Brilliant comic artist Ryan Browne discusses God Hates Astronauts, The Manhattan Projects, and more.
Den of Geek: How did theGod Hates Astronautsongoing series come to be?
Ryan Browne:I think it was [that] they believed in the property, somewhat.
Just trying to drum up some business for the book.
Right now, as Im drawing pages, Im changing it.
Thats a nice freedom that Image provides.
Honestly, they dont know anything about what Im doing.
Yeah, I have an outline.
With the original series, there wasnt much of a plot.
It was much more scenes and character moments and jokes.
Just everything all together, and make it work.
Not like a web-comic that youre reading in a book, you know?
So yeah, I did outlines.
I wrote for a long time, coming up with ideas and where it was going to go.
While Im drawing it, Im thinking about, Whats this guy saying?
but Im never writing a full script.
You know, Im not sure and thats the other thing that makes this all kind of scary.
Ive drawn monthly books, but Ive never written, drawn, and put together a monthly book.
Jordan Boyd will be on colors.
No, I had that fear when I was plotting it all out.
I mean, its kind of funny.
Well the best parts are in the margins with that book, I think.
Then, as I started drawing the book…
The sound effects are getting really ridiculous.
Why not do this?
Why not do that?
Do you find this easier, harder, better, worse than what you were doing before?
For years, I didnt write anything.
The older Ive gotten, the more confident Ive gotten.
Ive started thinking a lot about story and character, themes and pacing.
This, Im pretty confident… the book is really good.
I think its really funny.
Have you ever met him?
Does he know that he is your muse?
No.Are you afraid of him?
A little bit.Im sure hes a gentle man.
Yeah, hes a gentle man.
He seems to have a sense of humor.
And he hasnt fired his gun in a long time…
(Laughs) Yeah, right?
But yeah, everything that Ive drawn in my entire professional career, hes been in.
Well Ryan, Ive got a surprise for you.
Hes on the call!
(Laughs) That would be awesome.That would have been a great moment.
It would have been great for my career.
(Laughs) Yeah.
I think my time onManhattan Projectsis done, unfortunately.
But if I dont, which is probably the case, 21 will be my final issue.
What have you taken from working with him, specifically with regard to design?
What have you learned from him in terms of that?
The importance of branding your book.
I mean,Sagadefinitely has that going on.
How long canGod Hates Astronautsgo?
I think Ive built a world where anything can happen, obviously.
My goal is to not be late for at least the first year.
That seems unreal to me.
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