Thursday, July 31, 2008

Kendall [Mark] Andrews Returns to DFG!!!


Stay tuned for more on this HUGE EVENT folks!!!

August Hero(ine) ~ NOVA

Nova is our August hero. Nova was created in the early 1980's by Dan Graves in order to introduce a female superheroine into the DFG lineup. "It really was a male dominated company in those days," recalled the DFG Publisher and Founder, "Nova was to be introduced in the first never-published Spy Comics annual in 1983 or 84. That annual never came together, although she did appear in her civilian identity in another unpublished story, which was to follow the annual." According to Mr. Graves she was to have assumed the civilian identity of Kim Kane and begun work as secretary to Carnage City Gazette editor-in-chief, J.S. Frederickson, who was also Julius Smithers' boss. "Dan was getting a little ahead of himself in those days," recalled co-publisher Darryl Andrews, "he was great at drawing advance covers and cover concepts, but a bit slow on doing interior stories and art. As a result Nova appeared on several covers, but never on any inside stories. She was also to appear in the unpublished Invincibles mini-series of 1983." When asked about Nova, DFG enthusiast Javier Santamotzarello commented, "She really was one of the characters always lurking in the background of the golden-age of DFG but never really making it to the front page, like Nepto, Spymaster and Redman. I have several early sketches that I picked up at conventions. Perhaps my most prized possession is the unpublished cover for the original Spy Comics #13 which was to feature the marriage of Spymaster and Nova." Dan Graves remembered this cover, "Yes, it was all a bit absurd... for some reason I thought that Nova would be a good love interest for the Spymaster. I can't recall my reasoning anymore. That cover (which featured the Spymaster in top hat and tails marrying a wedding-dress clad Nova) was just absurd." Mr. Graves revisited that story in Retro-Spy #2, last year, which featured the first appearance of Nova since the early 1980's. In that story it was revealed that she was an alien from another dimension who was brought back to earth by the Invincibles and joined their team. Spy Comics Presents #1 (2006) revealed that she had since returned to her own dimension and homeworld. "She didn't make it into either the 1985 or the 1996 relaunch," said Darryl Andrews, "and so I was absolutely flabergasted when Dan brought her back for the Retro-Spy issue, and even more surprised to see her appearances in recent issues of Spy Comics Presents!" Regardless of her inauspicious early days, it looks like our favourite heroine from another dimension, who still has a crush on Julius Smithers, is back to stay. Watch for future appearances in upcoming DFG Comics titles!
Nova picture by Darryl Andrews scan courtesy of Oscar Foodlecollins

Sunday, July 20, 2008

Pencilled Pages of Spy Comics Presents #5 Leaked!




Special to DFG ONLINE!


By Bob Barnes




Pencilled artwork by Dan Graves for pages 1 & 2 of Spy Comics Presents The Invincibles #5 has been leaked to the press! The images were posted earlier today by DFG webmaster Oscar Foodlecollins after being handed to him by an unnamed source. The source is likely DFG janitor Ernest Wontellalie, who has been known to leak material in the past and has been disciplined for such indescretions. DFG enthusiast Javier Santamotzarello commented on the leaked pages: "It looks like Dan Graves is continuing the theme from issue four in which the inner psychologies of Julius and Nepto are explored in parallel while the main story unfolds." Spy Comics Presents the Invincibles #5 is to be the conclusion of the current story arc, so the fact that pages have been leaked is significant as DFG has been trying strenuously to keep the details of this issue under wraps. Neither of Dan Graves nor Darryl Andrews, DFG's co-publishers, could be reached for comment.


Sunday, July 13, 2008

Spy Comics Presents ... The Invincibles #4 - Now Online!

DFG Comics is pleased to announce that Spy Comics Presents ... The Invincibles #4 (Fall 2008 issue) is now online. The issue features Part IV of "Battle of the Invincibles" with story and art by Dan Graves and colours by Flora Lovartalot. This is the penultimate chapter of the current story arc which features the build up to the final battle between Sir Julius Smithers and his Invincibles team and Captain Nepto and his renegade Invincibles. Don't miss it! The issue can be view by clicking here.

Wednesday, July 9, 2008

Canadian Comic Insider Interviews Darryl Andrews - Part III

By Millicent Mortificus
Special to DFG ONLINE!

