The Dean: The World of Gene Colan
by Simone Satta

 

     First of all, Good Morning Gene! How do you feel being considered a legend ?

     Surprised! :) and humbled.

     You began your career very young: you were only eighteen years old when you began working for Fiction House, before joining up the army. What did it means in 1944 working on comics?

     I served in the United States Air Force. And began working at Timely Comics in 1946. Timely eventually was named Marvel. It was a dream come true.

     When you began drawing, super-heroic genre was substantially young (Superman was born a few years before, in 1938). Did you imagine that this genre should become so important in the economy of American comic industry, almost a monopoly?

     I think I always understood how important comics were, even from my own childhood perspective. So from an early age I set my goal to become a comic book artist.

     Are you happy for the importance that it assumed or it wasn't the kind of comic that you wanted to realize when you began your career?

    Yes, the industry has gone way beyond what I could have imagined. Yet, I somehow always believed in the connection between comic art, fame, and film.

     How much and how the penciler's trade changed from your debut at today?

     In the early years, Marvel was willing to let the artists establish their own style (within wholesome limits). But artistic freedom was their trademark and I thrived with them. At DC, although a quality company, the editorial control was stronger. For me, Marvel was always the best fit.

     You worked with all the most important publishers in the US. With which one did you have the best working relationship?

     Always Marvel! Stan and I got along to this day like brothers. And almost all the writers and editors at Marvel were great to work with. Mutual respect. As I've mentioned before, D.C. was intimidating in personal relationships and general zeitgeist, but no question, they were and are a premier company! I also respect Dark Horse Comics (more of an independent company), President Mike Richardson. He and his editors are true class! They turn out excellent books and are very professional in their working relationships. Couldn't ask for better.

     What do you think of the current situation of the American comicdom?

     I'm pleased to see the joining of comics and film. That's where my personal focus has been.

     Having you lived practically all the phases comicdom went trough, from Golden Age at today: which was for you the best period (qualitatively) for comics in USA?

     I'd have to say the Silver Age. Seems everything blossomed from there. Characters came to fame. The books were wholesome, entertaining and very often had a moral thread/life lesson embodied in the stories. Artists were enjoying steady work, and fans were enjoying the steady flow of their favourite superhero visiting them once a month. Life was good. :) And with the introduction of comic book conventions in the late 60's, fans and artists were brought together for the first time and I believe everything took off! Stan Lee really deserves major credit for the theme of those superhero stories and the introduction of the "BullPen letters fan page". He created a 'family" of editors/artists/fans/and superheroes!

     What comics of the past could teach to comics of today, and what comics of today could teach to comics of the past?

     Great question. Comics of the past never lost sight of their responsibility to 'teach' albeit subliminally, good values to their young readers. Right from Wrong so to speak. This generation of youngsters are growing up with far too much cynical points of view.
Comics of today have tremendous artistic freedom which is always vital in artistic growth.

     You worked with some great writers like Stan Lee, Marv Wolfman, Steve Gerber. Is there any writer you haven?t worked with in the past that you would like to team-up with?

     Not really.

     A lot of young (and less young) pencilers mention you among their main influences and models (and not only in the States). Is there any artist that you think had really understand your way of making comics?

     Yes. I know many of my colleagues appreciated my artistic vision, style and ability. And several who didn't. All in the eye of the beholder. :)

     Who you consider your spiritual heir?

     I couldn't say. To me, the word 'spiritual' is something Divine.

     You are the initiator of the technique called "finished pencils"...

     Yes.

     Your stroke rarely was of easy interpretation for inkers. But this technique isn't suitable for everyone, the penciler should make very definite pencils. Don't you think that recently many people, among authors and publishers,are misusing of it?

     Because inkers have always had a hard time following my lines, and because of the natural evolution of my art, 'finished pencils' just evolved into a technique that publishers for the past 20 years or more have been willing to reproduce directly from. The public seems to appreciate the subtleties that graphite can achieve. I love working that way. Ink, even if I were to ink my own pencils, can never achieve the rich and delicate intricacies of pencil.
As for publishers misusing it, I don't have much time to check out the scene. I wouldn't know.

     Tomb of Dracula was one of your best works, and one of your most famous works. Marvel Comics launched now a new Tomb of Dracula series. Did you read it? What do you think about it?

     Haven't seen it. Or heard of it. But I wish them well. Dracula is classic. :)

     What are your projects for the near future?

     Currently doing a Simpsons House of Horror story written by Marv Wolfman. A Dracula spoof with Homer and the gang. Bongo Comics publishing it for Halloween release this year.
Simultaneously, I remain swamped with commissions from literally all over the world, and I'll be attending conventions in North Carolina, California and Chicago this summer. After that, I continue to hope to find spare time for my fine arts projects and some play time. :)

     What do you read currently and what do you reread with pleasure?

     Alas, my read time is limited. I mostly pick up magazines on all sorts of subjects. I rarely have time to read a book , but from time to time listen to audio books. Loved Frank McCourt's Angela's Ashes.

     Do you know anything about the European (and particularly of the Italian) comics scene? What do you like?

     I regret I don't. Years ago, Marvel and DC would send me every comic that came out in monthly packages sent to my home. Unless someone does that, I rarely get to see much that's out there, let alone from the European market. I can say that I believe the artists from Europe from what I've seen are very advanced in their understanding of art. Their art shows a strong foundation in art history and technique.....something that seems to be sorely missing from today's American artists.
The European artists seem to want to strike out and create their own individual stamp as opposed to carbon copy which alot of the young artists in the States tend to do. However, once in a while here in the US, someone comes along that has their own stamp. That's always great to see!

     The last question is the one million dollar question we always ask. What are for you the three comics that should be on the shelf of a true comic fan?

     Superman certainly. Mickey Mouse. the original Captain America. and Batman as a runner up.