GVN Talking Comics Interview: Writer Curt Pires for ComiXology Originals, ‘Stillman’

We have been following Curt Pires’ writing journey for some time now. Whether it was with Mad Cave’s “You’ve Been Cancelled” or his work on Oni Press’ “EC Revival” in “Epitaphs of the Abyss,” Curt has captivated fans with his thoughtful and often disturbingly engaging prose. His latest work, “Stillman” for ComiXology Originals tells the story of a man who lives a secret life: a loving husband and father at home, but a trained assassin when he’s abroad. So when he says he “killed it” at work, he’s telling the truth.

We recently caught up to Curt to discuss his writing beginnings, his work with TECC Content, and his latest book. So, let’s welcome Curt Pires to GVN Talking Comics.

GVN: Thank you for sharing just a small bit of your day, Curt. While we have covered many of your titles, this is our first opportunity to talk to you. A shortcoming on our part, for sure. Since this is our first visit, let’s start with your creative beginnings. When did you first take an interest in comic writing, and whose work motivated you to pursue it?

CURT: I got into comics when I was around 12 by discovering the J. Michael Straczynski/ John Romita Jr. Amazing Spider-Man run, Hush, and Brian Michael Bendis and Alex Maleev’s Daredevil. I drifted away, but came back in high school when I discovered things like Preacher and Kickass. The Image Comics renaissance of the 2010s made me NEED to write comics, and I worked hard to make it happen.

GVN: No one can accuse you of staying stationary or resting on your laurels. Besides your prolific writing projects, you are also the Founder and CEO of TECC Content, a publishing and production studio. How did this come about, and what space did you hope to fill in the publishing business with TECC Content?

CURT: I’m interested in bringing unique and bold ideas to the market in both the comics and tv / film space. Running and being adept at the business side lets me make our projects more successful for me and my collaborators and protects us from predatory urchins that exploit unknowing IP creators in the Hollywood ecosystem.

GVN: Before we get to your latest Comixology Original title, “Stillman,” I would be remiss if I didn’t mention two titles that are on the television development track with 2021’s “Youth” on Amazon Prime Video and 2020’s “Wyrd” on FX. When you first created these titles, did you have any aspirations for such an adaptation and what advice would you give to creators who are approached for that opportunity?

CURT: Honestly, I’m always trying to set everything up in the TV / Film space. It’s great marketing, and the options help finance the books and keep the cash flowing to the books so that me and my collaborators can just focus on making the best art possible.

GVN: As I mentioned, your latest endeavor for Comixology Originals is Stillman with artist Sunando C. Please give our readers the idea behind the story and what it’s about?

CURT: “Stillman” blends elements of a family drama and a more elevated thriller concept. The idea of combining the hitman genre and sort of a double life family drama immediately was interesting to me. Like The Sopranos but instead of a mob thriller–it’s a hitman. Like John Wick. So he’s going out to kill someone, and then hitting a private school meeting.

GVN: So, in a sense, Stillman is kind of like “True Lies,” except that instead of living a secret spy life, Peter KILLS people…and not necessarily because “they were all bad.” That’s a cool concept. Did you pitch this idea to Comixology or were they open to whatever you had in mind?

CURT: Yes I pitched the high concept to Comixology, they liked it and we were off to the races.

GVN: You have worked with the talented artist Sunando C previously on Memoria. What about Sunando C’s work made you believe it would be perfect for Stillman?

CURT: Sunando just draws Issue one. Other issues are drawn by Alex Diotto, Stefan Tosheff, and my Lost Fantasy Collaborator Luca Casalanguida is drawing issues 4 and 5. They are all talented, consummate professionals and dear collaborators whose work I am proud to showcase on this project.

GVN: Thank you once again for visiting with us Curt. Before I let you get back to your busy schedule, I want to give you the chance to talk once again about Stillman and any other projects you have upcoming.

CURT: My hit multiple sellout series “Lost Fantasy”  is also available in comic shops now, monthly via Image Comics, with the first TPB out in the fall. “Galactic,” my first DSTLRY project, will also launch in the fall. And a book with John Romita will be revealed soon.

ComiXology Originals Stillman, Issue #1

ComiXology Originals’ Stillman, Issue #1 by Curt Spires and Sunando C is now available. Following this, as mentioned by Curt,  Alex Diotto will handle Issue 2, Stefan Tosheff will work on Issue 3, and Luca Casalanguida will illustrate Issues 4 and 5.