CCI: Mr. Andrews, before we conclude our interview, I would like to do a word association with you. Are you ready?
DTA: Fire away!!

CCI: Captain Nepto.
DTA: I'm going to KILL him THIS time, he's DEAD!!

CCI: "Trident" vs. "CN" isignias.
DTA: ..always fighting for a space on Nepto's chest. I like the Trident more but have a soft spot for the "CN". A little known fact is, that DFG Icon Peter Repovski suggested I use the Trident.

CCI: 15 page annual.
DTA: The Ultimate test for any DFG staffer.

CCI: Brian Anderson
DTA: ...another idea that long term implications weren't considered.

CCI: Bob Barnes
DTA: The Zombie should have killed that dude a long time ago.

CCI: The Crusher
DTA: I don't know where I was influenced back in 1984 to include a drug pusher in the series. I do have an update, however on the Crusher . Crusher meets Bus; Bus wins. Crusher is re-animated by an evil scientist. Crusher is half cyborg. Crusher returns next year...or earlier!

CCI: Bob Kane
DTA: If Dan Graves were Bob Kane; then he'd be doing this all by himself! Luckily, our President isn't a selfish, egotistical prick.

CCI: The Agent
DTA: The only DFG character to be a combined effort of both Dan & I. Strange he hasn't developed yet.

CCI: Todd Abbot
DTA: My right hand man, when it comes to early Nepto.

CCI: DFG's Greatest Heroes
DTA: A title that should be restored.

CCI: Retro-Spy
DTA: Hands down, the best thing I did in '96.

CCI: The Alligator
DTA: I love the Alligator, but for obvious reasons, choose to leave him in the past.

CCI: Murdoch
DTA: When Dan saddled me with this new addition to the orgin I cringed. I'll get my revenge in Captain Nepto Prime August!

CCI: Cyclone & Tornado
DTA: The Wind Brothers...just might make a huge impact in 2009!

CCI: The Spymaster
DTA: The foundation that all that is DFG is built upon.

CCI: The Jester
DTA: ..will be the most saddened by the death of Captain Nepto.

CCI: Mark Andrews
DTA: My brother is an incredible artist and a huge asset to the DFG team. His return would benefit the company in, many as of yet seen ways.

CCI: Nitro
DTA: Pete's developed a great hero and even more interesting enemies. I loved the 'spin' Dan added to the character in the Invincibles series. I hope it inspires Pete to revisit his character and DFG.

CCI: Frank Daniels
DTA: Other then the "DFG answer man stuff,..does this guy even have a job at DFG?

CCI: DFG in the next ten years.
DTA: A large Online comic community with fans and artists Nationwide.

CCI: Any concluding remarks?
DTA: When do I get paid for this interview?

CCI: Thank you very much for your participation, sir, and again, congratulations on being inducted in the hall of fame! This concludes our interview with DFG Co-Publisher and Vice President Darryl Andrews.

Tuesday, July 8, 2008

Canadian Comic Insider Interviews Darryl Andrews - Part II

By Millicent Mortificus
Special to DFG ONLINE

CCI: Continuing our interview, I would like to ask you about Captain Nepto's changing outfits. I'm trying to catalogue them all, but I've lost count. It seems to have started with the wig, and then there was the closet full of costumes in Spy '96 #1. I've never known a hero to have so many looks? And any chance for a special Captain Nepto fashion showcase issue?
DTA: Nepto has always been searching for "who he is". I suppose the ever-changing wardrobe is a sympton of that. Captain Nepto Prime August will address this and no to the silly question.

CCI: Tell me about Captain Nepto's "powers."
DTA: I'll explain this in two parts. Nepto has temporary "super-powers" that he obtains, mostly by accident, from the scientist Zed. "Captain Nepto Prime" July is a perfect example of this [Nepto is zapped by some strange instrument in Zed's lab and can fly]. This was absent from the original series as Zed was working behind the scenes. Please read past and upcoming issues in the Retro-Spy series to learn the whole history. The second part of this answer is that Captain Nepto possesses no "powers", super or otherwise.

