This interview is an online version of one concurrently appearing in the print version of the Canadian Comic Insider Magazine. The interview was conducted at the second annual Iqaluit ComicCon, following a special panel moderated by DFG VP and Co-Publisher Darryl Andrews. The interview was conducted by CCI staff writer, Millicent Mortificus.
Canadian Comic Insider: Well, it's good to see you again, Mr. Andrews... it's been a year since our last interview, when you were inducted into the Nunavut Comic Book Hall of Fame. How has the last year been for you and DFG Comics?
Darryl Andrews: Sometimes a simple question opens up some serious answers. Whenever someone asks me how things are going, I'd like to tell them, "Oh, I'm fine, DFG is fine" and just move on from it, but then I'd be lying and they might just catch me, biting my lip in such a way that everyone knows I have too much pride to say it's been a tough year. Then, just to make sure anyway, I'd look that person in the face and say, "Actually, I'm not fine. DFG isn't fine. We've been stolen from, lied too, suffered personal break-downs and have spent more time in the hospital then I care to mention. Still, other then the personnel issues and hardship, it's been a very successful year story-wise"
CCI: It was great to see a new issue of Captain Nepto Prime hit the stands. Can you elaborate on why the issue is numbered #13, and explain the concept of "legacy numbering" to our fans?
DA: Legacy numbering is when a series that has been rebooted returns to its original numbering, with the cumulative addition of any other issues published in the interim. "The original series ended in 1985 at #9. Cap then became a regular feature in the second Spy Comics series. Last year we relaunched Cap in his own title under the Prime banner. Those issues were unnumbered and known only by their month of release. For example, Captain Nepto Prime - July. Only three issues were released (May, June & July). Thus, this issue is actually Captain Nepto Prime #4, but in order to avoid further confusion we just decided to return to the numbering of the original series, plus the addition of the 3 Prime issues from last year... as a result, we are now at Issue #13! Future issues will be reckoned by the legacy numbering system! It's an exciting development and it really links us to our history while at the same time looking forward to the future.
CCI: Last year you told us we would be seeing the return of the Crusher. He did reappear in the current issue, but Captain Nepto Prime takes place in DFG's golden age (i.e. the 1980's). Last year you promised that we would see the cyborg version (the result of his collision with the bus) this year... are those plans still in the works?
DA: That story has long been in the works. Sometimes life at DFG is like a lengthy feature film development. I'm very excited about that project and it will be completed, but I can't say when. Since you've brought it up and I know the fans have been waiting a long time for it; I'll review this year's schedule and see if we can't some how bring that story to the forefront.
CCI: What plans do you have in store for Captain Nepto over the next year? And will we ever see the completed version of the story that was intended for Captain Nepto Prime August 2008 that has been shelved?
DA: Nothing is planned for the rest of the year actually. The DFG Universe is moving forward with characters that have been under-developed or under utilized and until it is evident that we have more "Core" characters; mainstays like Nepto and the Spy-Master will sparsely be mentioned and/or featured. As for the completed version of August Prime; I will say without hesitation that it has been removed from this year's schedule.
CCI: Last year you explained that you wanted to "kill" Captain Nepto and that was to happen in the above mention Captain Nepto Prime August 2008. As discussed, that issue has not appeared... how do you feel about DFG President Dan Graves beating you to the punch and really killing his creation, the Spymaster in Spy Comics Presents #5?
DA: The Spy-Master isn't dead silly. I suppose the twig that was so prominently featured in the 'death' panels didn't lend itself to the reality that it was actually a switch to an underwater cavern that Julius swam into after his fall. Nepto and Julius have secret lair's all over the place. Did you not think that Julius and Nepto would stage the final showdown of the Invincibles in a controlled environment? Have you not read the background history on those characters to learn what power-mongers they are? Listen, here it is in simple form; our core characters knew they had to 'disappear' to get that motley lot of B heroes to step up their efforts. Julius is fine, refreshed and well rested; no doubt working on the blue prints on his highly treasured Spy-sub. Now to seriously answer your question, Dan and I discus all story lines well in advance of publication, so there is no beating one another to any punch..except at the year-end DFG staff party.
CCI: Last year you also expressed a hope that the now defunct title DFG's Greatest Heroes would be brought back... any plans?
DA: With the story arc finishing up in Spy-Comics Presents and the new format of featuring different heroes is each issue, the need for DFG's Greatest Heroes is not as pressing. I think that the fans will really serve notice if that title is to return by demanding to see a particular character more often. An interesting option was presented during a DFG staff meeting by our faithful janitor Ernest Wontelalie, to consolidate the entire DFG Universe using the Legacy numbering system and releasing DFG Greatest Heroes #50 as our sole title. This is certainly a radical idea and one that would relieve much of the pressure on our writers and artists to produce work for the many titles we presently offer, but at this time we're not prepared to move forward on that idea.
CCI: I hear that DFG President Dan Graves has plans to digitize all of the back issues of the hard-to-find series Spy '96 and put them online. Is this true, and what does this mean for seeing the unpublished conclusion to that story-arc, namely the still-to be completed Spy '96 Annual with art by Mark Andrews?
