Saint James was founded for a variety of reasons, the first and foremost because we love comics and love telling stories through comics. Jesse and I realized we wanted in, and wanted in bad, and…well, here we are, trying to get ourselves out there as best we can. And now, having (for the most part) totally immersed ourselves in the industry, It’s funny discovering that some of our favorite artists working in the medium today were born and live/work right in our backyard (Michigan). With all of the negativity surrounding Michigan’s economy lately, it’s nice to know that there are some extremely talented people making a living here, using their Michigan heritage to put out some inspiring work. So, being a fan of Mouse Guard for a long time, it was only recently I found out that the series’ mastermind, David Petersen, was born, raised, and works here.

If you haven’t had the chance to read Mouse Guard, I highly suggest you do. The story, both written and illustrated by Petersen, follows a colony of intelligent, sword-and-shield-wielding mice in a medieval world over the course of their adventures. It’s a lushly detailed series, and from the first page you are guaranteed to be drawn in. Mouse Guard Volume 1: Fall 1152 is already available in TPB, and the collected Volume 2: Winter 1152 is due out in August, although you can head to your local shop and pick up the single issues right now – issue #6 came out just last week and it is fantastic.

I had a chance to talk to Mr. Petersen and ask him not only about Mouse Guard, but what he thought of independent publishers (like us), his inspirations, and what we can look forward to in the future from the artist-extraordinaire.

SJ: How long have you been drawing comics and how did you get started in the business?

DP: I have been drawing comics since 2004. I had been trying to draw comics since I was younger, way back in middle school, but never got more than a few pages in before something else grabbed my attention (a role playing game, TV, girls, friends, etc.).

I started by trying to promote my artwork at a local convention. From there I decided I had enough interest in my work to self-publish a comic using a print on demand service. I took a few of those issues with me when I was attending the San Diego con and I found that Archaia was taking submissions. We signed a deal less than a month later.

SJ: Do you prefer writing and illustrating your own projects? Or would you rather take a step back and do one or the other?

DP: I prefer to write and draw. There are times where I wish I could pass one or the other on to someone else, but I think that ultimately I’d be unhappy with the results. The way I work, I’m able to have the ideas in flux for much of the production. I don’t have to nail down dialogue, I can add or subtract pages or panels if need be.

The few stories/projects I have worked on with other people have been a struggle for me, because I want to alter the writing or change someone’s art. However, I do foresee upcoming projects where I will be only filling one of those roles, so I had better get used to it.

SJ: What gave you the inspiration for Mouse Guard and how long did it take to get the first issue off the ground?

DP: The idea worked its way out of a comic I tried in high school. It was a medieval fantasy comic with animals as the main roles, but the character designs were more like Disney’s Robin Hood. In college I wanted to retry the idea, but make it more serious, more real. Animals being animals. This presented a problem; how to keep characters like mice alive in the greater fabric of the story.

So I went to work on mouse culture ideas. The Guard and a few of the characters (based on friends of mine) popped up quickly and Mouse Guard was born. However, it took another 9 years before I was ready, willing, and able to make it as a comic

SJ: How is it working with Archaia Studios Press?

DP: We have a good relationship. Mark set the tone with me almost immediately (before we had a contract) when he asked if I would want to keep the format (8″ x 8″) I told him yes and his reply was “Good”. Archaia has allowed me to do my comic without any outside input. They offer it up if I ask, but never interfere.

SJ: Do you still draw in your spare time, for fun?

DP: Not very often. Almost never really. I’ll do an occasional doodle or something that I’ll use later (misc Mouse Guard art I can use later for a sketchbook or something I could throw up on my blog).

That being said though, I find working on my projects fun. There is some point where every book or project feels like work (or worse!) but there is a point on every one of those where it is like drawing for fun (a favorite scene, a cover, designs for new places or characters…).

SJ: How long does it take to finish a typical issue?

DP: It takes me a little over 2 months from start (outline) to finish (colored files uploaded to Archaia).

SJ: Who are some of your biggest influences?

DP: George Lucas (for his use of mythology and recrafting it), Mike Mignola (for graphic panel by panel storytelling), James Gurney (for world building), Rick Geary (for inkwork that breaks tradition in comics), my Dad (for impressing the idea of knowing as much as you can about as much as you can).

SJ: What writers would you like to work with or what artists would you like to see bring your words to life, if given the opportunity?

DP: I’d love to do a spinoff book called ‘Legends of the Guard’ that features artists I admire doing Mouse Guard stories. I already have a list of who I’d love to see stories from: Jeremy Bastian, Karl Kerschel, Katie Cook, Joao Lemos, Jim Lee, Josh Middleton, Mike Mignola, Mark Smylie…I know I’m forgetting some.

SJ: We’re big fans of Mouse Guard here at Saint James. Can you tell us anything about the prequel, Mouse Guard: Black Axe, due out this year?