CCI: What led to the decision to end the 1981-1984 series and start again by consolidating both Spymaster & Nepto into Spy Comics vol. 2, #1, in 1985?
DTA: By 1985, both Dan's and my stories and art had developed to the point that the earliest issues looked like "chicken-scratch". I was working the 'new look' into the original series, when Dan decided to 'submarine' his entire first series and start new. He suggested we publish under one title so the issue would be more substantial [meaning maybe 10 pages instead of 5]. The second aspect of this was, we were actively selling the comics at this time and two heroes in one book served to encourage and actually spike sales. Spy-Comics vol.2, #3, for example, had three print runs and actually made us a tidy profit at the time.

CCI: Why do you seem to want to kill Captain Nepto?
DTA: I do want to 'kill' Nepto. I've already expanded on this in part one of the interview, but I will say that as an older person I find it difficult to accept the Nepto Legacy. He absolutely makes no sense to me. I'm an orderly person now....and Nepto does not make sense. It reaches far back to the original series when I was writing stories on a panel to panel basis not knowing or having any sort of conclusion. That's why we have the earlier asked, "super-powers' question. Let me explain it in simple, real salt of the Earth language. The name..., Captain Nepto came about because there was an advertisement for Captain Crunch cereal that I was able to trace for the cover of Captain Nepto #1. Nepto was supposed to be Neptune, but I couldn't remember how to spell Neptune at the time..plus I had run out of space on the cover[!]. I didn't know what he was even going to look like until page 2. With that kind of poor planning, is it any question why I want to kill this character?
Okay, so I do love the character now, but you still see why I have to "kill" him, right?

CCI: Okay, amongst Cap's enemies, who is a) your favourite, b)the most dangerous, c)the most overused, d)the most underused, and e)the biggest mistake (i.e., you would not invent him the second time around)?
DTA: My favourite is Killer Shark. Cool name, cool costume and first enemy created. The most dangerous would be the Mummy. I mean, how do you stop the un-dead? The most overused on first appearance would be the Jester, but when you examine those appearances, every one has a vital place in the canon. The guy just won't go away; even our holiday Retro-Spy Christmas Special marks an appearance with the Jester. If the appearances were lame and unmemorable, then fine I'd say him, but I can't, so I won't. Therefore no enemy, in my opinion has been overused. The most underused is easier. I'd say, the Sea-Serpent. Look, he makes a big comeback in the important Prime series, but what will anybody remember about the June issue....the super scientific Nepto Sub.
They are 'all my children', I love them all, so I would not call one a mistake.

CCI: You have also created several other heroes... I believe that the Warrior, the Winged Avenger, the Savage Beast, and Nightmare were all your creations. You officially created Cyclone & Tornado, although Todd Abbot claims that it was actually him. I guess what I'm asking is two-fold: first, to your mind, what makes a hero? And secondly, why do some creations work and others do not?
DTA: What is it that makes someone a hero? Is it great bravery? Superior intellect? A noble heart? Maybe A hero has all these things, But what makes him a hero Is more than that. It's using his fortune and destiny, To help those whom fate has not smiled on so kindly. It's his compassion and reverence, for the quality of life that all people deserve. It's knowing that but for his circumstances, He is no better or worse than those he seeks to help. Heroes are all around us in everyday life. They do what must be done.... Even if their deeds go unnoticed, And their praises go unsung. For true heroism is selfless and does not seek recognition. But we have heard its name and know its face when we see it. As for your second part of that question...., I have no idea.

CCI: Aside from Nepto, which other hero that you created is your favourite?
DTA: One doesn't really have a warm spot for me over the next. Because of limited development to date; I really don't have much invested in those characters. I will say, that my next favourite hero is The Spy-Master. I've always thought Dan came up with a great character and that's why early in the original series I started using Spy-Master in a guest role. I'm sure that Prof. Martin R. Schoedel, the official DFG historian, would be able to tell you, that I was responsible for the Spy-Master's first signs of physicality in the series as Dan was focusing on greater mental challenges for his character to be more in line with his age and orgin. I was overly excited and wanted the Spy-Master to "kick-butt" and in hindsight shouldn't have opened up that element. Even as recent as the year 2000, I was toying with the idea of doing a DFG comic strip featuring a rough n' tumble Spy-Master, showing no signs of crime fighting at an advanced age. I think honestly, I was only going to do it to stir Dan's ownership of the character into possibly making a return to the books as this was a dormant period for us. Still, the character has endured and I'm only too happy to have some small measure of influence on it.

