MIKE NORTON: THE WAITING PLACE
An interview with the man from ihatemike.com… Guess who? Mike! By Jonathan Ellis.

Mike Norton, comic artist, web designer, graphic designer, art director, etc. etc. Like a tech age renaissance man, Mike’s creative expression spans the mediums. From THE WAITING PLCE, DR. GOYLE, and the upcoming SOLILIQUY, his clean and expressive lines are sure to impress.

First of all, I'm taking a look at your resume here, Web Designer, Art Director, Production Designer, Art Coordinator, B.F.A. in Graphic Design from the University of Memphis, Expertise in HTML, QuarkXpress, Photoshop, Illustrator, Freehand, Flash, and Dreamweaver. You received the Nashville Advertising Federation Award for work on Myrrh Records recording artist Phil Keaggy's web presence and Best Entertainment Website for Communication Arts for work on Nashville Predators web presence. Why the hell you doing comics? Are you just one of those people who always has to be doing something, so you just ending drawing when you get sick of the computer?

Comics are my first love. I learned HTML in about a week to put my portfolio online... as with any new hobby, I tried to learn as much as I could, and was stunned when I started making money at it. Now it’s my main gig. Kinda ironic considering I did it to get more comic work. I used to HATE technology... I'd much rather be drawing. Lately, however, I've been looking into how I can manipulate this new web comic medium craze for my own.

How did you break into the biz?

I've been sending samples since high school, but it was a fan letter that I sent to Mike Baron that started me done the road really. He actually wrote back and gave me suggestions and critiques, and over a couple of years I practiced and kept in touch.

How did you score the job on BADGER? Still fresh in the biz and you're already working for Image.

It was a big surprise and a special project for me too. I was a fan of the book waaaaay back. In fact, the way I got in contact with Mike Baron, the creator, was through a fan letter I sent with some samples... I wasn't even asking for a job. We continued to correspond for a year or two and he finally said, "Hey Mike, wanna draw Badger?" I was thrilled.

One of your current projects is THE WAITING PLACE, for which Sean McKeever held a great search to find the right artist. How did you score the job?

I had met Sean at a convention about a year prior to the search. It was my first exposure to the book. I was struck by how "non-comic book" like it was. Then I found out he was looking for an artist for a second series. Badger was over, and I was wanting to do something to experiment a little, to find my own style. Luckily, he thought I was good enough.

For those unaware, what's THE WAITING PLACE all about?

Waiting Place is something I think everyone can relate to. Growing up in a dead end town (they all seem dead end when you're in high school) and fearing that you may be stuck there forever. Trying to get out. Trying to fit in to your current surroundings. The characters are what sell it for me... Sean McKeever really writes them like people I've known. Its intelligent work. But there is humor to it too.

THE WAITING PLACE being reminiscent of high school memories, what are your favourite/worst high school memories?

My favorite memory is the last year of high school, where I finally thought I got the hang of things, y'know? My worst memories are few and far between.

Your other project, DR. GOYLE, the story of a medieval monster-fighting wizard who accidentally transforms himself into a stone gargoyle is out from Arrow Comics done with Mark Stegbauer whom you met while working on BADGER. What should fans expect from this series?

Pure sillines. Those who know me will agree that I can be a very goofy person... and Mark DEFINITELY has a goofball streak (maybe that's why we ended up on Badger?) So this is just pure fun. It’s like a cartoon... In fact, that's where we'd both like to see Goyle end up.. As an animated property.

Have you approached any production companies yet?

No, haven't reached that stage quite yet. Mostly it has to do with finding the right people to pitch to. Right now, we're getting a lot of "Hey that make a great cartoon" and we're like, "Yeah, we know"

Working on both DR. GOYLE and THE WAITING PLACE, a reality based book and another completely off the wall, must keep you pretty happy?

I see so many projects that I want to do, that I find itself limiting to only work on one sort of thing. Sometimes I feel like I should settle down and find some kind of consistency, but this is waaaay more fun.

What steps do you take in your art when you're imagining the visual of the personality of the character rather then 'just a character'?

