Closing the Box: Part Two!

Posted on April 1st, 2011 - 11:49 AM by

With the final chapter now available for download in the epic thriller Box 13: The Pandora Process we continue our talk with series creators David Gallaher and Steve Ellis. Earlier this week we brought the first part of our interview, and now as promised here is Part Two! In which David and Steve shine some light on the process involed in creating Box 13 as well as some of their printed work and give us a hint at what’s next. Read Below for more of our exclusive interview:

Now  Box 13 is a comic made to be read digitally, what where some the challenges for producing such a unique comic experience?

DG: I think the biggest challenge is constantly making sure that the story hits the high marks we set for ourselves and our projects. It is an amazingly fun project to work on – one that feels fluid, raw, and unique. It is very different than HIGH MOON, but our method of collaborating on BOX 13 isn’t very different than how we do our other projects.

What would you like readers to take away with them after reading Box 13?

DG: I hope we’ve opened readers up to an exciting story in an exciting new format. Steve and I put a lot of effort into telling the story in dynamic ways. I think the serialized format, combined with the ‘free’ price point, gave readers an incentive to try something new and unique. In the end though, I hope we were able to give readers a really positive experience with digital comics. I know we’ve certainly had a lot of fun.

Looking back at the project now, what are your thoughts on digital comics and the future?

DG: I think there is a real hunger for original digital content — and digital comics offer a lot of flexibility on how that content is delivered. With BOX 13, Steve and I had a tremendous opportunity to experiment and try some rather different approaches to our storytelling. I encourage more creators, readers, and publishers to take the time to discover the new frontier that digital comics provide.

Last year, you guys got to step into the Marvel Universe with the limited Series Darkstar & The Winter Guard. How did that project come about?

DG: I liked the Winter Guard and bugged editor Jordan D. White enough that he let me write something with them in it. That’s the short version of the story.

SE: The slightly longer version of the story is that David and I were up late talking one night about some new project ideas – and my work on the Crimson Dynamo came up. That led to David and I talking to Marvel. I think the original name for the project was “Crimson Dynamo & The Winter Guard.” I think the pitch was that they were the ‘red shirts of the Marvel Universe’ …

DG: … yes. And it gave me an opportunity to bring back the Dire Wraiths, which are always fun characters to play around with.

Now the Crimson Dynamo and the rest of The Winter Guard have been around a while, what was it like to work on something featuring characters with their own history?

DG: It was a blast doing research and building off the foundation that other writers and creators had laid down. Steve worked on the Crimson Dynamo limited series years ago – and it was a lot of fun to pay homage to that and everything else that had come before.

Given the history of comics in general, what in your opinion are the classic comics that everyone should read?

SE: Thor by Kirby and Simonson, Hellboy by Mignola.

DG: I don’t even think I have an answer to that question. Obviously, I like the work that Jack and Stan did, but ‘classic comics that everyone should read?’ – That’s tough, mostly because I know everybody’s tastes are so different.

In many ways your partnership represents a thing of the past in how many comic creators work today. How did the partnership come about? and what advice to you have for writers out there  seeking artists to collaborate with?

SE: A collaboration is like a marriage. There are good days and bad days, but when you are both working towards the good of the project, things tend to work themselves out.

DG: Pretty much what Steve said. In terms of advice for other writers looking to collaborate?  I think the biggest thing is just being open to new ideas and new ways of doing things.

So with High Moon continuing to deliver thrills and chills on comiXology, and projects like  Darkstar and the Winter Guard bringing your work to a larger audience, what’s next ? Are there any new projects your working on or would like to be working on?

SE: In June, we have DEADLANDS: THE DEVIL’S SIX GUN – a one-shot coming out through Image Comics and Visionary Studios.

DG: It’s an deliciously Faustian story. I encourage fans of HIGH MOON to absolutely pick it up.

Be on the look out for Deadlands soon and don’t forget to check all of David and Steve’s awesome work on comiXology. We’ll be keeping you posted as more news on this project comes in as well as all the latest on everything you need to know in the world of digital comics and beyond!


Tagged: · · · · ·
No Comments »

Closing the Box Part One: An Interview with David Gallaher and Steve Ellis.

