Greg Mannino (Director/Producer/Creator of "Dorothy")

Greg Mannino is the pioneer behind Dorothy which is a wonderfully done modern day retelling of a classic. Unique and ingenious in many ways one of the most notable is how he works with a camera and a "real" comic book character. "Real" referring to how he uses a real life actress (Catie Fisher) directing her as he would in a movie and transferring this vision to the comic page. I for one think it worked beautifully and hope all would agree and visit www.dorothyofoz.net

 

Mr. A: Before we get started let me thank Mr. Mannino and everyone attached to Dorothy for not only taking the time to do this interview but for putting out such a quality book.

1. As I understand it this book is a retelling of the traditional "Wizard of OZ" in a very non-traditional way. Can you elaborate?

GM: This is the way that I believe a modern take of this wonderful story should be. I wanted to make Dorothy a troubled teen, living in our troubled world.

2. The characters in your story are old yet new in a modern retelling. What are some differences with your characters in Dorothy as opposed to the traditional "OZ"?

 

GM: Well, as I said before, I never really felt like Dorothy Gale was troubled, yet she runs away from home... I wanted to give a sense of why she believes that she doesn't fit in. I've also given much darker pasts to many of the other characters that we all have grown to love.

 

3. Any reader can tell from looking at your stunning visuals and concept that this isn't put together like a typical comic. How does your process differ from the mainstream?

GM: I love movies and I really wanted to portray that in this book by making it feel like a movie. But we basically follow the "Marvel method" - first story, then visuals, then script.  Part of the trouble is scheduling cast and crew for photo shoots - I can't just sit down and draw the next scene when I want to!

4. You take photos of a real woman (Catie Fisher) who plays the title character Dorothy in your process. What gave you the idea for this process and what was the major pushing point to do so, is it to help convey the emotion or realism or....?

GM: My original idea was (for) a movie, so for financial reasons I was forced to use the medium of comic books. Using real photos was the only real way to do this story and my vision justice.

 

5. Did you cast Catie from her attributes being like Dorothy or did you know her before the project came about?

GM: I have known Catie since she was 7 years old. She is like a sister to me. When I was casting the role of Dorothy, I couldn't think of anyone that I would want to do this besides Catie. Thank God, she's a good sport...
 

6. We see the similarities in Dorothy to "OZ" as we move through the story but I don't forsee the same cheery ending. Do you plan to stick to the same closing as the traditional story?

GM: Well... You are just going to have to find out... Nice try, Bryan.

 

7. Now let's get to you! Who is your most influential comic artist/writer and, in this case I have to add, Director?

GM: I would have to just mention one person... George Lucas. What he has to go through for Star Wars is one of the most inspiring stories of all time. He is the single reason why I do what I do. I love you, George!

8. What is your favorite movie/comic?

GM: I have several: The Star Wars Saga & The Lord of the Rings Trilogy are probably my favorite movies. Spawn is my favorite comic, because in its time it changed the way comics were done.

 

9. Do you have future projects planned for Dorothy, or others not related to Dorothy, you would like to speak about?

GM: I have ideas about what I would like to do after Dorothy. Nothing that I am ready to announce, but they are all good ideas. As for Dorothy, Mark Masterson and I have discussed maybe doing a novel adaptation of the comic. Also, there have been several rumblings about a film version.

10. I know you hate this part, but where can readers pick up a copy of Dorothy?

GM: We are actually going to be in the November Previews catalog for Diamond Distributors. Which means that the first chapter of Dorothy will be re-released in a comic book store near you come January. If you cannot wait until then, you can order Chapters 1 & 2 on the website:  www.dorothyofoz.net

 

 

 

Thanks, Mr. Avalanche