I've collected sort of a visual vocabulary of expressions and personalities in my head over the years. Probably due in part to extensive drawing sessions at all night restaurants...(You just see the most interesting people there.) Characters are just like people, Some of them you fall in love with, and are easy to describe... others you just never get to know that well.

Finish these sentences;
Right now, in the industry we need more...

People reading comics.

and less...

Over inflated egos that think so highly of themselves and their work and forget what they actually DO for a living.

Most influential Author?
Hmm... there are a bunch.. But you remember, this series of pre-teen adventure series about this group of divers? I can't remember the name of it, but I know that after I read them in the 6th grade, you couldn't STOP me from creating my own stories.. Very big influence.

Favourite old school artist? Writer?
In comics? Have to say John Romita Sr. & Stan Lee.

Best Kirby creation?
Fantastic Four.

Most under appreciated creator currently in the biz?
Oh wow...I have tons of friends that I don't understand why they aren't famous.

Worst fanboy experience?
Standing in line at the DC portfolio review.

Proudest body of work?
THE WAITING PLACE.

Advice to those trying to make it in the Biz today?
Stop it! One of the reasons its so hard to get into is because everybody's trying to get in it.

What has been your favourite book to work on?
BADGER has a special spot in my heart. I'd love to work on it again. But I really enjoy what I'm doing with TWP right now.

Current titles everyone SHOULD be reading?
STRANGERS IN PARADISE, EMPTY ZONE, oh, of course THE WAITING PLACE.

Favourite character(s), title(s) to hopefully some day work on?
SPIDER-MAN. Definitely want to do Spider-Man. I'd also like to do a Vertigo title someday.

Have you tried anything yet? Perhaps a FLINCH story?

No, TWP has kept me pretty tied up, and I'm not a writer... But I am thinking on it, and am taking steps to go more that direction. I'll set aside a little block of time in the future just to sit down and bang out a proposal.

Upcoming projects?

Too many of them. I'm working on new Doc Goyle stuff (including a web version) and a graphic novel personal project. Also, I'm really excited about Soliloquy, a new web strip I'm doing with Chad Ward for REACTOR (a new online comics site) Its like the Wizard of Oz meets Edward Gorey.

Could you tell us more?

Sure, Reactor will be a new entertainment site with a focus on online comics. I am working on Soliloquy with Chad, about a odd fantasy world where a young girl must travel through an assortment of mixed up and bizarre adventures to find out who she really is. Along the way she'll meet many interesting and freaky characters. Many become friends, many will not. That will be a weekly strip in addition to Bad Places which is by Warren Ellis and good friend Jason Alexander.

What's your dream project? If you could work with any companies, characters, writers, artists, no restrictions, no rules, complete creative freedom, crossover as many characters from as many different companies as and if you wanted without any complaints, put together whatever creative teams you wanted, and no one would stop you, what would you do?

WOW.. hrm... I'd like to do something with Spider-Man. I'd like to do something with Badger, again too. Maybe a team-up? THAT would be fun. I'd like to do some big project with DC's second string heroes too (I always liked them better) like Blue Beetle, Creeper, etc. Hell, I'd even bring back Blue Devil and 'Mazing Man. As far as Dream Project, not exactly sure, I've been working on this graphic novel that's been a dream of mine, but mainly just to get it out of my head and have closure.

Creeper/Spider-Man would be interesting, what's the graphic novel about?

The graphic novel right now is a comedic semi-fictional autobiography based on the two years I lived in Nashville. So far what I have done is funny, just gotta find the time to finish it.

Comics journalism, in any form, how important is it?

I don't know... For me, it’s the only way I keep up these days, but it’s kinda sad when the comics zines are more popular than the comics themselves.

So how does a day in the life of 'Mike Norton' work out?

Oh geez, you don't want to know.... It’s really quite sad. Actually, mostly consists of getting up going to my day job at an ad agency, going home eating, working out and working on the book till I pass out.

Now then, You've just been given a chance to rework the industry, starting with the major publishers and distribution companies, what do you do, what DO you do?

I don't know what I'd do, I'm not a business man, I do know I've seen a lot on the distribution end that I don't think is all that fair. I would try to get more people "positive" about it. It’s almost depressing to work now because of all the naysayers.

