Independent titles are collector's gold, and writer/artist Bryan SilverBax sat down with GoCollect to discuss his latest creation, Loggerhead: Bloody Bayou.
RISE OF THE INDEPENDENTS
The independent scene has been bustling in recent years. It is argued that the indy boom began back in 1984 with Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. In recent memory, The Walking Dead cast a spotlight on non-mainstream titles when the AMC series premiered a decade ago, launching a franchise that as yet to be duplicated and inspiring a new round of collecting.
With more television and movie deals inching away from the big two publishers, fans are taking closer looks at the latest issues from the smaller publishers. Netflix now owns MillarWorld and has a first-look deal in place with Boom! Studios. Superstar writer Donny Cates made a name for himself with his early hits at Aftershock. It was only a short time ago that Richard Rivera burst onto the scene with the crowd-funded Stabbity Bunny that was later picked up by Scout Comics.
Scout's latest title is one to keep your eyes on. Loggerhead is the introduction to Kerra Prime, a universe of characters filled with aliens, time travel, and mutants. "I wanted to set up a world where anything is possible," SilverBax said.
Kerra Prime is set on a post-apocalyptic Earth following the aftermath of a third world war that has ravaged the globe. "I created 18 characters to live in this world, and Loggerhead is just the beginning. I've got three or four one-shots that are in different stages of development."
In a world of mutants and aliens, Loggerhead is king. He is thought to be a myth that makes even the other mutants nervous. When we first see the monster, SilverBax gives fans all the bloody, horror-action they could ask for as Loggerhead tears through his enemies.
Loggerhead Origins
Where did Loggerhead come from? "I needed a Hulk character," SilverBax explained, "I needed this big character that could just smash things when I needed it. I decided to make him an animal, and what looks more fierce than an alligator snapping turtle? People call the really big ones 'loggerheads,' and that's where I got the name."
If the world is set in Kerra Prime, why would Loggerhead be in the Louisiana bayou? "I was watching a lot of 'Swamp People' at the time. I loved the way they talked and how they may not have been educated, but they were really smart. And I loved the way they talked. So, I wanted Loggerhead to be kind of a backwoods Cajun."
THE ART STYLE
From the first page, the art style of Loggerhead struck me. So, instead of the "open-line," Manga art that is prevalent especially in Marvel titles, SilverBax's pencils have a distinct, detailed 1990s feel. That is by design.
"I grew up on Jim Lee, Todd McFarlane, Marc Silvestri. That is where it's at," he said.
FROM CONCEPT TO CREATION
"I just wanted my work to be published."
That idea is what led SilverBax to Scout Comics. "I wanted to be a cover artist," he explained. "I wanted to get away from doing fan art, so I picked this cool independent character called Metal Shark Bro to draw, and I sent it in." Although the artwork was initially turned down, Scout was so impressed with SilverBax's work that he was commissioned to do covers for several of the company's titles. That eventually led to the opportunity to pitch Loggerhead to the Scout executives.
Loggerhead: Bloody Bayou #1 is available at comic shops nationwide and directly through Scout Comics. I would like to thank Battleground Comics for allowing me to conduct the interview in their store. Thanks, guys.
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