As a big fan of the Roger Rabbit comics, I was very excited to get in touch with Gary Martin, a freelance comic book inker and writer whose career spans over twenty years. He’s worked for all the major companies, including Marvel, DC, Dark Horse, Image, and Disney - and on such titles as, Spider-man, Hulk, X-men, Batman, Star Wars, and Mickey Mouse. Gary is best known for his popular how-to books entitled, “The Art Of Comic Book Inking”, and his ink work with Steve Rude on the Moth and Nexus. Currently, Gary is writing an eight volume graphic novel series he created for Zondervan publishing called, “Son Of Samson”. Find out more about this talented artist, and why the Roger comic was cancelled.
ImNotBad.com:
Do you remember what inspired you to become an artist?
Gary Martin:
Comic books.
INB:
As a child, which Disney film did you like the most and why?
Gary:
Sorcerer’s Apprentice. Except for the dancing crocodiles, it captured my imagination.
INB:
What was some of your very first published works?
Gary:
I submitted several pieces to The Comics Journal back in the late 70’s. When they finally published one, it felt like winning the lottery.
INB:
What was your reaction to the Who Framed Roger Rabbit movie and its characters?
Gary:
I thought it was a great concept. And a terrific homage to Tex Avery and Chuck Jones.
INB:
How and when did you start working for Disney comics?
Gary:
I heard they were looking for artists, and I did an inking sample for them. They liked what I did, and sent me the cover to Chip & Dale’s Rescue Rangers #1 to ink. They needed it fast, so when the Fed Ex courier delivered the pencil art in the morning, I inked it and sent it back the same afternoon. The next day, they called and thanked me for the fast turnaround, and asked me what regular book I wanted to ink. Without hesitation I said, “Mickey Mouse”!
INB:
Can you explain a little about what you do?
Gary:
Inkers take the original pencil art and render the lines in ink, using a brush or crow-quill pens. This makes the line work much easier to reproduce. (If you’re interested in learning this process in depth, I recommend the how-to book, “The Art of Comic Book Inking” (plug-plug).
INB:
What were some of your favorite works for Disney comics and with the Roger Rabbit series?
Gary:
I’m very proud of the Mickey Mouse stories I worked on, and I loved the Roger Rabbit covers I inked. I can’t recall how many I did, but it was a bunch.
INB:
Do you know why the Roger series was cancelled?
Gary:
Sales. Disney doesn't play around when it comes to earning money.
INB:
In these past years, Jessica Rabbit gained in popularity through the pin collecting market. What do you think caused this this new found popularity and do you have any idea on how it may have started?
Gary:
Great characters take on a life of their own.
INB:
Do you think Jessica started the movement/popularity for more female collectible related merchandise - action figures, statues, etc - and leading to more sexy characters becoming the star of the show?
Gary:
She just put kerosene on a smoldering fire.
INB:
Do you think a comic series based solely around Jessica would have succeeded?
Gary:
I don’t know, but I would have loved to work on it!
INB:
What do you see in the future for the Jessica Rabbit character, especially if there is a sequel?
Gary:
More overripe costumed Jessicas at the Comic Con.
