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Matt MGMT

mattTopher Seal writes;

Matt Kindt's Mind MGMT from Dark Horse has quickly become a fan favorite. The spy thriller continues to draw readers in with each issue through impressive watercolor sequential art and a well crafted narrative. I talked with Matt to discuss the niche he is carving out for himself in the comic book industry:

Topher– You have done some impressive independent work over the years like Pistolwhip and even some work on Sweet Tooth with Jeff Lemire. Of all your works what are you most proud of and why?

Matt– Mind MGMT, really because it's the thing I'm currently working on and I always feel like I'm learning and adding to my storytelling ability with each project so the newest one is always (hopefully) the best because of the added experience. Also – doing a monthly book — on my own — is history making I'm pretty sure — I honestly can't think of another creator that has done a monthly book – writing, penciling, inking, coloring, lettering, and design all on their own. I'm only going three years so I won't have the longest run ever but I really love having control of every mark that appears on the page.

Topher– Yes that is true, doing all the work on your own must be quite a challenge. It's definitely not the traditional way of creating comics and sounds labor intensive. Having complete creative control seems to be very important to you. Knowing that you have worked on titles for large companies where you are not in complete control, would you say that you enjoy the bigger payday more or the ability to have a 100 percent influence over your work.

Matt-It's not even about the payday with when I'm writing for the big two. There's some kind of weird joy I get writing those characters that I can't explain. It's like I get to have a super hero alter-ego and write some really crazy off-the-wall stories but still keep my character and story telling sensibilities. Honestly, there were a few issues of Frankenstein that I was just giddy while writing. It was just 100% fun. Probably top 5 moments of working in comics was writing that run of Frankenstein.

That said, I don't think I'd have that same joy if I didn't know in the back of my mind of got MIND MGMT and my other creator owned work as a foundation. Because, thinking long term, working as work for hire, you're not left with anything when it's all over but the paycheck. And that's fleeting – so building my own library of creator owned work allows me to work for the big 2 and feel really great about it.

Topher-Do you want to continue to work for companies like Marvel or DC and or develop future projects with them?

Matt-Sure. I'm doing a few limited series with Marvel (not yet announced) and some regular on-going stuff with DC. I'm loving it.

Topher– Mind MGMT is arguably your most successful work to date. Can you give me a little background on the concept?

Matt-Spies with mind powers trained by the government and then disbanded. Where are all these crazy agents now? That's the premise in a nutshell really.

Topher-Well your art style is unique and has resonated with fans as the comic builds a loyal fan base. I love that you use watercolors to create your pages. Is there a reason you do this instead of using other inking and coloring methods?

Matt-Well, I still ink traditionally with brush and ink…but I've tried computer color and I can do it and be happy with the results but at the end of the day the original art just doesn't look as cool and it doesn't really save me any time by doing it on the computer. Plus I hate sitting at a computer any longer than I need to. I'd rather sit in the backyard and paint on a nice day.

Topher– That's refreshing to hear in a age where the ability to use computers is paramount when trying to secure work in the industry. You both write and illustrated many of your projects. Younger artists often wonder what materials and tools the pros use. What do you use to create your comics?

Matt-I use Japanese Sumi Calligraphy ink (waterproof) and water color cakes along with a sable hair brush – #2 sized…all on water color paper.

Topher– Beyond Mind MGMT what other projects are you excited about working on if any?

Matt-I have a new crime book coming out in May from First Second called "Red Handed" that I'm really exited about — I've been selling my advance copies this month and I've been really excited to sign them because there's a page inside that I designed to burn when signing — sounds crazy but fits the story conceptually on that specific page. I've been wanting to try that forever and finally got a chance!

Topher– Looking forward to that. Ideas like that are what makes the medium different from others. Your desire to infuse other creative elements are what myself and other fans often praise about your style and craftsmanship.

Topher– What comics ( if you even have the time ) are you currently reading?

Matt-Sixth Gun is by far my favorite monthly. The Black Beetle from Dark Horse is also really great. Just good fun stories with great art. Other than that, everything I read is work related really…and a lot of history books on a lot of random topics that feed into MIND MGMT.

Topher-It's good for novice writers and artists to know that your process includes research through many different means. As someone who uses historical resources for inspiration do you find that the depth of your work is enhanced by going outside the medium for source material?

Matt-For sure. I really don't do any research of any kind within comics. I read some things to keep up with what's going on but if you're just reading comics to make comics you run the danger of being repetitive creatively.

Topher– If there was one thing you could change about the industry what would it be?

Matt– More readers, readers that love traditional prose and haven't ever picked up a comic book or graphic novel.

Topher– True. Attracting new readers should be a major goal of any comic book creator or company.

Topher– Do you have any advice for aspiring comic artists and writers?

Matt-Make as many pages of comics as you can and eventually you'll start getting some good ones!

Topher– Constantly working on your craft has helped you forge a very unique style. Who has influenced you most as a sequential artist?

Matt-Jeff Smith, Dave McKean and Edward Hopper.

Topher-I'm sure readers will know who Jeff Smith and Dave McKean are but they might be surprised to see you list Edward Hopper as an influence. Why is he important to you as an artist?

Matt-Color and tone. Those are really some lonely sad paintings but they also have a story to tell.

Topher-As someone with an art background I can appreciate the work of an artist like that and looking as some of your colored pages I can see how his composition has aided you in your development.

Topher-Earlier you mentioned Red Handed. It sounds like a wonderful concept. Who will be publishing it?

Matt– First Second. It will be in stores in May.

Topher– I hope it will be available on your webpage. I also love the fact that you have made items available on your web page that go beyond comics, apparel and original art. What else do you offer besides the Cyanide Mints and is there any chance that your limited Pop Gun will be available again?

Matt-Pop gun is available in the Super Spy companion book "Super Spy: The Lost Dossiers" — but you have to cut the covers off and build it yourself. The directions are inside the book. But if you do, and you bring it to a convention I'm at, I'll give you a new copy to replace the copy you wrecked.

Topher– Thanks for taking the time to sit down and share your love of comics. Just one more thing, do the Super Spy Cyanide Mints that you offer on your web page taste good? Be honest!

Matt-If you like tic tacs…then you'll love the taste!

Thanks to Matt for taking the time to answer questions about comics and the creative process! Look for his upcoming work " Red Handed " and don't forget to check out Mind MGMT. I suggest tracking down the individual issues at your LCS because Matt has included content within those issues that cannot be found in the recently released collected hardcover!

-Topher Seal

@Larfleeze

www.topherseal.com
http://topherseal.wordpress.com/
http://topherseal.deviantart.com/


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Rich JohnstonAbout Rich Johnston

Founder of Bleeding Cool. The longest-serving digital news reporter in the world, since 1992. Author of The Flying Friar, Holed Up, The Avengefuls, Doctor Who: Room With A Deja Vu, The Many Murders Of Miss Cranbourne, Chase Variant. Lives in South-West London, works from Blacks on Dean Street, shops at Piranha Comics. Father of two. Political cartoonist.
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