CCI: You introduced a couple of new storylines in Spy '96 that never wrapped up, as the second story arc of the series was never finished. Can we expect to see some resolution here? And if so what are your plans for Divine, Nightmare, and The Executioner?
DTA: Spy '96 never wrapped up since by then I was working completely without support. The DFG regulars were all busy with other projects [-ie meaning life] and I couldn't sustain it myself. I did have big plans for those characters. Presently, I have no plans for those characters.

CCI: If DFG could launch one new title of your absolute choosing, what would it be?
DTA: I'm very pleased with the number of titles and the variety of titles we have on our slate. Each title is unique and exists to serve all our characters in whatever part of their development well. if I had to add one title it would be a solo book to focus on the development of Red-man. I think he has enough substance to warrant his own series. But, I've thought that for some time. Back in 1996, when I served as President of DFG; he was the character from the original series I reintroduced and immediately make an impact with. Dan was at a sticking point with Spy-Comics and well,...real life was getting in the way of his continuing with the comics, but I thought maybe Red-man would offer him some temporary relief and he could do a "one-off" just to end his draught. It didn't happen in 1996, but obviously I was correct about "setting the itch" as Dan responded years later with the continuation of the Retro-Spy storyline. I really think by Dan completing that story arc, it was a necessary component to revitalizing the entire company.

CCI: What would be the ideal DFG merchandising product?
DTA: A super scientific Nepto Sub!

CCI: What has been your favourite day at DFG?
DTA: I remember a BBQ. No drawing or scripting, just Dan, I and family. We'd talk about life, we'd talk about the characters in our comics. It was 'all' there...and juicy burgers.

End of Part II

Captain Nepto JUNIOR?!?!?! Captain Nepto Prime August Sneak Peak

By Bob Barnes

"What the devil is Darryl Andrews up to?" asked a furious Todd Abbot this morning as he stormed into DFG Corporate Head Office with a petition signed by at least 4 people demanding that Darryl Andrews not go ahead with the direction-change planned for Captain Nepto Prime August Issue. "Todd doesn't run DFG," said Dan Graves, DFG's President and Co-Publisher. "Darryl Andrews has been my business partner for 27 years and whatever Darryl does with Nepto is fine with me. I won't be bullied by some second-rate ghost artist who thinks he has some claim on the Captain Nepto mythos." Mr. Graves' comment was uncharacteristically antagonistic. "Well Todd's being antagonistic," said Mr. Graves, "and I won't be dictated to about the direction of one of my flagship titles." Earlier today Mr. Abbot leaked the picture, below, which depicts a scene from Captain Nepto Prime August in which Cap appears to be introducing a junior sidekick. "It's not what it seems," said Mr. Andrews, "In fact, the whole issue is full of surprises!" Asked about Mr. Abbot's outburst of protest, Mr. Andrews commented, "Todd's just frustrated because he's not a visionary. But rest assured, we have very special plans for Todd in the DFG universe. Look for his new project to be announced soon. I'm just hoping this whole thing cools off so that we can move forward. It's really getting out of control." Look for more updates as they become available.

Monday, July 7, 2008

Rare Darryl Andrews Convention Art Donated to Canadian Museum of Cartoon Arts

By Bob Barnes

Special to DFG ONLINE



A rare piece of Darryl Andrews convention artwork has surfaced. The piece, entitled, "Decision 2000 - To Begin Again?" was drawn at the 2000 Carnage City Comicon by the Captain Nepto creator for a fan who wished to remain anonymous. Reached for comment, Mr. Andrews said, "It was drawn during one of DFG's dormant periods. Dan and I were considering a relaunch but other areas in our lives were quite full and it never happened." Prof. Martin R. Schoedel, the official DFG historian who holds several graduate degrees, including two in panelology, commented on the work's significance, "The work is significant for several reasons. First, Nepto is drawn with a full mask, but no wig evoking his early, but not earliest golden-age appearance. Yet, he is also sporting his new capeless look, from the third series, and with the signature trident isignia which was prominent in the second series. It seems that Mr. Andrews was trying to evoke a sense of old and new in a profound way and was obviously toying with some aspect of nostalgia and a vision of looking forward. It might even suggest an early wrangling with the concepts that we are now seeing fully developed in the new Captain Nepto Prime series! Secondly, the pictures on the table are of classic Nepto villains, the Jester, Blaster, Mummy, Alligator, and possible the Unknown Strangler (or maybe Death). What is important to note in this is that Andrews was considering returning to the one shot Nepto vs. villains stories, again of the earlier years... the kinds of stories that were told only sparingly during the Spy '96 series. Finally, it is significant because it a mixed media piece -- a mixture of pencil only and pen and ink... very rare in the corpus of Andrews convention art." Once this reporter woke up after that ponderous interview, he consulted renowned DFG collector Javier Santamotzarello on the works value. "I would suggest that at today's market, if the work were to sell at auction, I would expect nothing less than at least $15,000, given the work's significance!" However, it is unlikely that the work will be sold, as the anonymous collector has donated it for display in the permanent DFG exibit at the Canadian Museum of Cartoon Art.

