Couple of Questions for Ron

[Briareos]

Read your interview about Crossgen and Witchblade you did a few months ago. Have you heard about Kandora Publishing? They are kinda doing what you suggested Genre books that aren't tied together in a "Universe".

On Samurai what resources did you use to research the background for the story?

And how did you get here anyways? (How did you break into comic writing?)

[JamesSchee]

Just dropping in to let you, and everyone, know that Ron isn't ignoring anyone. He's in the proccess of moving and likely won't be back online for at least a few more days.

James

[Ron Marz]

Sorry for the delay in answering. Moving's not much fun at any time ... and a move of 1,500 miles especially so. Bit of advice -- stay off the steep roads in the Blue Ridge Mountains during driving rain storms, complete with obscuring fog. At least it's over. Anyway...

I picked up Kandora's first issue, the Arab pirates book. I was, truthfully, underwhelmed. The art was pretty uneven -- a gorgeous panel right next to an amateurish one. It seemed pretty evident it was a studio churning out pages, and there was a range of quality. However, I wish Kandora luck. The industry needs MUCH more than this steady diet of super-hero books, and I think there's room for quality genre material. Emphasis on quality.

I've used a bunch of different research material for Samurai, everything from books to films to online reference. Amazon.com has sold me a bunch of samurai material, both non-fiction and novels. And, of course, there are some terrific samurai manga that are inspirational, with Lone Wolf and Cub at the top of the list. I'd give you a list, but most of it is in storage.

And I broke into comic writing through my friend Jim Starlin. He showed me the ropes, and ushered in the door at Marvel 15 years ago. I am forever grateful.