INTERVIEW: Philip Bond: All About POP
Interview Conducted By Jonathan Ellis
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DEADENDERS. ANGEL & APE. INVISIBLES. KILL YOUR BOYFRIEND.

Just some of the books you'll find in Philip Bonds Chronology. Each an example of his shining talent. For over a decade Philip Bond has been providing the industry with his own mix of clean smooth lines and detailed layouts. When one thinks of Philip Bond, thoughts of 78's and short skirts spring to mind, but there's more to an artist's life then 80's pop and cute young girls...

I think.

Let's find out as we talk with Philip about his art, his upcoming work with Peter Milligan on the VERTIGO POP: LONDON mini- series, and of course, a brief mention of Duran Duran.

POPIMAGE: It seems strange to say, but you've been in the biz for just about 15 years now. How have you noticed things changing since you began, in terms of the industry and how artists such as yourself are treated?

BOND: I think it's probably over that time that the big companies have started to value personalities rather than someone who could just get the job done. If I'd been around twenty years ago I'd have ended up drawing like one of the old guard, production line "Comics The Marvel Way". They seem much happier now to have creators with more varied and individual styles.

Speaking of Marvel, a company that has changed quite a bit since the old days, they seem to have made it their prerogative to hunt down the hipper and more talented creators in the biz today. Have you been approached by the hallowed halls for a project as of yet?

There have been phone calls. Chaykin and Tischman were working on a Marvel book that they wanted me on. The company's concentration on superheroes frustrates me, though, it's all a bit unnecessary.

Would you consider pitching an idea of your own then, a sans super hero project?

There are always vague ideas and projects on the back-burner, too vague and distant to start thinking about publishers, though.

You're really trying to sell this whole Marvel thing on me, aren't you?

Pretty soon I'll start up with the ONI praise too.

I really loved the recent ANGEL & APE series. Has anything been said in terms of an ongoing series, and if an ongoing were to happen would you be back onboard as artist?

We've talked casually about another series, probably another four-issues rather than ongoing, and writers Chaykin and Tischman are up for it. I had more fun drawing ANGEL & THE APE than I've had in ages so I'd love to do it again.

I know there's been talk amongst the readers about other artists and writers getting a shot at it. The title is an old DC property so it's not like we have a right to do it, but I'd hate to think of anyone else getting to draw Angel's tight little butt.

I see you have a number of party flyers and CD art to your credit. Do you consider yourself a fixture in the New York and London party scenes?

Hell no. Even my small-town disco nights are far in the past. I'm a total devotee of pop culture, though, so in my head I'm still dancing.

Do you find you're more influenced by retro or nostalgia pop such as 80's musicians and cartoons or more so by current media draws which ranges anywhere from Britney Spears to basement jaxx?

Both, really. I've been going back to the bands of my youth recently, The Wedding Present, Cud, this could easily be a long list... I'm a sucker for the Next Big Thing, though, anyone with a fresh face, a cocky swagger and a chord change that puts shivers up your spine.

For me, I'd have to say the HEY MISTER single by Custom is one my new faves. Bad video though.

Can't say I got much from Custom, myself. It's all The Herbaliser round our house at the moment, or Duran Duran if Shelly gets her way. Looking forward to the new Cornershop album too.

Ahhh Duran Duran. The original boy band...

Yeah, she's still in love with John Taylor. There's nothing I can do about that now, it's deeply ingrained.

You also do a lot of strips, have you put any thought into doing your own series or graphic novel?

I'd love to do something that was totally my own creation, and there's always some idea on the back-burner, it's just a matter of finding the time. Also I'm totally lazy so even if a publisher was to give me a huge advance to produce something I'd happily spend a year watching TV.

How might you describe your style to someone unfamiliar with your work? It's interesting to see your work stretched out with it ranging from highly detailed to clean and smooth.

I've always enjoyed the comics form, you know, the storytelling side, the characters, all that - but the graphic look appeals to me too. I'm only really happy when you could take a single panel from a page, blow it up to the size of a wall and it'd still look great. It's all about POP.

Where would you say your strengths lie in your artwork? Some artists like drawing people but hate backgrounds, others love to draw cars but hate animals, etc.

It's the people, I guess, expressions and gestures. The clothes, the whole look of the characters. Backgrounds can be a pain, but they're worth the effort, the people need somewhere to live. Dogs I hate. I can't draw dogs. Or horses.

Are you self taught or did you receive any formal training?

I did spend five years in art college, some of that I'd consider formal training. Mostly it was just good socially, which is just as important.

Actually my father drew comic strips, still does from time to time. Looking over his shoulder and raiding his bookshelves from an early age was a huge influence.

What advice, if any, would you give to those trying to make it in the Biz today?

As far as "the Biz" goes, actually producing something complete shows a lot more than just samples can. Remember it's not just about drawing, but storytelling too.

As far as the art goes, life drawing is essential, along with an appreciation of film, television, literature, music and fine beers.

What made you, particularly, want to get into the comic biz in the first place?

The chance to use a talent for drawing to tell stories. That sounds like a stock answer, doesn't it?

OK, a chance to draw pretty girls over and over again.

Model references...?

None in particular, I rarely use photo-reference. Sometimes I'll have someone in mind while I'm drawing, but that's got as much to do with character as with a physical type.

What's next for Philip Bond?

A four-issue series set in the music business, written by Pete Milligan. Sort of "Performance" meets "Vice-Versa".

Interesting. Do you see the characters in this series being based on or baring similarities to any artists currently performing? Has a publisher been decided at this time?

There are certain similarities, yes, mostly amalgams of a number of people. I'm mentioning no names, though.

This is another Vertigo project, one of a series of books called "Vertigo Pop".

A series of books called "Vertigo Pop"? Sounds great already. Does this mean you'll be on for another mini in the series following this initial mini?

It's unlikely. A four-issue mini is a big undertaking, so it's hard to know how I'll feel or what offers might turn up by the time it's finished. I can't plan that far ahead. My arms might have fallen off by then.

Parting thoughts?

Brush your teeth and be nice to your mum.

Thanks Philip

Jonathan Ellis is Interviews Editor for PopImage


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