I put the artists on Sixsmiths volume 2 to the question. This is what Jase Harper confessed from the Awkwood dressing room in between the second and third encores at the GABA.
You’ve been around the Aussie comics scene long enough to know that Franks is mad, bad and dangerous to know. How on earth did he convince you to participate in this project?
I was scared to say no, anyone who pumps out as many dark, consistently good projects as Franks has to have some backing from evil presences.
Your chapter has quite a large cast of characters in it, and you’ve made them all your own. Was it difficult to reinterpret so many different designs in your own style?
No, not really, drawing moody goth kids is a breeze for me and the freedom to create them in my own style made it all the more enjoyable.
You also provided the cover for volume 2 and a matching new cover for volume 1.
Aside from the fact that they’re in colour, were these more difficult than producing the sequential pages, or less? Which was more fun to work on?
Sequentials can be taxing, getting the layouts right making sure there’s room for the dialogue and that you’re keeping the setting and characters consistent. However the cover came with the pressure that it was the cover, the first thing people see, but it was I think more fun at the same time.
What was the best thing about working on the Sixsmiths?
I enjoyed working within the world Franks built. All the characters had their own unique personas already established so it was just matter digging into the material and running with it.
What was the worst thing about working with Jason Franks?
The smell of Sulphur that would permeate seconds before he’d check in on the deadline.
Thanks for reading, folks! And remember, you can currently order Sixsmiths volume 2 from your local comic store by forwarding them the following link, or by citing Diamond code FEB171451. Orders due Feb 18th. In stores April 26th!