Welcome to Quick Questions, the spiritual cousin of The Big Question that I used to do for ShotgunReviews.com (before Matt Brady purchased my soul for beer money and a stack of pogs).  We’re pleased to have as our first guest David Gallaher.  You may know David from his many and varied gigs, including writing projects for Moonstone, Harris (including Vampirella Magazine), and more.  As of late, he’s been working on High Moon, which he co-created with artist Steve Ellis, at Zuda Comics; a trade collection is expected in October.   So then, quick questions with David . . .

Blog@Newsarama: What cemented your interest in comics as a whole?

David Gallaher: The first film my parents took me to see was the 1978 Superman film. While all of the other kids were overdosing on Star Wars, I was overdose on Superman. A couple of years later, my family got a television, which introduced me to the likes of Spider-Man and His Amazing Friends, Superfriends, Incredible Hulk, Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, Shazam, and The Greatest American Hero. My fascination for comics and the heroic grew out of that. When I was 14 or so, I started collecting comics on a regular basis with books like Speedball, West Coast Avengers, The Flash, and Captain America. Ten years after that, I started interning and later freelancing for Marvel Interactive, working on digital comics. 

 
Blog@: Why the web?  What makes it an attractive option, in your estimation?

DG: In this time of economic uncertainty, the web becomes the great equalizer in terms of price point and distribution for creators and readers alike. Our content is available for free online. There is no comic shop to drive to. No $3.99 pricetag to justifty. No bags and boards to deal with. No printers to contend with. No Diamond orders to sort out.  Simply put, working on the web takes the headache out of publishing, allowing Steve Ellis and I to focus on what we do best – making comics! 
 
Blog@: What makes a good western, what makes good horror, and what are the challenges of merging the two?

DG: As I see it, an epic western is one that highlights themes of injustice, inequality, and technological and social change, while a great work of horror is abject. It’s the intangible spookiness that lurks around every corner, hides under the bed, and can strike at any moment. I don’t find that combining the two genres is a challenge, per se. I find far more similarities than differences in the genres. Both rely on consistent, steady pacing. I think the most important element to keep in mind when crafting these multi-genre pieces is knowing what to reveal and when. 
 
Blog@: Did you have any particular influences for “High Moon”?

DG: I grew up in an old Civil War town, listening to Tom Waits, and reading William Faulkner. So, those elements certainly played a factor. But, the biggest influence on High Moon was Old Time Radio programs, like Gunsmoke and the work of John Meston.
 
As a general rule, I always hated Westerns, but was intrigued by the western heroes’ sense of fair play, their oath to act as a shepherd to their community, and their sense of justice. Those are the sorts of elements I bring to HIGH MOON.

Blog@: When the first discussion of Zuda came about, there was mixed reaction online. What’s your experience been like thus far?

DG: I’ve been in and out of the comic industry for the last ten years. I’ve worked with many different publishers and many different artists. My experience with Zuda has been the most positive experience I have ever had as a creator. The editorial team is simply exemplary. They let Steve and I tell the story the way we want to. And speaking of Steve Ellis – he and Scott Brown are a joy to work with. Seriously, its been nothing short of amazing.

Thanks again to David!  Check out High Moon now.

This entry was posted on Monday, January 26th, 2009 at 2:05 pm and is filed under Welcome to Webcomics. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.