CBR: In-Depth with Mark Schultz

[CBR News]

The veteran writer and illustrator talks to CBR about his new projects, returning to
"Xenozoic Tales," writing Namor and Prince Valiant, the influence of Al
Williamson, and rethinking his artistic approach from the ground up.


Full article here.

[rorshach1982]

The veteran writer and illustrator talks to CBR about his new projects, returning to
"Xenozoic Tales," writing Namor and Prince Valiant, the influence of Al
Williamson, and rethinking his artistic approach from the ground up.


Full article here.

I've met Mark several times and he is as generous and kind a man as you'll ever meet. And I've never enjoyed talking comics with a creator more. He actually turned me on to Wally Wood's work. I recommend picking up The Compleat Steve Canon for a great example of his influences.

[Jeff Parker]

Will someone please bankroll a new Xenozoic book so I can read it again? And make me the editor too so I don't have to wait to see new pages, thanks.

[starwarp]

I'm sure it's just an oversight on Mr. Schultz's part that he neglected to mention that it was Howard Zimmerman, the president of book-packaging company Z-File Inc., who brought the concept for "Stuff of Life," and its alien narrator, to him to develop as a graphic novel.

It happens. Hill and Wang's publisher, Thomas Lebien, also forgot to mention that it was Howard and Z-File that's providing the upcoming graphic novel adaptations of Fahrenheit 451, The Martian Chronicles, and Something Wicked This Way Comes.

I guess book packaging is still considered publishing's silent partner--and a mystery to the general reading public--but, y'know, Mr. Schultz, credit where credit's due...

[Endless Flight]

I love Mark's Conan drawings that he did for The Coming of Conan the Cimmerian. It just makes reading the book that much more enjoyable.

[aldueben]

Mark is indeed one of the nicest, most talented people you'll meet in comics and I'm glad I'm far from alone in waiting patiently (and sometimes impatiently) for more Xenozoic Tales.

Jeff - I'll either edit it with you or I'll fight you for the job.

"I'm sure it's just an oversight on Mr. Schultz's part that he neglected to mention that it was Howard Zimmerman, the president of book-packaging company Z-File Inc., who brought the concept for "Stuff of Life," and its alien narrator, to him to develop as a graphic novel."

It wasn't an oversight at all. Mark and I had a very long conversation. He was generous with his time and we went off on many tangents and while most of the conversation was printed, a lot had to be cut for space reasons. He did give credit to Zimmerman for coming up with the idea of doing a graphic novel, selling Hill and Wang on the idea, recruiting Mark for it and serving as the book's de facto editor. If you read through the interview again you'll see that in order to spend less time dealing with the business/packaging/selling aspect of the book and to talk more about Mark and his role, that part was edited and that he never claims credit for anything Zimmerman did, it's just not mentioned. I agree that packaging is one of those things that most people don't know about but to be honest, I also don't necessarily care. I think there's a time and a place and a setting to discuss the business of books/movies/etc and all that's involved but interviews with creators isn't necessarily that place. This wasn't about the business aspects of book packaging or on the selling of Stuff of Life, the focus was on Mark and the creative decisions made in putting the book together. I'll be happy to accept any criticism for any shortcomings in the article, but in no way should Mark be seen as taking undue credit for anything.

"It happens. Hill and Wang's publisher, Thomas Lebien, also forgot to mention that it was Howard and Z-File that's providing the upcoming graphic novel adaptations of Fahrenheit 451, The Martian Chronicles, and Something Wicked This Way Comes."

I have no idea what interview you're referring to, so I obviously can't comment, but you very clearly know your stuff.