DP: The prequel will tell the tale that Celanawe hinted he would tell Lieam (Winter Issue #3) of when his paw first touched the Black Axe. It will also feature another mouse from the published stories…

SJ: How do you feel about movies adapted from comic books? Have a favorite?

DP: For the most part, I think that ultimately they work against the comics. Fans of the comics are disappointed in the movie, people brought to the comic via the movie are confused/disappointed by the comic. However, I think there are obviously exceptions. Movies that take lots and lots of comic story and continuity and condense them faithfully can work well (Superman, Spider-Man, Batman, Iron Man.) The main problem here is that you alter some part of that history and then as a movie, have to build off of your revised version, which takes it further from comics continuity.

My favorite comic movies are Iron Man, Sin City and Batman Begins/Dark Knight

SJ: What’s a typical day in the life of David Petersen?

DP: My schedule varies, but I generally work a shift from mid afternoon ‘till 3 or 4 in the morning. There are breaks in there for meals and e-mails and errands. I try and get my e-mailing done as soon as I come down into the office/studio. Then I tackle whatever artwork is hottest (most due) on my to-do list. And that work can vary from penciling a page and inking a page to laying out pages to coloring pages…it all depends on where I am in a book or what other work needs to get done first.

By 2:30-3:30 AM I’m running out of steam so I go back and do more e-mail catch-up or paperwork or general website/blog/twitter/myspace updates before I go to bed and start all over the next day.

SJ: What are you reading right now?

DP: I have not been good about reading lately. I was reading the last of the Twilight books (my wife is really into them, so this way I can be a part of her fandom like she does for me with books like Watchmen). Because I spend so much time working in the studio (and I feel guilty if I’m home and not working) I try and do audio books. Just re-listened to Harry Potter 6 & 7 (getting ready for the upcoming movies).

SJ: The famous Saint James debate: Star Trek or Star Wars?

DP: Star Wars. I’m not one of those weird fans who hates the other though. I like Trek, but love Star Wars.

SJ: What advice do you have for people trying to break into the industry?

DP: Make sure you can tell a good story. And get your work out there. One of the way I think is best is to self publish a book (using a print on demand so you can control costs and quantities). Self published books are the best way to show fans, publishers, diamond etc that you are ready. It is better than a business card or a pitch/sample pages. It’s a complete issue that shows you can tell/draw a story and that you know how to finish an issue (it’s amazing how many people who want to get into comics have never drawn 24+ pages of the same story).

SJ: What is your favorite thing about working in the industry – what makes you go, “Wow, I can’t believe I do this for a living?”

DP: Usually it’s meeting people in the industry I admire and getting to chat with them about mundane stuff like pencil lead or movies. Getting to draw characters or settings that I am a fan of also makes me stop and think, “Wow, I’m lucky”. Then I take stock of how I created Mouse Guard and get to draw it/ write it exactly how I want and I think “Wow, I’m REALLY lucky!”

SJ: How has being raised and living in Michigan affected your style and the type of work you do?

DP: Michigan is a great place to live. With the Great Lakes, the Upper Peninsula, our beaches, our wineries, our agriculture, our diverse terrain…I’m a big fan of Michigan. Mouse Guard is certainly a reflection of that. Because I live here and I’m familiar with the vegetation and scenery and palette, it’s what comes through in my work.

Also in the day of computers and high speed connections, I can work from home and send all my work to whatever publisher I’m working with. So since I can choose to live where I want, I choose Michigan. (check out http://www.michigan.org/Topics/Pure-Michigan-Ads/Default.aspx
for some great ads for MI narrated by Tim Allen).

SJ: How do you feel about independent publishers, and do you see a trend with them one way or another (good, bad, or ugly)?

DP: I think it’s always good to have a method for independent voices to be heard. Indy publishers make it possible for books that don’t conform to the big two’s marketing strategy to be seen/read.

I think there is a lot of work that could be done to make indy publishing better, mostly it has to do with quality control and quality over quantity, but that’s an easier-said-than-done task. Distribution is also a problem for the ‘little guys’ but that is a knot of problem too big for just the one of me to go into…

SJ: Besides Mouse Guard, do you have anything else in the works right now?

DP: I’m doing Muppet covers for Boom Studios right now. I’m also finishing up my children’s book for Harper Collins (Snowy Valentine’s Day). I have another creator owned title waiting in the wings for when I want a longer break from Mouse Guard…oh and there are a few things brewing that I can’t talk about yet…but they should be REALLY good!

Check out the official Mouse Guard site here, and for more info on David Petersen, check out his artwork here and his blog here.

Ciao and make some noise below in the comments below.

Rob

1. Savannah Says:
   June 4th, 2009 at 10:40 pm

   this guy reminds me of me! haha! good interview rob, VERY inspirational!

2. Bob Foster Says:
   June 5th, 2009 at 4:11 pm

   Isn’t there a role playing book out there based on this?

   Very good interview.

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