When fans think of the artist Tony S Daniel, the first thing that probably comes to mind is his excellent artistic execution. However, there’s more to Tony than just his talent as an artist. He is also an incredibly gifted writer. This was recently proven again with his latest book, Edenwood, which is being published by Image Comics. We were fortunate enough recently to get an exclusive look at one of the covers for Tony’s new venture which premiers 10/25. But we were even more fortunate to have the opportunity to sit down with him. During our chat we discussed his work with Scott Snyder on Nocterra, as well as his exciting new book, Edenwood. So, without further ado, let’s welcome comic creator Tony S Daniel to GVN’s Talking Comics.
Working With Scott Snyder
GVN: Thanks for sharing a bit of your time with us today, Tony. I have been following your work for a while, but it was smacked in my face with your collaboration with Scott Snyder in the excellent Nocterra. An exciting and addictive look at a world where there the world is dark, and people are converted to monsters in the process. As a writer yourself, do you learn anything when you have the opportunity to work with such talents as Mr. Snyder?
TSD: Most certainly! I have a deep admiration and appreciation for what Scott does. He is a great writer and is one of the most creative people I know. I see how he breaks down his issues and arcs, and that’s something I incorporated a bit into my story planning. Although, I tend to be a bit more vague because I get new ideas as I start putting the story on paper. Visualizing the scenes and having them in my head for prolonged periods of each day, naturally, I get new ideas to explore. But generally, I have a game plan for how each issue will work and where we end it and I try not to get too carried away meandering away from that. However, I do think that is also beneficial. I think part of why people loved Game of Thrones so much was because the stories would allow for other characters to develop, and the writers weren’t in a rush to get from point A to B. That happened in the last two seasons, and you can see the difference. So, for me, finding the right balance is crucial to me telling the story I want and getting the most out of the pages. This is an ongoing series so plan to enjoy some of the different ideas that can be developed here.
Developing Edenwood
GVN: You nailed the whole Game of Thrones issue. I would have liked to have seen what might have happened had they been allowed the normal number of episodes to bring things to a close. If only…Your latest work, Edenwood has been in the works for 3 years, with a hiatus due (among other things) to the work with the aforementioned Mr. Snyder. How far were you on that story when you broke to work on Nocterra and was there any doubt you would return to it?
TSD: I had only sketches at a certain point, maybe a year before that actually! I had determined though that I was going to take some time off from my DC work (DC has been great to me over the last nearly two decades, so it was hard to leave that security I had) so that I could start developing this concept. But long story short, when Scott and I crossed paths in NY that fall, we discussed pairing up on something. Two weeks later, we got Nocterra cooking.
I was initially going to only do one arc because I had Edenwood I wanted to get to. And I was super excited about the possibilities with it. But we were also very enthusiastic with Nocterra. We discussed how doing 3 full arcs would be something the fans would love and have more meaning than just one arc and split. So I agreed. It made sense and we were both having fun. And Edenwood was so large, with many different ideas and characters, demon killers, witches, demons, worlds, all that crazy big stuff. I knew it would take a lot of time to actually create the first arc. So safe to say, I always knew that Edenwood was waiting as my next big thing.
Tony’s Synopsis for ‘Edenwood’
GVN: The previews I have seen thus far for Edenwood look like some intense and engaging storytelling. Along with the artistic greatness that ALWAYS accompanies a Tony S Daniel work. Please share with our readers a bit about the story and what they might expect from the new series.
TSD: Much appreciated, I tend to shine when I write myself. And add to that I’m doing my own creations; it’s double the fun. So, imagine a world where the Midwest disappears off the map, replaced by a magically created hellscape for a large multiversal battle between demon and witches. This battle has been going on for eons and consuming planets in its wake. There are other parts of the world that has succumbed and been overrun by demons. There are a few holdouts, the US being one of them. This story revolved around a group of young (and old, like centuries old) demon killers whose mission it is to topple the three demon kings waging war from their stronghold, a kingdom called Necronema.
The main hero is a young man named Rion, who is bestowed enchanted demon-killing armor. His mission is to round up the most bad-ass demon killers of all time (some of which have been lost in various demon-created ‘voids’ inside Edenwood) and create a plan to turn the tide of the war. Rion has more at stake as the love of his life, Adelai, is imprisoned by the Demon Queen and being used to harness and pervert her magic for demonic gains. The mission itself is of a search and destroy variety, but Rion plans on a rescue.
The Edenwood has many witchcraft derived ‘paths’ one could get lost in (sometimes forever). Some contain different time periods and different battles they contained magically within. So, there’s lots of worlds, places, and times to explore given enough time!
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Crafting Your OWN Story
GVN: I am always fascinated and more than a little impressed when a creator creates such an extensive and varied world out of thin air. When you are working on a personal project (like Edenwood), do you find it easier or perhaps more liberating to create when it is YOUR Story that you are illustrating? Or does your workflow remain the same no matter who you are working with writer wise?
TSD: It’s not easier, it’s much more time consuming, however, it’s very fulfilling and personally rewarding. I am having so much fun and I am so committed to these characters and their stories, and their future stories, that I need to make sure I give myself breaks. It’s sort of a different beast, it’s crazy, it has teeth, but you still love it.
For the Love of Comics
GVN: Well, I certainly look forward to the series and what is in store. As always, I want to thank you once again for your time, Tony. I could ask many more questions but since I am limited, I want to touch on the recently finished NYCC. Other than greeting your fans and signing autographs, what do you hope came across to your fans about your new project?
TSD: Thank you so much for helping me get the word out on Edenwood! I truly appreciate it. I hoped (during NYCC), I got across how truly excited I am for this series and my love for what I’m doing here. I created this to be a pure comic book series in the sense of what my focus is on: being a great comic book to get behind, invest your time and emotions into as a reader. I wanted something gigantic, and fun and crazy, something where I’m not thinking about whether this is too crazy or high concept for Hollywood to get, or if this would make a great streaming series or not. This book is for the love of the genre and the comic book medium and for the comic reading public at large and that’s everything to me. Thank you so much!
Coming October 25th
The first issue of Image Comics’ Edenwood by Tony S. Daniel will be available on October 25th at your favorite comic book retailers. If you’re looking for a thrilling series filled with magic, daring rescues, and epic battles, with art that only Tony S Daniel can create, then this is the perfect addition to your reading list. Don’t miss out!
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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.