Recently I caught up with Richard Starkings to talk about his new hardback collection,Elephantmen Vol.
2: Fatal Diseases(available in all good comic shops!)
though, due to his long and varied career, our focus shifted onto other areas.
Since then, hes never looked back.
As an extra in theElephantmennovels you often showcase a wealth of materials from the UK scene, dipping intoCountdownandLook-In.
Why do you feel the need to provide a commentary on this time in the UK industry?
Out of respect for my roots, really.
Action and adventure with an SF twist.
And of course, ELEPHANTMEN is MY comic so I get to do what I want!
Haha, quite right!
Truly a remarkable work.
I remember buying WAR OF THE WORLDS in Morrisons when it came out in the mid 70s.
It cost about 3.49, a lot of money in those days.
The 60s and 70s were very fertile earth for impressionable young minds to grow their imaginations.
I still listen to WAR OF THE WORLDS to this day.
Not as often as I listen to the BLADE RUNNER soundtrack, of course!
You and me both Rich.
Yes, perfectly fair.
Ironically, Im now lettering the comic book adaptation of DO ANDROIDS DREAM OF ELECTRIC SHEEP?
on the first ELEPHANTMEN collection, I guess.
Oh, and naming it after a track on the soundtrack Wounded Animals.
I still read CALVIN AND HOBBES every day.
Fellow Brit and Whothusiast Adrian Salmon is the artist on this one, and hes done a great job.
Elephantmendeals with the notions of hybridity and war is this how you see mankind going?
Or that many wildlife organizations are interested in cloning as a way to save endangered species?
Did you know that the only continent that has no law against cloning or hybridization is Africa?
[At this point the interviewer indicates a negative response here, for shame!]
Its a rich seam of stories to mine, and Ive barely broken the ground above it!
I have a thread on thehipflask.comforum keeping track of some of the crazier cloning stories.
Onto your latest collection,Elephantmen Vol.
With comic books being plundered every month (well, thats what it feels like!
), what are your thoughts on the crossover from page to screen?
Do you think its something you would like or are you happy with the paper medium?
I love comics, and its my intention to continue to keep making ELEPHANTMEN comics.
Thats okay, Im not writing the comic for the big screen Im not sure Id know how to!
Some people might say that Im not sure how to write comics!
Finally, as a writer, is there anything youd like to take on that you havent already?
The next issue of ELEPHANTMEN.
I dont think of myself as a jobbing writer I consider ELEPHANTMEN as my job.
The latest issue in production is by top 2000AD artist Boo Cook and its title speaks for itself KILL!
Inspired by, of all things, a track byThe Pierces.
He and his luvverly gal, Gemma have become my friends as well as my allies.
THATs why I make comics!
Working with people with whom you feel a sense of camaraderie a sense of common goals and shared excitement… That sense of collaboration.
A real revelation recently was working with rising star, Marian Churchland.
So Im looking forward to taking that on too.
Cant wait, thanks so much Rich.
Thank YOU, Cam!
2: Fatal Diseases is out now