Canadian Comics Insider Interview with Dan Graves concludes

Part III - by Millicent Mortificus, special to DFG ONLINE

CCI: For fun, I thought we'd finish this interview by trying a little character word association. Ready?
DFG: Absolutely... fire away!

CCI: The Spy-Master...
DFG: Old guy in a mask who never had the body to wear spandex so he just put a mask and cape on over his business suit. Ooops, that's more than one word. Did I mention he loves to smoke a pipe?

CCI: Redman...
DFG: Commie.

CCI: The Flea...
DFG: Dogman.

CCI: The Grim Avenger...
DFG: Purple?!?!!

CCI: Nova...
DFG: Wedding bells.

CCI: Captain Nepto...
DFG: Super-scientific Nepto Sub.

CCI: "Boss" Doyle...
DFG: Smokes so much that nobody can see his face through the cigar smoke.

CCI: Nitro...
DFG: Superb.

CCI: The Blue Menace...
DFG: Armchair criminal.

CCI: Todd Abbot...
DFG: No comment.

CCI: DFG Comics in ten years...
DFG: Julius Smithers in a wheelchair at happydale home for retired heroes.

CCI: Thank you very much for your time. I hope we can do this again soon. Are there any final words or thoughts you'd like to express to your readership at this time?
DFG: Of course, I want to thank all of our faithful DFG readers of the last 27 years for your ongoing support. I hope you stay with us for the next 27.

Sunday, July 6, 2008

July Hero - The Agent



Our July Hero is The Agent. The Agent has had long history as a character that goes back to the early days of DFG. In issue 5 of the 1981 Spy Comics series, The Agent made his first appearance along with his Legion of Justice. This legion consisted of Julius Smithers (the Spymaster in his civilian identity), Chief Smith, Sgt John Smith (the Chief's younger brother), J.S. Frederickson (Publisher of the Carnage City Gazette, and Julius Smithers' boss) and a stool-pigeon named Jack. The Agent was a sort of illusionist who could appear and disappear into thin air. This was the fate of the series, too, as it vanished into obscurity by the mid-1980's. A new series, with an all-new Agent was planned in the late 1980's (see art, above) but never got off the ground. It was to be written by Dan Graves & Darryl Andrews, pencilled by Graves, Inked by Andrews and coloured by DFG wannabe colourist Arthur Kullerblind. Unfortunately, Mr. Kullerblind vanished, never to be seen again, shortly after he turned in the above artwork. This led to the rumour that a curse was associated with the character. These rumours proved to be unfounded though, as the Agent finally saw the light of day in Spy 96 #2. He played a prominent role in that series and continues to be a crucial member of The Invincibles team currently appearing in Spy Comics Presents. His origin has not been told, and his identity remains unknown. Watch the upcoming Spy Classics Annual: The Origins Issue for the mysteries surround The Agent to be unveiled at last!

Canadian Comic Insider Interview with DFG Co-publisher, Darryl Andrews



By Millicent Mortificus:

Darryl Andrews is widely known as the creator of Captain Nepto, "Canada's Favourite Adventure Strip Character Since 1981." However, he is also one of the guiding lights of DFG Comics, having been part of its life since its inception. Mr. Andrews granted us this rare interview over martinis just moments before the gala dinner and ball at the recent Iqualuit Comicon, in which he was inducted into the Nunavut Comic Book Hall of Fame.

CCI: Mr. Andrews it is pleasure to have this opportunity to discuss your career in the comic industry. How does it feel to be receiving this prestigious award?

