GVN Talking Interview: Writer Miles Gunter for ComiXology’s ‘Grammaton Punch, Issue 2’

Comic creator Miles Gunter has been entertaining fans with his comic stories since his first work for Vertigo/DC in Weird War Tales back in 2000. His most recent work however, is a collaboration with artist Briane Andan for ComiXology entitled Grammaton Punch, which just released its 2nd Issue. We recently say down to talk about his career, his work with HellBoy’s Mike Mignola and his new series Grammaton Punch. So, let’s welcome writer Miles Gunter to GVN’s Talking Comics.

GVN: Thank you for sharing a bit of your time, Miles. Since this is the first time, I have had the pleasure of speaking to you, I want to delve a bit into your background. When did you find that writing was going to be your career choice and whose work did you follow to lean you in that direction?

Starting Out

MG: I spent a few years at the Savannah College of Art and Design where I gravitated toward their sequential art program and began making comics with friends, one of whom was Jacen Burrows (Alan Moore’s The Courtyard). We did a post apocalyptic indie book called Skid Roze for a shady now defunct publisher. Around that time I moved to Brooklyn and ended up getting my foot in the door on a Vertigo anthology via my my friend Edvin Biukovic, a brilliant Croatian artist who sadly passed away at a young age. That story in Weird War Tales led to making books at Image. As a young aspiring writer, I would say the works that made me want to write comics were Sandman and early Vertigo books like Enigma and Face. Also the early Viz reprints of manga like Crying Freeman, Fist of the North Star and Baoh. I suppose my approach is a combination of those two styles of comics.

The Supernatural

GVN: Many of your titles have centered around a supernatural theme. Is this your preferred genre or does it depend on who you are working with, whether that be publisher or artist?

MG: I don’t know that it’s preferred but I am fascinated by the unknown and unseen world that exists all around us. In the case of Grammaton Punch, I felt it was the best idea for artist Briane Andan. As much supernatural content as there is, I feel there’s ample room to tell stories in this space that are more rooted in esoteric knowledge and history.

B.P.R.D: Soul of Venice

GVN: You have written for Mike Mignola’s B.P.R.D characters in “B.P.R.D: Soul of Venice.” Was there any intimidation for you on working with Mike’s creations? Many of the writers I have spoken to admit to a mild trepidation, at least at the start when that opportunity came calling.

MG: It was incredibly exciting to work with Mignola. Hellboy is probably my favorite American comic so getting to write Abe Sapien, Liz Sherman and Roger was like experiencing a living dream. I learned alot by watching him make revisions on my drafts and I’ll always be extremely grateful for the experience of collaborating with one of my heroes.

Grammaton Punch

GVN: Your current series is “Grammaton Punch” in which Issue #2 is about to be released on April 4^th on ComiXology. If you would, please tell our readers a bit about the premise for “Grammaton Punch.”

MG: Grammaton Punch is about a young boy named Van who, due to being born on an eclipse, has the ability to see and interact with ghosts. He becomes a defender of all the unsuspecting people that have their lifeforce drained by parasitic ghosts which he calls Feeders.

Fighting Back

GVN: What I like about the series thus far, is it kind adapts the whole concept of seeing “Dead People” I.E. “The Sixth Sense.” However, instead of being a passive victim, you allow the young person to fight back and not just endure what they are experiencing. As you developed the story, how important was it to allow Van to take control and retaliate?

MG: It was critical. Part of the mythology is that people like Van often don’t survive childhood due to being drained from infancy by these feeders. I like the idea of having a young character getting thrown in the furnace from day one and learning how to fight back. But there’s a price for foregoing a normal childhood and that’s of the things the series will explore.

Artist Briane Andan

GVN: You are working with talented artist Briane Andan on the series. Who gives the book a Manga feel that absolutely works. How much communication went into how the story was told visually? Did you offer any feedback or just allow Briane to work?

MG: Briane and I communicated a lot. We spent a great deal of time designing all the characters together and discussing all aspects of the books visuals. For me, that process and determining the storytelling from panel to panel is what I love about making comics. Part of my job is to set a strong visual foundation that the artist can build their best work upon. In some cases I would ask Briane to rework things but our mutual goal was always about making the best pages possible. He’s an excellent artist and he’s just getting started.

To Be Continued?

GVN: “Grammaton Punch” is a five-part series. If it is well received, do you have another chapter in mind or will it be just the self-contained series?

MG: There is an ending with the possibility for things to continue as there is more story to tell..

Following Miles

GVN: Thank you again for your time, Miles. Before I let you go, I want to give you an opportunity to promote any other projects you might have. Plus, where can fans follow you on social media or the web?

MG: Folks can follow me on twitter and IG at @milesgunter. If people enjoy Grammaton Punch, they can check out my previous Image series “Dark Fang” about a vampire trying to stop climate change.

The first and second issues of ComiXology Originals Grammaton Punch by Miles Gunter, Briane Andan, Lee Loughridge, and Taylor Esposito are available now. Also, look for an article where Miles explains some of the television and film inspirations for Grammaton Punch, coming soon to GeekVibesNation.