Chris, and they’ll suggest one or two concepts they’d like to see that tie into the issue. Sometimes it’s deliberately vague if the issue is still being revised, or we don’t want to reveal spoilers, but lately I’ve been drawing specific scenes. I’ll do three to five tiny sketches from those concepts, and they’ll vote on which one they like best. I get pencils revised before moving to inks because I’ll often think of new elements to add after the sketch stage.

TFAW.com: How have you liked working with Dark Horse?

RI: They’ve been so incredible. I think the only person who knows this universe better than these guys is Joss himself!

Our thanks to Christos and Rebekah for giving us some extra insight into Angel & Faith! You can find all of their Angel & Faith comics right here at TFAW and save 10-20%.

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New Reviews of Comics and More!

We’re back with our weekly comic book reviews! This week, we review Incredible Hulk #2, Nightwing #3 , Red Hood and the Outlaws #3, Ghostbusters #3, Valve: The Sacrifice and Other Steam-Powered Stories HC, and the Iron Man Armored Avenger Black Widow Model Kit!

Check out our video below. MILD SPOILER ALERT! We’ll avoid any big spoilers, but we will give out a few details as we go. So were these comics and items Box-Worthy, Fence-Worthy, or NOT Worthy? Listen to our opinions and then post your own below.

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