DTA: I'm grateful for the award, but typically awards are reserved for the end of careers. I've got lot's of new found energy and stories to tell. I feel more creative then I did even back in the 1980's when DFG was at it's strongest!

CCI: You were in on the ground floor of DFG... Could you describe those early days.

DTA: I remember reading Dan's first comic [Spy #1] when I visited from Newmarket and was so jealous. He was excited about getting to work on #2 and I told him to go ahead; that I would work on a comic on my own so that we would each have a comic-book. Side by side that day we completed a few pages of what is now Spy-Comics #2 and Captain Nepto #1!!

CCI: When you created Captain Nepto it was originally under the DTA imprint. Can you describe how DTA came under the DFG banner?

DTA: Since we were working side by side on the comics and enjoying sharing with each other our creations; we wanted to advertise each other's comic in our own comic. Being extremely intelligent eleven year olds, we realized that this was considered a no-no in the comic business or any other business for this matter so we solved the problem the best way we knew how...we decided to publish under one banner. The decision to use DFG was quick as I simply felt that Dan was the pioneer and deserved the acknowledgement. In a serious note, working together under one banner has strengthened our friendship as we both feel very responsible to the entity known as DFG Comics.

CCI: Can you speak a little bit about your creative process. By this I mean, how does a Captain Nepto comic come together?

DTA: Sometimes it's a one line plot that I draw basic panels and fill in the rest of the story. Other times it's a very long process that requires revisiting a plot a number of times to find some sort of plausible ending.

CCI: What has surprised you most during your 25+ years in the industry?

DTA: How much of myself I can see in the character of Captain Nepto. Also, the passion and fun Dan and I have when we get together and plot these character's lives. We really care about our creations and feel very responsible about telling their stories.

CCI: Okay... Everyone wants to know... Why did you originally draw Captain Nepto with a wig?

DTA: My art was terrible. I mean terrible. I knew Dan didn't like it, but he was still excited about seeing new stories. The wig was my attempt at adding detail to the art. Detail...can you believe it? Anyways, later it became a protective piece of armour to save Nepto from head injuries.

CCI: Describe your relationship with Dan Graves.

DTA: Dan is the model of a true friend. People make choices that others tend to judge and assume the role of those choices as if they had made them. This often causes trouble in relationships since the support system is disrupted. I have always appreciated Dan for his friendship and support of my decisions regardless of whether or not they have seen to be sound decisions at the time. He is also a very kind, generous man who shares my love and passion for comics. I have no idea why he chose a con like me for a friend.




CCI: What's "Dan's Hell-hole?"

DTA: Dan's Hell-hole was an "in-office" lampoon of life at DFG headquarters. It was a good-natured poke at Dan and the DFG leadership team. It made it look like DFG was an absolutely horrible place to work, which of course it isn't. It was all in good fun. I'm not ashamed of it, although I think that all the copies have been destroyed. I don't know who drew it, but I think it might have been Todd Abbot.

{BTW - this is the Official Company answer found in all DFG employee manuals - meant to be memorized by all staff and tested monthly in order to check compliance}

CCI: Aside from Nepto, what has been your most enduring creation?

DTA: Carnage City. On a separate afternoon, visiting Dan again in Richmond Hill, we began at the beginning of the Dictionary and went word for word through it looking for a city to base our heroes in. At the top of my list was Carnage. Dan agreed with the name and we've used it ever since. I'm half surprised that Frank Miller didn't steal it for his graphic novel. That's American's for you....too dumb to read Canadian comics!

CCI: How has it been working with Todd Abbot again?

DTA: I love Todd. I hate Todd. I'm happy he's around to quickly get out some stories...and I do like some of his new Nepto stuff....I guess I just have to submit and realize that he's always going to be a big part of the Nepto legend.

CCI: What can you tell us about the change of direction that we are going to see in the August issue of Captain Nepto Prime?

DTA: Since issue one I've tried to kill Nepto. It's true. I think the measure of a hero is how many times he can face the greatest adversity and still continue. In the August Prime I've penned my greatest tale to date. I'm really going to do my best to destroy everything about the character and leave only a broken David Anderson.

CCI: What can you tell us about future projects at DFG?

DTA: There will be more Spy Classics, Retro-Spy, Annuals and a lot from the back catalogue being re-issued.

CCI: Can you describe some of your corporate duties at DFG head office?

