Matthew Spatola (Writer of "Venger: Dead Man Rising" from Ronin Studios)

Matt Spatola is the writer and creator of The Venger: Dead Man Rising series from Ronin Studios.  A graduate of Penn State University and a life long reader, he has been a fan of comics since a child with this series being his first published comic book work.

 

Mr. A: Before we get started let me thank Matthew, thanks so much for taking time out to chat with us here.

1. For those who haven't checked out Venger so far can you give them a synopsis of the story and characters?

MS: The story is about Alexander and Michael Cabot. Alexander was a masked hero back in the 30s and 40s called The Venger; a sort of Shadow type pulp hero. He was very grim and violent and kept the city free and protected. Now he is an old man and Michael is his police detective grandson. He is working on the case of a serial murderer/terrorist that is plaguing the city. Alexander believes all the crime and murders means the return of his arch-nemesis who died long ago. But his adventures as The Venger have been long forgotten so how does he convince Michael that he is not a crazy or senile old man and that he knows the truth about what is going on?

2. Issue #1 is due to hit at WW Philly June 3-5. What are your feelings now this close to launch and in such a huge venue?

 

MS: Well it is somewhat nerve-wracking. I've been busy contacting different websites and reporters as well as dealing with a few post-production issues. At the same time I'm finishing up the script for #2 and rounding up the advertisers and just trying to spend time with my family. So I'm really busy. But at the same time I'm psyched for Philly. The book has been getting a lot of exposure for a book this size, and getting a lot of positive response too. I'm really eager to get it out to the readers and see what they have to say. And I know Philly is a big deal but it was something Jason and I have been shooting for. We wanted to come out with a bang and this is the perfect place for it. It's going to be a great show.

3. How did you meet up with your team Jason Ossman and Derrick West and will they be on the whole series?

MS: Actually I met Jason through an ad I had put on the digital webbing site looking for an artist for the series. This was back in late fall/early winter. When he replied back to me I knew immediately he was the artist I wanted. The style of the samples he submitted to me plus his enthusiasm for my project really nailed it for me. Unfortunately he told me that because of time constraints he could only commit to being the cover artist and I would still need to find someone for the interiors. But I kept hoping and emailing and finally he emailed back saying that he couldn't stop thinking about the script I sent him and he wanted to do the whole book. Derrick is a buddy of Jason's and that is how he got on board. As the work on the first issue was progressing Jason and I discussed the idea of having someone grayscale the artwork to really accentuate the mood and style of the series that we were developing. Jason told me about Derrick, sent me some of Derrick's samples and I agreed. He was the colorist we would use. So that's the team and we will all be together for the entire series; all seven issues...maybe eight, depending on how the scripting goes for the last few issues. I know what's in them but once I finally script it all out it might take that extra eighth issue.

4. How did you come about choosing Ronin Studios? Was it from previous quality they put out?

MS: I first heard about Ronin on the Millarworld boards back during the fall also. People were posting some great things about what Ronin was about as a company, its vision etc. and so I checked out the Ronin forums and looked at some books that they had done and others that were coming out soon. I started talking to Noble Larimer through a couple of emails back and forth and told him of this series I've had in my head for like the last 6-7-8 years. He liked my pitch and said 'let's do it!'. And so I contacted Jason and the whole thing started rolling from there.
 

5. Are you currently working on titles outside of Venger or any immediate plans?

MS: Right now I'm working on this Venger series, it takes up the most of my writing time. However I'm also putting together a story featuring the original Venger, a prequel of sorts, that will be set during the 1940s. Not sure how that one will be produced; such as a big one-shot or as a mini-series of its own. I'll decide as the script gets pulled together more. I also do have some ideas for sequels to The Venger: Dead Man Rising too. But again right now I'm focusing on making this series the best I can. I do have other ideas featuring other characters too. One is called Brigand For Hire and would actually be set in the same 'Venger universe'. That book is longer in the pipeline than the others though and I'll give more details about that series later.

6. You chose black and white with grayscale (Which I liked a ton with the grayscaling especially). Was this a choice based on any certain reason such as vision or cost?

MS: Actually a little bit of both. As everyone I'm sure knows the cost of printing color is much higher than b/w. So naturally that made b/w a more enticing option for the series and because of the economics. However through a couple of different circumstances having the book in color became an almost 50/50 chance. But I truly believe the grayscale really adds to the atmosphere and the total look and feel of the series. In a sense I think the book works better this way, and it was always my 'vision' to see it like that. That is not to say that you will never see The Venger in color. Jason and I have been talking about coming out with a The Venger: Dead Man Rising #1 color special later this summer, if for no other reason then our own desire and curiosity to see what we can pull off in full color. Plus it is a fact that color does increase sales, so maybe we could use the color special to get more readers? Again right now that is only a discussion not a 'lock'...at least not yet. But being I really want to do it I think you will probably be seeing it this summer some time

 

7. Were you into comics as a child and are you a collector today?

MS: Oh yes big time! I was very much into comics, Marvel in particular. I remember buying comics back in the '80s with the Micronauts from Marvel being one of my favorites. Then I graduated into the X-Men and Avengers and all their related titles. I also liked Amazing Spider-Man. The first issue of that series that I bought was #238 which was also the first appearance of the Hobgoblin. I stayed with comics up until the mid 90s when I just got sick of them. I didn't really care about the books and I was buying title after title out of a sense of obligation. You know, just to keep my complete run going. So I drifted out but came back right after 9/11 with the special issue of Spider-Man about it #36. And I was hooked again, but the difference was the writing and the production had changed and grown so much; the digital coloring was beautiful! I quickly became a fan of Bendis and Millar and a bunch of others. And Marvel got me with the Ultimate line and Marvel Knights back then. I still go to the same comic store that I went to when I was a kid and now I take my kids with me. I have a boy who is 9 and a girl who is 3.

8. What writers have influenced you in your work?

MS: Well like I said I really love Bendis and Millar, especially Millar. He can put out these great story arcs that read like summer blockbuster movies but are so complex and character driven. The dialogue he writes is just fantastic. Jeph Loeb does the same kind of thing for me too but Millar has more of an edge to it that I find attractive. Of course I'm going to say Frank Miller and Alan Moore like everyone else does but there is a reason we all do it- they are true super-talents.

9. What's your favorite book and character from any time past or present? What book/character would you like to work on the most?

MS: If you ask anyone in my family they will tell you before you even finish the question that Captain America is my favorite, always has been. I would love to be able to write a story or two of him. Actually have a few in my head just in case. And Batman. Another popular answer I'm sure but that character can be so truly rooted in 'reality' more than other iconic characters because he just is a regular guy; a regular stinking rich guy but still a regular guy.

10. Any departing surprising facts of Matthew fans would be shocked about either personally or professionally?

MS: Not really I think, my life is not that surprising. I work as a special education teacher and behavior specialist during the day and spend as much time as possible with the wife and kids. And lately that has led to many a late night at the computer for me after everyone else is in bed.

 

Mr. A: Before departing I must always ask...What piece of advice would you give aspiring creators/writers/illustrators
themselves?

MS: Just to keep trying at it if that is what you want. The breaks are out there and you have to find them yourself. Marvel or DC does not come to you if that is what you want.

 

 

Thanks, Mr. Avalanche