DA: Dan is certainly moving forward on that project. The Spy '96 Annual, I am confident will see a release sometime this year. We're also hoping to receive new material from Mark this year; which would in fact be a story that would feature Nepto, but might not release it until the new year to keep confusion of the new direction to a minimum.
CCI: Last year you mentioned creating the Winged Avenger with Dan back in the 1980's, but he never actually appeared. Dan has featured him as a background character in recent issues of Spy Comics Presents... and you even joked about him in Captain Nepto Prime May 2008. The fans are all asking, "when will we see Darryl Andrews draw the Winged Avenger?!?"
DA: I promise to release a Winged Avenger cover this year.
CCI: What projects are currently in the works for you?
DA: I have two actually, both are secrets. Both are rather large in scale and to elaborate on them now would only serve to confuse the aforementioned streamlining of our schedule.
Canadian Comic Insider: Well, it's good to see you again, Mr. Andrews... it's been a year since our last interview, when you were inducted into the Nunavut Comic Book Hall of Fame. How has the last year been for you and DFG Comics?
Darryl Andrews: Sometimes a simple question opens up some serious answers. Whenever someone asks me how things are going, I'd like to tell them, "Oh, I'm fine, DFG is fine" and just move on from it, but then I'd be lying and they might just catch me, biting my lip in such a way that everyone knows I have too much pride to say it's been a tough year. Then, just to make sure anyway, I'd look that person in the face and say, "Actually, I'm not fine. DFG isn't fine. We've been stolen from, lied too, suffered personal break-downs and have spent more time in the hospital then I care to mention. Still, other then the personnel issues and hardship, it's been a very successful year story-wise"
CCI: It was great to see a new issue of Captain Nepto Prime hit the stands. Can you elaborate on why the issue is numbered #13, and explain the concept of "legacy numbering" to our fans?
DA: Legacy numbering is when a series that has been rebooted returns to its original numbering, with the cumulative addition of any other issues published in the interim. "The original series ended in 1985 at #9. Cap then became a regular feature in the second Spy Comics series. Last year we relaunched Cap in his own title under the Prime banner. Those issues were unnumbered and known only by their month of release. For example, Captain Nepto Prime - July. Only three issues were released (May, June & July). Thus, this issue is actually Captain Nepto Prime #4, but in order to avoid further confusion we just decided to return to the numbering of the original series, plus the addition of the 3 Prime issues from last year... as a result, we are now at Issue #13! Future issues will be reckoned by the legacy numbering system! It's an exciting development and it really links us to our history while at the same time looking forward to the future.
CCI: Last year you told us we would be seeing the return of the Crusher. He did reappear in the current issue, but Captain Nepto Prime takes place in DFG's golden age (i.e. the 1980's). Last year you promised that we would see the cyborg version (the result of his collision with the bus) this year... are those plans still in the works?
DA: That story has long been in the works. Sometimes life at DFG is like a lengthy feature film development. I'm very excited about that project and it will be completed, but I can't say when. Since you've brought it up and I know the fans have been waiting a long time for it; I'll review this year's schedule and see if we can't some how bring that story to the forefront.
CCI: What plans do you have in store for Captain Nepto over the next year? And will we ever see the completed version of the story that was intended for Captain Nepto Prime August 2008 that has been shelved?
DA: Nothing is planned for the rest of the year actually. The DFG Universe is moving forward with characters that have been under-developed or under utilized and until it is evident that we have more "Core" characters; mainstays like Nepto and the Spy-Master will sparsely be mentioned and/or featured. As for the completed version of August Prime; I will say without hesitation that it has been removed from this year's schedule.
CCI: Last year you explained that you wanted to "kill" Captain Nepto and that was to happen in the above mention Captain Nepto Prime August 2008. As discussed, that issue has not appeared... how do you feel about DFG President Dan Graves beating you to the punch and really killing his creation, the Spymaster in Spy Comics Presents #5?
DA: The Spy-Master isn't dead silly. I suppose the twig that was so prominently featured in the 'death' panels didn't lend itself to the reality that it was actually a switch to an underwater cavern that Julius swam into after his fall. Nepto and Julius have secret lair's all over the place. Did you not think that Julius and Nepto would stage the final showdown of the Invincibles in a controlled environment? Have you not read the background history on those characters to learn what power-mongers they are? Listen, here it is in simple form; our core characters knew they had to 'disappear' to get that motley lot of B heroes to step up their efforts. Julius is fine, refreshed and well rested; no doubt working on the blue prints on his highly treasured Spy-sub. Now to seriously answer your question, Dan and I discus all story lines well in advance of publication, so there is no beating one another to any punch..except at the year-end DFG staff party.
CCI: Last year you also expressed a hope that the now defunct title DFG's Greatest Heroes would be brought back... any plans?
DA: With the story arc finishing up in Spy-Comics Presents and the new format of featuring different heroes is each issue, the need for DFG's Greatest Heroes is not as pressing. I think that the fans will really serve notice if that title is to return by demanding to see a particular character more often. An interesting option was presented during a DFG staff meeting by our faithful janitor Ernest Wontelalie, to consolidate the entire DFG Universe using the Legacy numbering system and releasing DFG Greatest Heroes #50 as our sole title. This is certainly a radical idea and one that would relieve much of the pressure on our writers and artists to produce work for the many titles we presently offer, but at this time we're not prepared to move forward on that idea.