DTA: My top job is to bring an increased awareness to the company. I am actively trying to build our readership to new heights.

End of Part I

Captain Nepto Prime August Update







Special to DFG Online
By Cynthia Martin

With Captain Nepto Prime July almost ready for release, focus has heated up on the numerous rumours circulating about the August release. We are happy to report here first that there is indeed major changes in this issue, notwithstanding the combined efforts of both Todd Abbot and series creator Darryl Andrews in regards to all breakdowns and pencils. Darryl will be doing all the finishings to the drawings but will don the penciller title for the first time this Century! Confirmed also is that the story will feature Captain Nepto from both the 1980 and 1990 periods[!]. Mr. Andrews was quite silent when asked how one singular story can feature a Nepto from separate time periods but added, "It will all make sense...everything will make sense". Pictured here is the first released drawing from Darryl Andrews for the issue!



Thursday, July 3, 2008

Canadian Comics Insider Interview with Dan Graves continues...

Part II - by Millicent Mortificus, special to DFG ONLINE

CCI: There is a wealth of characters from the old SPM Comics line that you purchased back in 1982 that have not been utilized to date. Will the fans ever get a chance to see these characters in the new continuity?
DFG: Absolutely. We have big plans for these characters. Watch for their return as early as Spy Comics Presents #4. They will play a part in the current "Battle of the Invincibles" storyline, which concludes in #5. Following #5, the format is changing to that of a "team-up" book. Look for your favourite SPM characters to appear in some of these team-ups!

CCI: Please describe the DFG decision to move from Newstand sales to Online Publishing.
DFG: Well, DFG likes to be on the cutting edge of things. We are continuing to print a limited number of paper copies for our long-time subscribers, but we are indeed shifting to a mainly online format. What can I say, it's the way of the future!

CCI: How do you see the DFG website expanding in the near future?
DFG: One of the things that I intend to introduce is more Annuals and Special Editions. We always promised annuals back in the old days, but were rarely able to deliver. The Spy Classics Annual will be ready for the fall, and as mentioned in the previous interview, we are planning a Retro-Spy Christmas Special featuring the Invincibles that I hope will become an annual DFG tradition. Some time ago I announced a funny animal book, Captain Nepto and His Furry Friends. Many people thought I was joking, but I was really quite serious. We need something for our younger readers.

CCI: Who's your favourite Captain Nepto Villain and why?
DFG: I always like Dr. Tequilia -- it's all about the name.

CCI: Is Peter Repovski coming back to DFG? Certainly the response to Spy Classics must've been huge...?
DFG: Yes, the fans are clamouring for more of Pete's work! Peter is a very busy independent business man. He does have a cover on his drawing board that he is hoping to ink in the near future. But he has so many constraints on his time. Pete's always welcome to contribute to DFG pending his availability.

CCI: Did you gain special permission to use DC's Robin back in the 1996 run?
DFG: That wasn't Robin. It's ashame that the Spy '96 Annual was never released. It was all to be explained there. I do think it needs to be clarified, though. This is the story... An orphaned street kid who looked up to The Agent decided that he wanted to be The Agent's sidekick. He stole a Robin costume from a local costume store, dressed up in it and started tagging along with The Agent, although he tried to discourage him. Immediately, The Agent told him that he couldn't wear a Robin costume because he would be infringing DC's copyright so they bought some colour dyes changed the colours of the costume and changed the "r" logo to a "b" logo for Budgie. That's right, the character was actually called "Budgie." You can't really tell the colour change, though, because we were only publishing in black in white back in the 1990's. Sadly, Budgie died in the Spy '96 Annual. The By the way, Frank Daniels is still working tying all the fragmentary artwork for the Spy '96 Annual together and his hoping to have it released by Christmas.

CCI: Are you planning on doing a solo hero title again?
DFG: Personally, no. Trying to run a company with over 100 staffers, all its subsidiaries, and write and draw a regular title (Spy Comics Presents), plus issues of Spy Classics and Retro-Spy means that I can't take on a solo series right now. However, DFG will be launching a new Redman book soon. The release date and creative team are yet to be announced. I'm hoping that maybe Darryl Andrews might want to take it on. He's much better with solo character books than me and he has a real passion for Redman. Redman was, of course, a key character in the 1981 Spy Comics run, but I decided not to bring him back for the '85 relaunch. He also remained absent for the '96 relaunch. However, Darryl liked the character and drew some pin-ups and next thing you know he was co-starring with Nepto in Retro-Spy #1 (1996). That helped me to see the potential for the character and made me realize that he really is DFG's "heavy-hitter." When I relaunched again in 2006 I made him an integral part of the Invincibles. I can assure once the current story arc is over, that Redman will emerge as the most important senior hero of the DFG universe!

