GVN Talking Comics Interview: Creator Jim Fletcher on Clover Press’ Kickstarter ‘Flippitoons Odditome of Deadlies And Dreadlies’

When a creator like Jim Fletcher decides to crack open his imagination, you don’t get a book—you get a full‑blown detonation of cartoon chaos, creature‑feature charm, and lovingly twisted humor. Clover Press’ The Flippitoons Odditome of Deadlies and Dreadlies, Volume 1, is exactly that kind of explosion: a wild, meticulously illustrated compendium of oddballs, monsters, misfits, and the sort of delightful weirdness only Fletcher could conjure.

It’s part art book, part character bible, part fever‑dream field guide—and all heart. Whether you’re a longtime fan of Jim’s kinetic design work or discovering his Flippitoons universe for the first time, this volume feels like stepping into a world where every page has a pulse, and every creature has a story…depending on how you look at it.

We recently sat down with Jim to talk about his creative beginnings, building this universe of Deadlies and Dreadlies, the creative instincts that shaped it, and why this project might be his most personal—and most joyfully unhinged—work yet. So, let’s welcome Jim Fletcher to GVN Talking Comics.

CREATIVE BEGINNINGS

GVN: Thank you for giving us a small bit of your time, Jim. Since this is my first opportunity to visit with you, let’s start with your creative beginnings. While many fans of DC Direct are familiar with your work with the popular variety of figures you have helped to produce, this wasn’t your focus when you first started. What got you interested in design, and what were your ambitions in those early years?

JIM: Well, I certainly didn’t start out with the idea of being a toy guy! I have been reading comics since I was a kid and was always doodling. I originally wanted to draw comics and then I thought I would be a fine art printmaker in college, but after graduating, I shifted into illustration and realized I had a good eye for graphic design. I was also in a couple of bands, and still in one now, The Yahootees..available on many fine streaming services.

THE INSPIRATION OF COMICS

GVN: When did your interests start in the direction of comics? Were you a comic fan early on, and whose work motivated you to pursue that genre?

JIM: Great Question, and the easy answer is an emphatic yes! I used to trace over Jack Kirby and was always blown away by his incredible imagination. My favorite issue of all time is Thor #171. I finally got a very good copy of it, as the cover of mine had fallen off a long time ago. After Kirby’s run on Thor (my all-time favorite Marvel character ), I later became a big fan of John Buscema and Barry Windsor-Smith, and they both drew Conan, one of my other go-to fantasy heroes. I got the opportunity to draw some pin-ups for Marvel in Savage Sword of Conan and Conan Saga when I was starting out, so I was really excited when those got published!

“Flip it over and look at it in a new way!”

GVN: I certainly can appreciate the artists you mentioned. All are personal favorites of mine as well. As I mentioned, you have had great success spearheading DC Direct’s incredible line-up of figures, including DC Bombshells, Batman Black and White, Batman the Animated Series, and so much more. When you decide to bring your talents and team to these great projects, do you try to approach each one with a fresh eye, or do you go with the tried and true, if it’s not broken, don’t fix it?

JIM: I always strove to try new ideas and build new character looks to add to our product categories. DC Direct was a very creative environment, and the talented team was very dedicated to making the best products possible. I was thrilled when the first real line I got to pitch and design (the DC Ame-Comi Heroine series) resonated with collectors and sold well for years. Once that proved a success, we realized we could try new things, even if there wasn’t an editorial component yet. My motto is: Even if stuff is not broken, might as well flip it over and look at it in a new way!

The Flippitoons Odditome of Deadlies and Dreadlies, Volume 1.

GVN: “Flip it Over…” That’s a great segue! Your latest endeavor is a partnership with Clover Press – The Flippitoons Odditome of Deadlies and Dreadlies, Volume 1. Please explain how this concept came to fruition and what your inspirations were as you began to explore the idea?

JIM: I have always leaned into drawing weird things. I love costume design, mythology and monsters from films and comics. Flippitoons are a culmination of so many things I have always been fascinated by and sometimes feared! I also teamed up with James Martin, who has an amazing background developing brands and has been instrumental in building out a coherent vision for the world of the Flippitoons !

KICKSTARTER

GVN: Clover Press is bringing this exciting book to Kickstarter. How did the collaboration with Clover Press come about, and what might fans find when they visit the campaign, along with this fun collection of Flippitoons?

JIM: Hank Kanalz and I both worked at DC for quite a while, and he was instrumental helping push through a lot of DC Direct’s ideas and turning them into story-driven content. He got this Flippitoons idea right away when I showed him what I was up to.

As far as the campaign goes, Some details will be revealed at a later date, but for now I can confirm that we will be rolling out enamel collector pins, a sticker collection, a group of tattoos and Promotional trading cards all of which, of course, can be viewed in two directions! There will be some other great Items as well, but that’s all I can confirm for now!

“Remember to Flip it, Flip it good!”

GVN: Thanks again for joining us, Jim. Before we wrap up, here’s your chance to share a bit about The Flippitoons Odditome of Deadlies and Dreadlies, Volume 1, as well as any other upcoming projects you’d like to promote.

JIM: The Flippitoons Odditome of Deadlies and Dreadlies, Volume 1 is the first field guide in the world-building of this Flippi-fantastic universe!

I hope you get a chance to help us launch it and turn your world upside down, with our Kickstarter campaign, starting Wednesday, May 20th!

Remember to Flip it, Flip it good!

The Flippitoons Odditome of Deadlies and Dreadlies, Volume 1, is a perfect showcase for Jim Fletcher’s wild imagination, sharp humor, and unmistakable visual voice. Jim breaking down the origins, inspirations, and sheer joy behind this project only makes the book feel even more special. Huge thanks to Jim for taking the time to chat with us—and if you haven’t already, head over to the Kickstarter and jump into this wonderfully weird world.