Posted on March 30th, 2011 - 12:07 PM by

Today the final chapter of comixology’s groundbreaking digital series Box 13 brings the series to an expolsive conclusion. To celebrate We’ll be looking back at both the orginal series and The Pandora Process!  Today we’re brining you the first part of an exclusive interview with the criminal masterminds behind Box 13 writer David Gallaher and artist Steve Ellis. In this first interview the guys we’re nice enough to talk about some of their earlier work leading up to Box 13 and their award-winning digital comic High Moon from DC Comics Zuda imprint. Check out the interview below:

First off, with High Moon, having become a main stay on comiXology, what are your thoughts on the past years you’ve spent working on the project. How did it begin in the first place? Where do you think it will go?

Steve Ellis: High Moon has been a fantastic ride. From a creative standpoint it’s been probably the most freeing of the projects I’ve worked on and the response from readers has been tremendous. David Gallaher brought his idea for High Moon to me originally and I thought it was brilliant from the start. I’m looking forward to the future stories we’ll get to tell with the characters. The world of High Moon is a vibrant and scary one and we still have a lot of stories to tell.

David Gallaher: HIGH MOON is an epic tale that brings a unique flavor to DC Comics and to the old west. It’s been seven years since I first started working on the projects and five years since I first started talking to DC about it. In that time … well, as Steve mentioned, we have plenty of stories to tell … and new stories are constantly forming — from Tristan’s origin to the Macgregor Legacy to the mysterious nature of Red … plus obviously, much much more.

Winning the Harvey Award must have also been a big turning point in your careers, can you describe how your work has been effected since then?

SE: The Harvey was a great honor. Having a jury of your peers pick your book out from the multitude fo web comics is no small honor. As for work, I think it’s given our collaboration more legitimacy when we approach people with new things.

DG: It was very flattering. It has also pushed us to work harder.

For those that may be unfamiliar with High Moon, it is a Western Horror Comic, pitting cowboy’s against werewolf’s and vampires. What would you say were some of your influences for the project?

DG: The aren’t vampires, they are were-bats – which is in keeping with many of my influences for the project. I grew up south of the Mason Dixon line and was raised in an old Civil War town. The rustic, dirty, spooky look and feel for the book came from my upbrining. Batcaves, shotguns, cattle fields – it was all just a part of growing up. There’s also a very strong mythological element.

SE: Yes, Celtic and Norse mythology, mostly. And the spaghetti westerns of Sergio Leone.

Originally High Moon was a part of the Zuda Comics imprint distributed through DC comics. Now that the original initiative behind Zuda is no more, what are your thoughts?

SE: Zuda was a great experiment and a great experience. It brought a sense of community to the webcomics world. It opened the doors for a lot of new talent and brought about some excellent projects. I’m sad to see Zuda go, but I understand the need to redefine DC’s online presence. There are a lot of new people who have moved into the mainstream industry from Zuda.

DG: It is sad to see everything change, but I think there are a lot of great lessons that DC and comics creators can learn and the comic industry braces for the growth of digital comics.

Stepping back in time a little further, David you were one of the writers featured in Moonstone Books Vampire The Masquerade 2: Blood & Shadows back in 2003, based off the popular White Wolf role-playing game, what was it like taking on the World of Darkness back then?

DG: Wow. I wrote that story almost ten years ago … that feels odd to say, but yeah … it was certainly interesting to play around in the World of Darkness. Steve’s had far more experience in their world than I have, since he drew the artwork that appeared in both the games and in Moonstone’s graphic novels.

So does that make you  guys  gamers? and if so what do you play?

SE: I play Call of Cthulu these days, but I used to play a little bit of everything and even created my own role-playing game StudperPowers with Fred Van Lente, Jamal Igle, Ryan Dunlevy and others.

DG: I also play Call of Cthulu from time to time. D&D too. But, I am most fond of the Palladium games – things like TMNT, Nightbane, and Robotech.

Awesome guys!

We’ll be back with more from Gallaher and Ellis later this week as we discuss the team’s adventures in the world of print as well as some of their upcoming projects. In the meantime get caught up on Box 13 and Box 13: The Pandora Process which is available absolutly FREE! in the webstore and comics app.


1 Comment »

The 2010 comiXology digital comics holiday gift guide

Posted on December 10th, 2010 - 08:41 AM by

It is once again that time of year. Naturally the interwebs are exploding with holiday how to’s and perfect gift guides for the Geek/Golfer/Cook/Dark Overlord in your life that you just can’t seem to find the right present for. Sure Batman Beyond: The Complete Series may make for a cool gift and lets not forget the hundreds of collectable statues and busts available from fine retailers everywhere. However on the off chance you may still be looking for just the right gift for the comic fan in your life we present the 2010 comiXology holiday gift guide.

