1. Who are you and what are you working on right now? (2 questions in 1, I know!)
Eric Watkins, I’m the Director of Operations for Broken Icon Comics, LLC. I also moonlight as a writer on a few titles. Right now I’m working on the supernatural hunter story G-Raver, based on professional wrestler, Brandon Graver. I’m working on this with the incredible, Nicholas “Iowa” Wentland and its slated for a Fall of 2014 release. I’m also working on a western about cowboys who find ancient Aztec technology titled The Cowboy Gauntlet. This is illustrated by Belfast based artist, Patrick Mulholland and is slated for Spring 2015 release. Finally, I’m working on investigative horror story called The Man in the Kitty Coat with Tennessee artist, Kevin Steward. This is slated for a Spring 2015 release.
2. What drew you to digital comics?
I’m an old school fan so I still love the floppy and graphic novel format, but digital comics offer convenience and I don’t have to lug books around on trips.
3. Webcomics or digital comics?
I like both. I like to sometimes release some of Broken Icon’s titles a page at a time online to build buzz before a hard copy release. We also just release titles outright, a lot of times for free. For example The Horror Show is a free download on our website and Drive Thru Comics.
4. What do you think works with digital comics?
Everything. Digital comics are so universal.
5. Can digital comics replace print comics?
I think a lot of people tend to believe they can, I’m not one of those people. I think there will always be the hardcore fans that want that hard copy in their hands. I like the convenience of digitals but I love to sit down and read a comic that’s in my hands.
6. How can print comics work with digital comics?
We do this all the time and we LOVE it. In certain circumstances we will release an issue one for free in the digital format. This encourages people with no risk to check it out. If they like it, they are could be willing to spend some money on the next ones. We also release digital books for a lot cheaper, say .50 to 1.00 a book and then in the print version we add in extra stories and information. If the reader loves the story, they could want to see the bonus content only print offers. They work so well together and more people need to utilize this relationship.
7. What don’t you like about digital comics?
That I don’t have a book in my hand, honestly.
8. What digital comics/webcomics do you read?
The Dead by fellow Broken Icon guy, James Maddox. Its incredible if you’ve never read it. http://www.jamesmaddox.net/?page_id=928
9. Where do you see digital comics going from here?
I think more sites will keep popping up. I think that personal sites will become a hub for them as well.
10. Who do you think we should look out for in digital comics?
I’m going to say his name again, James Maddox. He is working on The Dead and Clown as web releases. Also, Dirk Manning is incredible.