CCI: How would you describe your art style? Any major influences?
DFG: My style has gone through many changes. I would say that generally, I have settled on a simple 1950's style with thick lines, deco-style shapes, and semi-cartoonish faces with exaggerated features. I try to draw each character consistently using a particular caricature so that you always know exactly who you're looking at. This is especially important in a multi-cast book like Spy Comics Presents. I suppose my influences include any of the Bob Kane ghosts (Jerry Robinson, George Rousseau, Sheldon Moldoff, Dick Sprang, etc), but not Kane himself; and of course I am a great fan of both Eisner and Caniff. In terms of recent artists, I am a fan of most of Darwyn Cooke's work.

CCI: Is it true that DFG published a limited edition 12 month calendar featuring the ugliest DFG girls as a lampoon?
DFG: Absolutely not.

CCI: What is Dan's Hell-hole and why has nobody seen it?
DFG: Dan's Hell-hole was an "in-office" lampoon of life at DFG headquarters. It was a good-natured poke at me and the DFG leadership team. It made it look like DFG was an absolutely horrible place to work, which of course it isn't. It was all in good fun. I'm not ashamed of it, although I think that all the copies have been destroyed. I don't know who drew it, but I think it might have been Todd Abbot.

CCI: Who is DFG's Strongest Hero?
DFG: Without a doubt, Redman. Nova seems to have untapped power as well. Glow Girl is also quite powerful.

CCI: Which super villain do you think is the most dangerous?
DFG: They are all dangerous, that's why their called SUPER villains, silly.

CCI: Is there a character in the DFG Universe that you're just about sick of seeing?
DFG: I think that the Jester has probably been overused. Darryl featured him in just about every other issue of the original (1981) Captain Nepto series. He wasn't seen again in the 1985 series, and played a very low profile in the '96 series (in Spy '96 #3, I believe). Todd Abbot brought him back in Spy Classics #1 (1996), and Darryl & Todd used him in the first issue of Captain Nepto Prime this year. At the same time, he has been appearing in current time in Spy Comics Presents. Since he "reformed" he has been serving as mayor of Carnage City and has now been elected leader of the National Party to replace the assassinated Prime Minister Randy Anderson. This means he's just about to be sworn in as PM! After the current arc is done, he will be featured regularly in current continuity in his new role. Is this too much Jester? I suppose the answer could be "yes," however, like Julius Smithers, he has dropped his costumed persona and taken on a new role. We are getting to explore a different side of him. He is crucial to our current exploration of human nature in the DFG universe. In the real world we are always electing criminals to public office, but in the DFG universe we are taking this to a new level... what if we were to elect super-criminals to public office... and what is the difference here between what we actually do and what is being done in our comics?!

CCI: Is there a company policy on the degree of violence that can be portrayed in the comics?
DFG: I think off-screen violence is better than on screen violence. It leaves more to the imagination. We judge each situation on a case-by-case basis. We try to be a family company.
End of Part 2

Tuesday, July 1, 2008

Spy Classics Website Added!

Spy Classics can now be viewed online! Read the latest issue by clicking here, or by following the link in the right-hand column of this page!

June Villain - Killer Shark


Owning the distinction of being DFG's first costumed super villain, Killer Shark has had a very successful run in the DFG Universe. Appearing in costume in the original 1981 Captain Nepto series and later without costume in the 1985 & 1996 Spy Comics series. Killer Shark gained great notoriety when it was revealed that he was responsible for setting up the 'hit' on Captain Nepto's parents. Every appearance has been laced with serious attempts to kill Captain Nepto in part to rid himself of the entire 'Captain Nepto Clan'. A future showdown no doubt exists between Killer Shark, Captain Nepto and the Sea Serpent!! Required reading is Captain Nepto #1 [retold in Spy Classics #3 ON SALE NOW!!] and Spy Comics (series 2) #5 [pictured].