CBG‘s monthly visit with an independent publisher takes us to Massachusetts in CBG #1670 for a talk with New England Comics.
New England Comics
732 Washington St
Norwood, MA 02062
(781) 769-3470
www.necpress.com
Bob Polio is the art director for New England Comics, publisher of The Tick and its related titles. The publishing division is just part of the company, which began as a chain of comics stores in the Boston area. We’ll visit the NEC stores in CBG #1671.
Describe your comic(s) in five words.
Fun to read, fun time.
What makes your comics different from those of other publishers?
Our comics are a satire on the “super-hero” genre and have been from Day One.
How did you get started?
I had an ongoing comic strip in my junior-college newspaper and self-published my own mini-comics.
Why did you choose to become a comics publisher/creator?
I’ve had art around me all of my life. My dad was an art teacher and a cartoonist for our local newspaper. It was a natural, once I found an interest in comics.
The greatest thing about being independent is …?
You have control over what you draw and write — within limits.
The worst thing?
Company recognition with the general public.
Your favorite comic book of all time is …?
Watchmen.
People who read your comics are …?
The finest people in the whole wide world.
Who were among your artistic and creative influences?
George Herriman, Carl Barks, and Jack Kirby.
What were among your earliest titles?
The Tick.
What were your biggest challenges at start-up?
For The Tick, publishing a black-and-white comic right after the “black and white implosion.”
The best advice you received when starting out?
Write things down.
The worst advice?
Keep your bat off your shoulders.
What jobs outside of comics have you held or do you hold?
Freelance art, roll-tender for a printing company, and a candy-factory worker.
Who were among your earliest creators?
Ben Edlund, Dave Garcia, Alan Hopkins, Eli 5 Stone, and Sean Wang.
Who has been your most popular creator and why?
The Tick’s Ben Edlund. ’Nuff said.
You are most proud of …?
Being involved with The Tick from the beginning and seeing him go on to bigger things.
What personal skill do you have that you use the most?
Staying awake at the right moment!
Who would you most like to have work for you?
Ben Edlund.
What do you lose sleep over?
Meeting deadlines.
What upcoming projects do you have?
The Tick: New Series and The Tick: The Edlund Epic.
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