I previously had the pleasure of talking to talented artist Dan Panosian in reference to his collected art book, Urban Barbarian the Collected Works. I found out then he was not only talented but very personable. I also found out that the man stays busy, as his talent demands. Coming soon, Dan along with artist Stephen Desberg brings John Tiffany to the ever-growing library of great Mad Cave Studios titles. A tale that mixes a bit of James Bond, and the Fugitive, peppered with intrigue, dangerous women and betrayal, done in Dan’s inimitable style.
With this in mind, we sat down again to discuss what he’s been up to since we last spoke, finishing his western-style series Canary with superstar writer Scott Snyder and his exciting new title for Mad Cave, John Tiffany. So, let’s welcome back Dan Panosian to GVN Talking Comics.
Urban Barbarian
GVN: I appreciate you giving us more of your time, Dan. Last time we spoke, we talked about your recent edition of Urban Barbarian the Collected Works. (I would tell our followers, if you have an opportunity to pick up this book, you should do so). Now that your campaign has completed, how do you feel it went? I know the finished product was excellent. Any surprises along the way?
DP: No real surprises – with the exception of what the gross total and the net work out to be after a campaign like that is over. But I was very satisfied with the book and the response! I’m very glad we did it – thanks!
Diversity of Styles
GVN: Speaking about your collected works, the one thing that struck me was your absolute diversity. From “Bucema-esque” drawings of Conan and Red Sonja to celebrity drawings that induce visions of Mad Magazine. How much work was put in to master such a wide artistic landscape and did commissions play a part in that growth?
DP: For me, drawing in different styles or emphasizing one style and minimizing another is all a part of what inspires my art. Unconsciously, I think I’ve merged a lot of artistic influences and it’s fun to see them pop up when I’m drawing a caricature illustration. Or if I’m drawing Conan – amalgamating Frazetta and Buscema, etc.
‘Canary’ with Scott Snyder
GVN: As we closed our last interview, your series Canary with Scott Snyder was just beginning. The final issue drops this month. How was that experience working with Scott and do you foresee future projects with him?
DP: It’s been amazing so far- currently we’re both wrapping up the final issue – so I think it may take a bit longer than anticipated. But I hope it will be worth the wait. We’ve enjoyed every bit of it! The two of us are both looking into opportunities to work together again – but we haven’t figured out exactly what that might be moving forward.
John Tiffany
GVN: But let’s get to the main reason we are talking. You are working with one of my favorite indie publishers Mad Cave Studios on a new title, John Tiffany with writer Stephen Desberg. Were you familiar with Mad Cave and any of their titles and how did this project come about?
DP: I was, yes. Mark Irwin introduced me to their books and their president, Mark London. The quality of the books and the people behind them helped me to feel confident that Mad Cave was the right choice!
GVN: If you would, could you tell our readers a bit about what the book is about? I know it is targeted to more mature readers.
DP: Definitely. John Tiffany “seems” like a James Bond character, but he’s far from it. He’s quite flawed and flaws are what give characters relatability. I think John Tiffany is very relatable. On the surface, he has that sort of male fantasy profession – he’s a bounty hunter. But that sort of job is a bit of a fantasy. John’s life is a bit of a fantasy in the same way. He’s not at peace with who is or what he does. When the tables are turned on him and he becomes the bounty – his life begins to unravel. This story is about his life being torn apart.
Working with Stephen
GVN: By now, you have worked with many writers for many different publishers. In the case of Mad Cave, did you have to adapt your work process at all with Stephen or is it pretty much locked in at this point, no matter who you work with?
DP: Stephen and I worked very closely together but our ideas on who John Tiffany is vary greatly. I had to win Stephen over a bit. I think he wished for John to be much more serious and more dramatic. But I saw him in a different light. At first, even the original publisher, Le Lombard, wasn’t sold on my take. But once the pages started rolling in – they began to really enjoy my version of the character. Stephen too. The last thing you want is to upset the writer!
Coming Up
GVN: I really appreciate you letting us catch up with you again, Dan. As per our normal, before I let you go, I want to give you an opportunity to tell our readers when John Tiffany drops and about any other projects you might have in the future.
DP: John Tiffany drops this Summer and I couldn’t be happier for the audience to finally read it in English. Canary is wrapping up right around the same time and so is Black Tape from AWA. But… Alice NEVER After is just beginning from BOOM Studios. And hopefully, Mad Cave and I will announce something very special towards the end of Summer too! Cheers and thank you for the interview!
Mad Cave Studios John Tiffany by Stephen Desberg, Dan Panosian, and Lucas Gattoni hits stands on July 18th.
Senior Writer at GeekVibesNation – I am a 50 something child of the 70’s who admits to being a Star Trek/Star Wars/Comic Book junkie who once dove head first over a cliff (Ok, it was a small hill) to try to rescue his Fantastic Four comic from a watery grave. I am married to a lovely woman who is as crazy as I am and the proud parent of a 18 year old boy with autism. My wife and son are my real heroes.
