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Steve Rude: New Age Classic
An Interview with Steve Rude by Jonathan Ellis.

Steve Rude comprises the best artists of the past while still keeping his own style. Highly known for his work on NEXUS, he's been working his way to the classic characters he loves, from Superman, to the X-Men and his upcoming features with Spider-Man and Thor. Who knows where his career will lead him next?

I understand you're doing an upcoming Spidey book, from what I've seen, will it be done in the classic Ditko style?

It will be done in the style of John Romita, Sr.

So a three issue series with Fabian Niceaza, what's the story? We've noticed a lot of 'revamping' going around and specials focusing on Spidey's villians, on the other hand we have the afore mentioned 'classic' style. Are we looking at something new or just getting back to good and proper stories?

First and foremost, I'm always looking to return comics to good and proper stories. One thing that I talked about with Ralph (the editor) and Fabian (the writer) was I wanted us to be our own men on this book, and not just slinging around old hash from the past. And yet because all my story telling sensibilities come from the past, we took a story line from the 60's, which is the Secret Tablet Saga, and basically continued an old story line with a new premise. I think you'll find the book to be a very fun read. Much less heavy than the X-Men books I did with Joe Casey.

After the Spidey we have your THOR book with Kurt Busiek, have you received any scripts yet? You've also mentioned the series will have a longer page count per issue, and no ads. Do you prefer working in this format or the lesser 'pamphlet' style books?

Just the other day I received my first Thor script from Kurt, and as soon as I finish off my next two Spiderman covers, I'm on it. While the format of Thor has a longer page count than Spiderman, I have no preference other than whatever helps the story, and Thor will have plenty of breathing room. I'm told that Kurt is going to give me some nice big panels to have fun with in the old Kirby 4-panel a page format.

What's going on with Nexus: animated?

My two years spent with Sony Entertainment in developing the Nexus TV Show taught me a great deal. It convinced me that I do not want the following:
1. A large Production Facility, as with Sony.
2. A Saturday morning TV slot.
3. A Network in charge of Production.
Therefore, here's my current plan for putting Nexus, the Animated Show, on the air.

1: Find a FINANCIAL INVESTOR
We will use the money from our investor to finish our original 6-minute Nexus test pilot. The materials needed to finish this pilot will be minimal, since 75% of the production is already completed. We will need the services of a good Line Producer, and other key personnel to bring it up to professional standards.

2: Shop this pilot to a BUYER
This may include some of the following options:
A Syndication Distributer
A cable network
A production company

3: Set up a hand-chosen VIRTUAL STUDIO
This is the wave of the future for TV animation. All work can be done at our respective homes, where progress can be checked and monitored at all times through compatible computer software.

In essence, no studio, no overhead, no executives. Production on the Nexus Animated Show may then be done locally where quality control can be maintained at all times.

What exactly did happen with Children of the Atom?

My involvement with Children of the Atom lasted 3 out of the planned 6 issues. Marvel made the mistake of soliciting the book before anyone started. We made the best of a bad start, but ultimately the decision was made by Marvel to "get it out." And me, being the slowest of the creative team, was replaced by another artist.

What was your first published work?

Nexus - Mike Baron and I created him in November, 1981.

So how does a day in the life of 'Steve Rude' work out?

Up at 8:30 or 9 am. Spit, shower, eat, and occasionally shave. Sketchbook warm-ups by 10:00, then hit the board for the days work. Lunch sometime between 1:30 and 3:00. Quit work at 6 pm, off to karate, then (on good days) the gym. To bed around 11 pm for a few hours of insomnia.

'Sketchbook warm ups'? How long has that been a part of your routine?

Sketchbook warm-ups have been a part of my routine since I was in high school, so I was doing that long before I even turned professional.

Most people see the industry as being in a slump right now, have you been keeping up with any such issues concerning the current state of the biz?

My concern is not so much with the business itself. That's run by the "Ties" (my wife's new word for "Suits"). My concern is with people who are in the business and how they are treated.

