Posted in: Comics | Tagged: Comics, entertainment

An American Knight And A Likeable Guy

Arthur Bellfield writes,

Rick Lozano is an artist on the verge! He's become a fixture on the independent scene working with HB Comics and the web-collective Creators United to help other like minded comic book makers live their dreams. After weeks of chatting with him I realized why he's become a maven within the field and why he's been married almost two decades – Rick Loxano is a likable guy! People love working with him. So, I decided to officially introduce him to readers who may not be familiar with his work, including his new comic American Knight.

AB: Before we talk about your upcoming comic book American Knight #1, lets talk about your secret origins a bit. Where did you grow up and how did that upbringing shape or hinder your creative outlets? And, at what point did you decide to pursue a career in comics?

RL: I grew up the Cleveland area. I would travel between my mothers and my fathers on the week ends. Growing up was great, we had some hard times as all families do but my family was very supportive. I remember always liking to draw. I didn't do all that well in school but when it came to art I felt good about myself which only made me love to do it more. It was my father and brother that really opened my eyes to comics. I remember going to the store and my dad would sometimes let me buy an issue of Superman. I really didn't understand the stories but the art, the art spoke to me. My brother was a big collector in the 90's and his walls where decorated with comics. When he wasn't home I would take a few issues to my room and read them without him knowing. It's what started my love for comics and that's all I really wanted to draw.

AB: How was the nerd scene different then as opposed to now? And, do you think the comic book industry has changed for the better or worse?

RL: It's very mainstream now. That's not a bad thing because as comic nerds we have more content then we ever did when I was younger but it has also started to show a lot of the bad that I really never saw before. People shaming each other for not knowing enough or for not being a true fan. Truth is a fan is a fan. Each is entitled to love this whole comic thing any way they like. I would just like it to get back to showing love for comics or a property instead of us focusing on what we hate.

AB: To the readers who aren't familiar with your work. What are some of your past projects and what lead to the creation of American Knight?

RL: The original concept for American Knight as well as Mask and Cape Comics was started by my good friends Matt Milner and Adam Strom. Knight was a part of a bigger picture, a whole universe. Knight was the first character I ever designed and is my beginnings in this industry. We put out two books in 2008 at San Diego comic con and it was such a rush but like many other companies we fizzled out and a second issue was never realized. This nagged at me for a while. As the next few years went by I continued to do freelance cover and illustration work for a few small press companies. Pencil work, inking, coloring and editing. Really anything I could do to learn more on how to make comics. Then in 2012 I decided that I wasn't done with American Knight. I had a story to tell and it was time to tell that story.

AB: The tag line for American Knight reads "The story of a hero facing the consequences of his past transgressions and his ultimate quest for redemption" What does that mean storywise?

Before Dwight "DC" Cooper put on a mask and became a star-spangled vigilante, he was a soldier. He believed in what America stood for and worked hard to rise in the ranks. With promotions came privilege. With privilege came power. With power came corruption. A once honorable man now did terrible things for the paycheck and the pleasure. An "opportunity" presented itself to DC…to become better than the best soldier, an unparalleled killer. He took it without question and paid the price. It was only when  he lost his humanity that he again found his soul. Now, as the Knight, he is using all he has learned and all they made him to be, to bring balance and justice to a country that desperately needs a hero who represents the American dream.

AB: And, what makes American Knight aka Dwayne "DC" Cooper different from many of the characters being published now?

RL:Most heroes feel they have a responsibility to use their abilities for good. They exercise a moral code of honor to always do the right thing. AK is different. His moral compass is damaged. He wants to be a better person, but he has done things he considers unforgivable. His journey is one of redemption. He is learning to be a "good guy" and he definitely doesn't consider himself a hero.

AB: You're teaming with Jason Fitch who will be writing the series. What comics has he worked on in the past and what makes him the perfect partner for American Knight?

RL:Jason and I have been friends for long time. We meet while he was working at a local comic shop. He has worked  for over ten years in the comic retailer industry and even co founded POP! The Comic Culture Club in the Cleveland area. He knows his stuff and his love for comics made him the perfect guy to go on this journey with me. He had been writing for himself for a long time and I always admired his work. As a fan he always wanted to write comics and this was the perfect time to do it. So we got down to business, planned and worked hard bring this story to life.

AB: You're currently running a Kickstarter campaign for American Knight #1, which still has a couple weeks left. Will the comic still be completed and sold if the crowdfunding isn't successful?

RL:This comic will be published no matter how long it takes. I am determined to get this book out to the public. Not just this issue but many more after. This is just the beginning.

AB: And, finally-what's next for your imprint Mask and Cape Comics?

Besides issue two of American Knight? I have gotten back together with some of the original Mask and Cape Comics crew and we have some other books returning and coming out. Stay tuned because we should have some updates and announcements coming.

You can checkout the Kickstarter campaign here:

Arthur Bellfield is a Texas based podcaster and comic book writer who loves promote independent comic book writers and artist. Follow him on Twitter @ALBELLFIELD

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