CCI: I hear that DFG President Dan Graves has plans to digitize all of the back issues of the hard-to-find series Spy '96 and put them online. Is this true, and what does this mean for seeing the unpublished conclusion to that story-arc, namely the still-to be completed Spy '96 Annual with art by Mark Andrews?
DA: Dan is certainly moving forward on that project. The Spy '96 Annual, I am confident will see a release sometime this year. We're also hoping to receive new material from Mark this year; which would in fact be a story that would feature Nepto, but might not release it until the new year to keep confusion of the new direction to a minimum.
CCI: Last year you mentioned creating the Winged Avenger with Dan back in the 1980's, but he never actually appeared. Dan has featured him as a background character in recent issues of Spy Comics Presents... and you even joked about him in Captain Nepto Prime May 2008. The fans are all asking, "when will we see Darryl Andrews draw the Winged Avenger?!?"
DA: I promise to release a Winged Avenger cover this year.
CCI: What projects are currently in the works for you?
DA: I have two actually, both are secrets. Both are rather large in scale and to elaborate on them now would only serve to confuse the aforementioned streamlining of our schedule.
CCI: Last year's Graves/Andrews team-up for Spy Classics #4 where you retold the origin of the Spymaster/Nepto team was great! Any chance we'll be seeing you and Dan Graves team-up again soon?
DA: I hope so. That effort proved to be one of my favourite all time DFG collaborations. Together, Dan and I bring out the best in each of us. There is another effort, uncompleted from the past that would prove the natural next project, but perhaps moving forward with an entirely new story arc would be more fun and exciting for our loyal readers.
CCI: What is the status of the Captain Nepto Daily Strip?
DA: C'mon, give me a break. I've already committed to a Cyborg Crusher appearance, a Winged Avenger cover and my two large secret projects are enough to satisfy even our most loyal fan Javier Santamotzarello. I won't say, there will be no more Nepto Daily Strips this year, but I'd like too.
CCI: Tell us more about Dogman.
DA: I hope you're not confusing me with Todd Abbot. He would be the person of record to discus that with.
CCI: Many fans have been asking about the Todd Abbot Studio. What is it? Just how involved is Todd in the actual artwork?
DA: For years, I employed Todd to ghost my work. It was a successful marriage that allowed more stories to be developed and released without getting trapped in the dreaded 'Bed-time story' queue. Todd has obviously since made a name for himself and is now employing the same tactic. Certainly DFG has benefited from this arrangement as DFG Villains #2 came as a complete surprise to our scheduling team. I hope the studio will continue to produce a number of projects. I can't speak personally for Todd's individual involvement, but I am confident he is at the very least editing the panels.
CCI: What is the latest news on Flora Lovartalot, the DFG Colourist presumed dead when a shelving unit fell on her last fall, and later resurfaced in the jungles of MBingo?
DA: Well, after Flora was violated by that sizable gorilla; she rested in the area hospital. I paid her a visit and we talked. Todd was there also. It was a nice visit. Flora should fully physically recover. I can't comment for sure whether the nightmares will stop....
CCI: Is DFG planning legal actions against Ms. Lovartalot & Mr. Abbot for their alleged life insurance fraud?
DA: No. I think, we're all going to try to move forward. Milton would have the official and final word on that subject however.
CCI: The question on everyone's lips at that this convention..."what new hairstyles do you have in store for Captain Nepto for the next year?
DA: Like I said earlier; Nepto is in a suspended state, but when he returns expect him to sport some funky "urban styles" and a disco perm.
CCI: Last time we closed our interview with a little bit of word association. I'd like to do that again this year.
DA: Certainly, fire away...
CCI: Retro-Spy...
DA: One of my favourite titles, but I see no future releases this year.
CCI: Spy Comics: Villains...
DA: A stroke of genius; what better way to feature our cast of baddies then in their own title!
CCI: Frank Daniels...
DA: Hard working, loyal.
CCI: Bernie Hancock (The Grim Avenger)...
DA: Our first gay hero. Should be fun to read how our writers deal with this development. Oh, did I just 'out him' here?
CCI: Big Jon...
DA: Spy-Comics Presents #6 will be a classic!
CCI: Spydog...
DA: A natural progression after Captain Nepto's Furry Friends.
CCI: Radiation Master...
DA: ..will battle the Winged Avenger.
CCI: The "new" Spymaster...
DA: There is only "one" Spy-Master.
CCI: Well, Mr. Andrews, thank you for your time. Do you have any closing remarks?
DA: No, just get me the limo; it's freezing here.
The Photo at the top of this page was taken on location at the Iqaluit Convention Centre by DFG Staff Photographer, Flash Bulbous.
![Spy Comics, Vol. 2, #5 [1987]](http://bp2.blogger.com/_pjAHoj7GgIY/R8eASOyFXxI/AAAAAAAAAEo/Hx89QfBhkMU/S220/spy5.jpg)
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