1. Vaporal Sword: No mythical arms collection is complete without this stunning piece from the Fable Homelands, one of the only known artifacts to survive the clutches of the adversary The Vaporal Sword is not only great for the beheading Jaberwookies but also for carving up the roast beast or taking care of those pesky in-laws once and for all. Snicker Snack! See The Vaporal Sword in Action in Fables #36 part one of ‘The Homelands” available for download this week!

2. Hornet Darts: Fancy a game to test your marksmanship. Hornet Darts combine the fun of regular darts with the lethal force of ninja star. Great for target practice or as a hair accessory for the ladies. Just ask Kato from The Green Hornet. What?! Kato isn’t female you say. Check out Kevin Smith’s all-new version of the classic characters before they hit the big screen next year with Dynamite’s adaption of his unproduced screen play.

3. The Bottle of Awesome: It contains ancient and wicked powers only the gods can wield.  It grants supernatural abilities, makes a person better at video games and generally just plain awesome (it says so in the title).  Why not chase down all that egg nog with a extra shot of Awesome from this Zuda’s one and only Bottle of Awesome.

4. Spider-Buggy:  A Sweet Ride seems almost essential for any Super-Hero. Unless of course you can fly or swing from skyscraper to skyscraper using homemade web-fluid. Despite being able to do whatever a spider can Spider-Man has also dabbled in the realm of ultra-cool rides with his very own SpiderMobile (Read: Dune Buggy that can drive up a wall). Sure it may not be able to fly or transverse alternate dimensions however it was good enough for Old Man Logan and at least you won’t need wrapping paper.

5. Mr. Stuffins: Sure to rate high this year with children of all ages. Mr. Stuffins is lovable, cuddly, and a trained government agent capable of throwing down with some of the baddest Robots around. He’ll learn and grow with your child while at the same time protecting your household making Mr. Stuffins a true hero for the holidays. Check out all the action in Eureka Creator Andrew Cosby’s limited series from Boom Studios.

6. The Toys from Stuff of Legend:  A loyal toy solider, a warrior jester, a beautiful angel and a gold hearted goose make up a simple band of adventurers on a quest to save their beloved human boy from the dark forces of the boogeyman. Things are not what they seem in the realm of The Dark, friends will become enemies and toys will become heros. Set among the backdrop of World War II this is one series that proves they just don’t make action figures like they used to. Add Stuff of Legend to your wish list this season and make your holiday all the more legendary.

7. Box Number 13: Why go through all the trouble of finding a gift when sometimes just the package will do. What Mysteries lie within the confines of Box Number 13? Find out comiXology’s very own Box 13 and it’s follow up Box 13: The Pandora Process after all the best gifts are FREE.

8. The Glacier Stone: One of thirteen mysterious Artifacts in the new Top Cow series that brings together the most powerful relics from arcoss the spectrum, The Witchblade, The Spear of Destiny and even The Darkness are counted among it’s ranks. What’s so cool about the Glacier stone though?  It turns it’s bearer into a giant ice monster!  Why not have the coolest snowman on the block this year? and why not take a look at Ron Marz’s Artifacts while the neighborhood kids flee in terror.

These hot items are sure to go fast so keep an eye out and be careful. Of course you could just play it safe and spend the holidays reading comics on comiXology, now there’s a gift that keeps on giving. Then again one can never have to many Busts. Happy Holidays!



Tagged: · · · · ·
1 Comment »

Happy Birthday Box 13!

Posted on October 15th, 2010 - 13:01 PM by

One year ago today the Harvey award winning team of David Gallaher and Steve Ellis unveiled the secrets of Box 13 upon the world exclusively through comiXology. One year later the adventures of Dan Holiday and Olivia Mayfair continue to thrill readers and conspiracy theorists in the series’ second installment Box 13: The Pandora Process the 5th issue of which was released earlier this week!

Today however we celebrate volume #1 now available in a print and through comiXology for the iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch. Based off the old radio serial of the same name Box 13 was the first comic of it’s kind, envisioned and created to be downloaded and read on an iPhone screen.

“Box 13 has presented an amazing opportunity to experiment and discover new methods of story telling for the digital age. Working with Steve and comiXology has presented a great chance to push the boundaries of serialized storytelling. It’s been a real thrill.”  says series co-creator David Gallaher.

So today we raise our glasses high and wish a very happy birthday to Box 13. Read it for FREE! on comiXology and get ready to start thinking outside the box!



Tagged: · · ·
No Comments »