On to the interview games;
Of choice, drink: Killian's Red or Pepsi One
Restaurant: RP Tracks ( a Memphis bar )
Movies: Hrmmm.... Too many to choose.
Books: hrmm... again, too many to choose.
Music: Power Punk/Pop... Supersuckers, Sun Sawed in Half, Jellyfish... and all that old 80's new wave Goth crap everyone forgot about.
Artists: I got a big Alphonse Mucha kick going... I like mostly early 20th century artists... Whistler (pre 20th century), Homer, Hopper and the ilk. I like the art nouveau illustrators, as well as as a lot of the nordic school (Klimt & Shciele)
Past time: Trying to fight insomnia.

Another one of those oh so fun interview games;
Here's how it works, I say the name of a certain creator and you say whatever comes to mind, Here goes;
Garth Ennis: The Quentin Tarantino of Comics... Can't go wrong with the Irishman.
Grant Morrison: No that familiar with him, but everything I've heard is stellar... I really want to start getting the INVISIBLES trades.
Sean McKeever: He's my friend.... He can write too.
Ted McKeever: Gets mistaken for Sean a lot.
John Romita Sr.: One of my early idols... THE way Spidey should be drawn.
John Romita Jr.: I really liked his spidey in the 80's as opposed to now.
Steve Ditko: One of the greats! Created Spidey & Creeper! Can't forget him!
Matt Wagner: An early influence. MAGE was one of the independent comics I read in Jr. High. Became sort of a bible for me for a while. Also I get pegged as Matchstick all the time, must be the glowing baseball bat I carry around with me.
Terry Moore: A combination whimsical and tender line work with touching and inspiring writing I have not seen anywhere else... A treasure.
Jason Alexander: A dear friend who is constantly surprising me with his evolution.
Neil Gaiman: A masterful storysmith.
Dave Sim: A pioneer and a testament to integrity.
Warren Ellis: Great writer. Guy never seems to be afraid to say anything. I love TRANSMETROPOLITAN.
Lonnie Martin: His motivation is contagious... No seriously, I think I need a doctor....
Leanne Buckley: One of the most talented people I have ever had the pleasure of calling "friend"
Mark Stegbauer: The best inker I've ever had. For the amount of stuff he does he is ever humble... Mainly because he does what he does for love, not money.
Mike Baron: A mentor and friend. His work was an inspiration for me as a kid. He is truly an under appreciated figure in this business.
Frank Miller: A legend. Somebody who is equally stellar in both art and writing. Just unbelievable. I remember the first wolverine series like it was yesterday, and the stuff he does now... wow...
Scott McCloud: The Professor or comics. I used to read ZOT. It was pure fun. Alan Moore: I loves me some WATCHMEN.

Before we go, tell us something no one else knows. Something you've never told anyone...

Uh... well.. there's this... oh wait, I can' say that....
I used to have nightmares that I was being chased by a grandfather clock when I was 5.

And now...
Plug time! This is where you plug as many things as you want, comics, websites, movies, duct tape, ohhhh duct tape, ehn? ehn? novels, anything old, new, current and upcoming, crude shockwave and flash animations, where to buy your books, scripts, your collection of Shaft videos, and whatever else. Anything that could somehow lead to you gaining lots of money, I mean lots. Lots and lots. Tons. Piles of cash. Oodles, yes oodles, OOOOOOOOOODDDDDDLLLLLEEEEESSSSSS!!!!!!!

Please Please PLEASE go out and get your retailer to order THE WAITING PLACE. Isuue #3 is out this month, and #4, "I care" is out in May. It is my FAVORITE comic I've done so far, and I hope everybody else's. This is a really good book people... go buy it!!

If you’re on the web, definitely check out Reactor next month (APRIL) for Soliloquy, its a new deal for me, and it is definitely an entertaining read. Also check out my site if you feel the need for more info ihatemike.com

While I'm at it:
Go buy DR. GOYLE at arrowcomics.com

PopImage and I would like to thank Pop for participating in this interview and recommend you pick up THE WAITING PLACE and check out his site.

All characters, titles, images mentioned or shown are copyright and trademark their respective creators.

Jonathan Ellis is Interviews Editor for PopImage.

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