For readers who love all-ages fantasy adventures filled with charm, imagination, and heart, our next guest is bringing a whimsical new tale to life through Kickstarter. Cartoonist and writer Joe Atalla has launched Sir Reginald & the Clockwork Heart through Goats Flying Press. Joining a remarkable group of artists, Atalla invites readers into a realm where courage, friendship, and mechanical wonders converge, presenting whimsical tales that capture the essence of classic adventure storytelling. Sir Reginald & the Clockwork Heart promises an enchanting journey filled with unforgettable characters and a richly imagined world.
With the project now live on Kickstarter, we caught up with Joe to explore the inspiration behind the story, the creative process involved in constructing its universe, and what backers can look forward to when they join Sir Reginald on his extraordinary quest. Please join me in welcoming Joe Atalla to GVN Talking Comics.
Artistic Inspirations
GVN: Thank you for visiting with us, Joe. Since this is our first chance to chat, let’s touch upon your creative beginnings. When did you first take an interest in cartoon art, and whose work inspired you to pursue that path?
JA: I grew up on Saturday morning and after school cartoons. This eventually led me to comics and their more nuanced storytelling. Once the Image Comics revolution hit in the early 90’s, I was hooked on the art form and wanted to tell my own stories. The Image founders were a huge inspiration for me to realize I could do my own thing.
Sir Reginald & the Clockwork Heart
GVN: Let’s jump right into this exciting project, “Sir Reginald & the Clockwork Heart.” It is being described as a pulp adventure anthology packed with action, imagination, and larger-than-life characters. What was the initial spark for the project, and what drew you to the world of pulp storytelling for your first outing as a writer?
JA: “Sir Reginald” can best be described as a mash-up of the spooky, supernatural storytelling of Hellboy and the zany, globe-trotting, treasure seeking of Duck Tales. My goal from the beginning was FUN. The story started as a response to an October drawing challenge, so it had to have a skeleton and ghost, right? The character designs came first, and as the story came together, the pulp trappings just felt right for the fun adventure I wanted to tell.
Taking the Writing Reins
GVN: You’ve built your reputation as a cartoonist, but as we mentioned, this project marks your debut as a writer. How did stepping into a writing role challenge you creatively, and did your experience as an artist influence the way you approached constructing the story?
JA: As a cartoonist, I’m used to writing stories for myself to draw. This was the first project that I had the pleasure of writing for other artists. I had to make sure I was communicating my ideas more clearly than I would in an initial draft for myself. Although I thought through the visuals as I wrote each script, I was blown away by the amazing interpretations of my talented collaborators.
Inside Sir Reginald
GVN: At the heart of the anthology is Sir Reginald himself. What can you tell us about the character, and what qualities make him the ideal guide through this world of adventure, mystery, and invention?
JA: It’s important that Sir Reginald is a fully realized character, with pathos and internal motivations. He’s a self-made man ahead of his time who’s not afraid to mix it up with a monster but can also think his way out with science. On the surface, he’s a Victorian adventurer full of bluster and ego. Below that, he hides a secret motivation for his treasure hunting.
Working with Other Talented Artists
GVN: One of the most exciting aspects of the project is the incredible creative team you’re collaborating with. Including Juni Ba, Jesse Lonergan, Dimitrios Pantazis, and Armand Bodnar. What was it like collaborating with such talented creators, and how did each contributor help shape the anthology’s overall vision?
JA: I’m still pinching myself over the amazing team I was able to work with. Each of the artists is highly accomplished on their own, and I have an immense respect and love of their work. Because of that, I wasn’t too precious with my designs and panel descriptions. I really wanted each artist to bring their own interpretation and twist to this world – and they definitely delivered!
Influence of Pulp Fiction (the genre, not the Film)
GVN: Pulp fiction has influenced everything from comics and films to modern adventure novels. Were there any particular pulp heroes, stories, or genres that inspired Sir Reginald & the Clockwork Heart, and how does the anthology put its own spin on those classic influences?
JA: I’ve had a love of pulp storytelling themes and trappings for as long as I can remember. There’s something about larger-than-life characters in extraordinary situations that I’m drawn to. It’s a great way to elevate a grounded character story into something exciting. Although Sir Reginald owes a lot to the storytelling tradition of Jules Verne and H.G. Wells, Hellboy, and Mike Mignola’s work in general, are probably the biggest influence on Sir Reginald. The two diverge in a lot of ways, but mostly in my approach to making Sir Reginald accessible for all ages.
Aiming for Fun
GVN: The title itself, Sir Reginald & the Clockwork Heart, evokes wonder and steampunk-inspired intrigue. Without giving too much away, what can readers expect from the story’s blend of technology, adventure, and imagination?
JA: We’ve packed a lot into this book. Sir Reginald’s world doesn’t have many limitations on technology or the fantastic. There are some truly fun, over-the-top villains and adventures that Sir Reginald and his trusty butler Mr. Spittle run into.
Kickstarter
GVN: With the Kickstarter campaign now underway, what are you most excited for backers and readers to discover about the anthology, and what do you hope they’ll take away from the experience once they’ve turned the final page?
JA: First, I hope readers discover how amazing my collaborators are and seek out more of their work. At first glance, this is a fun adventure story with memorable characters. But, as they turn the final page, I hope we’ll have surprised our readers with a poignant story and characters they’ve fallen in love with. This is a world that I, and hopefully my readers, want to come back to for a while.
Future Projects with Sir Reginald
GVN: Thanks again, Joe, for your time. Finally, for many creators, a first writing project can open the door to new opportunities. After completing Sir Reginald & the Clockwork Heart, has the experience changed the way you view your future as a storyteller, and do you see yourself pursuing more writing projects alongside your cartooning work?
JA: I have to thank my publisher Sebastian and Goats Flying Press for seeing the vision of Sir Reginald and championing it to creation. Creating comics at this level isn’t easy. I wouldn’t have made it this far without him and his ethos of “Comics Against All Odds.” In my opinion, the best part of comic book storytelling is the collaboration. Working with so many talented people – from my editor, to the artists to the letterer and colorist – elevates the story way beyond what I envisioned on my own. I hope I can bring more Sir Reginald adventures to life, as well as many other characters and stories that I have in mind. Hopefully this is only the first of many fun and thoughtful stories to come!
From its imaginative world and memorable characters to the passion and creativity driving its development, Sir Reginald & the Clockwork Heart promises an exciting adventure for readers of all ages. We want to express our gratitude to Joe for sharing insights about the creation of this enchanting story and the journey behind it.
The Kickstarter campaign is now live, so be sure to check it out and follow Goats Flying Press for updates, exclusive previews, and opportunities to support the book.
Senior Writer at GeekVibesNation – I am a 60 something child of the 70’s who admits to being a Star Trek/Star Wars/Comic Book junkie who once dove headfirst 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 21-year-old young man with autism. My wife and son are my real heroes.
