Jeffrey Brown has been creating his own style of books since 2002. He is a New York Times bestselling cartoonist and author of the Eisner award-winning Darth Vader and Son and Vader’s Little Princess, as well as the middle grade Jedi Academy series. His other books include graphic memoirs for adults, along with humorous all-age parodies, and the Lucy & Andy Neanderthal series. Recently, his work was included in a collection of interpretations of the iconic Popeye the Sailor character in Popeye Variations: Not Yer Pappy’s Comics an’ Art Book by Yoe Books! and Clover Press. This book recently completed a very successful Kickstarter campaign.
Recently, we sat down with Jeffrey to talk about his beginnings, his many books and his included strip on the Popeye collection. So, let’s welcome Eisner Award winner cartoonist Jeffrey Brown to GVN Talking Comics.
Beginnings
GVN: Thank you for giving us some of your time Jeffrey, we really appreciate an opportunity to talk to a
multiple Eisner Award winner. So, let’s start with a bit of your background. When did you start
thinking that art (and comics in particular) was on your radar and whose work inspired you to pursue
that goal?
JB: Thanks for talking to me! I thought I’d be an artist ever since I was little, especially drawing comics. I started out with the Sunday funnies and superhero comics, grew into reading European cartoonists like Moebius, then discovered alternative comics like Julie Doucet and Dan Clowes. In college, I mostly stopped drawing and reading comics, but rediscovered them with the work of Chris Ware. After meeting and talking to him, I was inspired to go back to making comics, and now I wonder why I ever stopped.
Filmwork
GVN: You have had the opportunity to incorporate your artwork into various film projects. As you
embarked on your books and other projects, was film something you had planned to investigate or
did the opportunities just present themselves?
JB: I’ve always been interested in film and video – my friend and I even had a public access TV show in high school. Drawing and writing were always my primary interests, though. I’ve been incredibly fortunate to have lots of different opportunities to engage in film and TV, either co-writing or by creating artwork, and even working on some animated pieces. Since I don’t have the time or energy to fully pursue it, I’ve just kind of let projects happen organically, and that has worked out very well for me.
Imparting Life’s Experiences
GVN: As I look over your book collection, you have a wonderful, whimsical style that at times reminds me of
my own life. Of course, you had me with your Star Wars books. How important was it for you to
impart some of your life experiences into your work?
JB: I always try to put real life into any art that I’m making. Some of it is incredibly direct – obviously, the adult graphic memoirs I’ve made are completely personal, but even with Star Wars, I try to draw from my own experiences, feelings, and observations. I think that makes a more meaningful connection with the audience.
Popeye Variations: Not Yer Pappy’s Comics an’ Art Book
GVN: One of your latest projects is the inclusion of one of your strips from the King Feature Syndicates Popeye’s Cartoon Club Initiative, for the new book Popeye Variations: Not Yer Pappy’s Comics an’ Art Book. This book drew my attention immediately. At almost 60 years of age (me, not Popeye…he’s been around much longer), Popeye played a major part in my childhood in the late 60’s getting up every Saturday morning at 6:30am to watch Popeye cartoons. Did you have an affinity for the iconic Sailor and how did you get involved in the project?
JB: I loved watching the Popeye cartoons growing up, though I didn’t discover the comics until I was older. Although I think I was able to appreciate them more at that point. But so much of Popeye is iconic, from his forearms to his love of spinach to his distinct usage of language. I got involved thanks to Andrew Farago from the Cartoon Art Museum, who was kind enough to pass my name along when they were gathering creators to participate in the Cartoon Club.
Working Alongside Greats
GVN: Your work is being seen alongside an impressive group of creators for this book. Have you reached the
point in your career that being mentioned with and working with other iconic creators has ceased to
be intimidating?
JB: I don’t know if I’d say intimidating, but it’s definitely humbling. When I sit down and think about projects like this with the artists involved – creators I grew up reading, or who I watched start the careers as I started mine, or from the next generation and already making great work – I almost can’t believe how amazing it is that I somehow managed to get here doing something I love.
Thor and Loki
GVN: I understand you have an upcoming book about Thor in the works. Could you tell our readers a little
bit about this project?
JB: Thor was yet another favorite character of mine growing up (especially the Walt Simonson run of comics), so having the chance to make a book with him and Loki is yet another unplanned joy. My take focuses on kid Thor and Loki as siblings, and all the mischief they can get into on both Asgard and Midgard (Earth). It’s in the same style as the Darth Vader and Son series of books, so it was a blast to draw and color.
Following Jeffrey
GVN: That will be fun. In the MCU, Loki and Thor already have touched on the hijinks that a young Loki put upon Thor. Although I doubt there will be stabbing involved. 🙂 Thank you once again for a few moments Jeffrey. Before I let you go, please share where fans can follow you on social media and on the web.
JB: Thank you as well! I try to post on Instagram regularly: @jeffreybrownrq and my website is a little behind on updates but hopefully has something to offer intrepid readers: www.jeffreybrowncomics.com
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.