One of the 'hot topics' right now is the appointment of Joey Q to EIC of Marvel, and the possible advantages to creators that may come with that decision, such as a possible return of the Epic style titles. Do you find when creative decisions like this happen, your own interest in a certain company is renewed or your hopes for a certain project increase?

I've only been recently informed of Joe Quesada's promotion to editor in chief at Marvel. I don't know Joe well, but I do know him. I hope he'll strive to keep the flavor of the Marvel that we've always known and loved as in tact as possible. Hopefully, he can hold up under the pressure of the people that run the company who see comics just as a stock in trade commodity.

I hope to have a long and mutually beneficial relationship with Marvel. So, in the future, I hope anything may be possible.

Favorite old school artist? Writer?

Kirby

Best Kirby creation?

The 4th World books

Proudest body of work?

All of them because I've always tried my hardest and never felt ashamed by the process of learning, which includes making mistakes.

You've said you feel like a constant student, always learning - but would you ever consider teaching?

I'll teach to anyone who asks me to teach them, my only requirements are the same qualities that I had when I wanted to overcome all the limitations in order to become a professional artist, but basically I always like to think of myself in terms of being a student.

Advice to those trying to make it in the Biz today?

*Persevere under all circumstances.
*If you start getting migraines, back off for an emotional retreat, then come back at it again fresh.
*Don't listen to curmudgeonly people with negative advice, and tell you what can't be done.

What has been your favorite book to work on?

Nexus with Mike Baron, my writer.

What comic titles are you reading now?

I generally don't read comics these days. If I want to be entertained, I go back to the comics that best entertained me. Books from the 60's and 70's.

Is there no-one who's work interests you these days?

Yeah, there's work that I see every now and then that I find intriguing, but since I never find myself entering comic book shops these days, I usually have to hear about it through word of mouth.

What's your dream project?

Nexus was and always will be my dream project. I was lucky right from the start. If I succeed in getting my animated version of it on TV, that will be a dream project as well. I'm currently enmeshed with many Marvel projects, doing my riff on all my old favorites. I'm having a blast.

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

Depends on the critic. Sincere, constructive advice should always be welcome. But much is subjective.

Finish these sentences:
Right now, in the industry, we need more... industrious, responsible, mature leaders that care about efficient production methods and treating their workforce and freelancers the way they themselves want to be treated. Be honest with people and return all their phone calls. An editor is the freelancers lifeline and, presumably, he hired them for a reason. Freelancers must respond likewise.

And less... of the reverse.

And now...
Plug time! This is where you plug as many things as you want, comics, websites, movies, Charities, prints, Steve Rude fresh roast coffee - "100 % freeze dried Rude', novels, anything old, new, current and upcoming, kittens, so cute and furry, ahhhh... pretty kittens, art, and whatever else. Anything that could somehow lead to money in your pocket, money in your closet, money in the bank, hell, an entire lawn made of bills, and diamond encrusted fences, and a gold house, and... and I can go on like this for a while... you get the picture.

My only plug is in the form of a question: Is there anyone out there that can make a water-based paint that stays the same value when the paint dries? I've been working recently in gouache, and it's enough to drive a guy to drinking.

Thanks Steve. On behalf of everyone at PopImage we'd also like to send out our congratulations to Steve and his family of the birth of his son, Brandon. Brandon came into this world on Tuesday, September 19th at 5pm weighing in at a mere 6 pounds, 13 ounces. Congrats Steve. For more of the work of Steve Rude you can check out his website at Steve Rude.com. You can also find out more about Steve, his partner in crime, Mike Baron, and NEXUS at Hollywood Comics.com. Those interested in purchasing original artwork can contact Jim Warden of Distinctive Original Artwork. His website is located at: http://www.doa.netsus.com. Or if you're looking for anything specific you can reach Jim at: Capshockeyfan@yahoo.com.

Jonathan Ellis is Interviews Editor for PopImage.

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