Quote:
Originally Posted by lufttiger
Hey Billy, i was wondering, how long does it take to produce a comic?
Say from story line, to drawing it, then having it printed?
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Because of all the research I did for this series, it took me about six months to write the six issues (22 pages each of very detailed scripts). I also had other work inbetween, the covers, conventions, photos sessions, FIG, traveled to Normandy and the Vosges, had Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years, vacation, etc that also bit into my timing. It also took me longer because I was crafting a fictional story from factual accounts, and while I was drafting an entertaining story I really wanted those who know of the Lost Battalion to feel I did a good job. My editor, friends, historians and especially Nisei soldiers who've read the scripts seem to really like them so I hope I did my job. It would have been easier for me to write a nonfictional account on the Lost Battalion to be honest.
I'm hoping to draw four pages a week (finishing up page five this afternoon - flu got me last week), and am going to push for five. Thing is, even though I'm keeping the story intimate, I'm not drawing dudes in tights but soldiers in M1941's, or 43's, leggings, buckle boots, M1928 packs, webbing, weapons, wrinkles, folds, Panzer Grenadiers, Gerbirgsjagers, medics, tanks, artillery and aircraft by the hundreds. I want everything to be right (damn helmet netting takes me a long time!) so it's going to be a very tough but fulfilling battle. Again, this isn't a single painting, so I cannot spend all day on one panel -- I've got to do six or so a day, but also keep up the quality of the covers. I really want this book to blow people away.
I don't use inkers so we'll clean up the pages and levels of the art in photoshop to be colored. We've got some time as the first monthly issue doesn't come out until November, but there's a lot of work. A colorist can do maybe two pages a day, letterers can do a whole book in less than a week. I also have to do a total edit on the six scripts, word balloon placement and TONS of color guides to make sure there are no purple tanks.
After that's done, I'll probably have to write some introduction (maybe John Milius will) and it only takes about one week to print the files into a book then another to get into the stores. The first issue will be out by Veterans' Day 2008..
Whew! I'm freaking out thinking of all I have to do -- I better get back to work!
