Spy Classics #4 - Sneak Peek!

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 That annual never came together, although she did appear in her civilian identity in another unpublished story, which was to follow the annual."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 She was also to appear in the unpublished Invincibles mini-series of 1983."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 Perhaps my most prized possession is the unpublished cover for the original Spy Comics #13 which was to feature the marriage of Spymaster and Nova."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

Canadian Comic Insider Interviews DFG President Dan Graves

By Millicent Mortificus - Special to DFG ONLINE!

Superheroes are everywhere these day; in print, in film and as toy/food tie-in promotions at your favourite fast food restaurants. Daniel F. Graves is the President of the Canadian Small Press Juggernaut, DFG Comics. We were granted an exclusive interview, over breakfast, at Toronto's Fairmount Royal York Hotel to discuss the comic book industry and, more specifically, the present day goings-on at DFG Comics Corporate Head Office.


CCI: Thanks for meeting with us.
DFG: I must say, it is always a pleasure to do these interviews. Of the thousands that I've done over the past two decades, I've always enjoyed interviews with your esteemed publication.

CCI: With 25+ years of DFG comics in the DFG canon, do you have any intention to slow down?
DFG: Absolutely not! DFG Comics, and its subsidiaries are a lifetime passion and labour of love. As I've said in the past, one of the great things about DFG publications and productions is that they occur in "real time." Unline many of our competitors, and especially those south of the border, 25 years of DFG comics is 25 years of real time. That's why the Spymaster and Nepto have aged; that's why we've introduced a whole new generation of heroes; and that's why the DFG universe will forever remain full of surprises.

CCI: Has the success of DFG Comics surprised you?
DFG: Not really... I always knew we had something great on our hands. That's why we we've been able to outlast so many small presses, and as an aside, why we were able to acquire other small presses over the years. We're simply the best. I mean, come on, who has a hero like Captain Nepto in their stable. He can do most anything, fly, swing on a rope when he's tired of flying, go deep sea in that super-scientific sub of his, and don't get me started on the wig -- can you tell me any other company who has a superhero known for his wigs? Fanbloodytastic, I say.

CCI: The Spymaster has greatly evolved over the years, what's your personal favourite period?
DFG: My all-time favourite Spymaster period is the early-eighties, when his character and identity were just forming. He started out a bit grim, but eventually took on a more mainstream, brighter persona. I mean, falling in love with Nova, a voluptuous woman from another dimension? That's hardly grim and gritty, yet that period had a charm of its own. In the mid-eighties when I went dark with him again -- a period I also like very much -- I think we lost something, particularly his connection to the rest of the DFG universe. That was what was so great about the early period. He and Nepto were the two lead characters, and Darryl seemed to have them teaming up, all chummy and buddy-buddy every other issue or so. In the recent years I've tried to catch that flavour of he and Nepto remaining the leaders of the DFG stable of heroes. In Spy '96 they had one final team-up and in the recent story-arc, he and Nepto are adversaries as they have come to represent very different perspectives on what it means to lead the next generation of DFG heroes. I suppose when it comes down to it, I really prefer the Spymaster out of costume, as Julius Smithers. I feel that Julius has grown beyond the Spymaster role and has become the elder statesman of the DFG universe. Again, this is the result of naturally ageing our characters. You can't have a 70 year old running around in a costume.

CCI: Is there any particular storyline you would like to change?
DFG: Absolutely not. I am dead-set against retcons (retroactively changing continuity -- ed.). Some of our competitors take great pride in changing the origins and history of their characters every second month or so. If it's in the DFG canon, it's in the DFG canon! Period! However, I'm not opposed to going back and adding details here and there -- things that were not revealed the first time around that can be nicely added without contradicting old continuity. I made a mistake early in my career as a comic book creator and attempted to do that with the Spymaster. Faithful DFG readers will know that he has two different origins, one from the original Spy Comics series (1981-84), and one from the 1985 series. In the first series he gets amnesia and becomes a criminal called the Swift Mugger. When his memory returns he becomes the Spymaster in order to right his wrongs. In 1985, his wife is killed and he becomes the Spymaster to exact revenge and track down her killer. I have long wanted to resolve this discrepency and will be doing so in Spy Comics Annual #1 (the origin issue) due out later this summer. I can assure you that neither origin will be contradicted or wiped out! Those who are faithful to either version will be happy with the result, I think.

There are many things that I could regret doing. For example, the Radiation Master is probably the silliest villain ever created, but instead of ignoring him, I think that he has a great place in the DFG universe as a "loser villain." We can make gold out of whatever old crap we might find in the canon!

CCI: What's you favourite cover and why?
DFG: I always loved the Spymaster/Nova wedding cover from the original Spy Comics series. It was just so silly. I never drew the inside story until last year when I did the story for Retro-Spy #2. Instead of having them actually get married, it was just a hook to draw in the reader and serve as the plot point on which the Invincibles come to be! Other favourites include the very first cover Spy Comics #1 (1981) cover, which I redrew for #1 of the second series (1985). I'm planning on doing it again, with a twist. I always loved Darryl Andrews' cover for Captain Nepto #1 (1981) and have recently recreated it for Spy Classics #3! My other favourite is Captain Nepto (original series) #9 from 1984 (the last issue of the original series) that Flora just coloured as part of our collectors' series.

CCI: Have you had any experience with the big American publishers like Marvel or DC trying to cherrypick some of DFG's talent?
DFG: Repovski did some work for Dark Horse, but that was with my blessing, of course. I never want to hold anyone back from following their dreams. If working for DC or Marvel is their dream, well then let them go, I say. The truth is, most of our creators love DFG so much that you couldn't pay them enough to work anywhere else!

CCI: Does DFG still obtain all filming rights or are some characters already optioned for possible film productions?
DFG: We are very protective of our film rights. As you know, DFG has its own production studio and has done several television series and big-screen films (as well as some made for TV films). Perhaps our biggest success was the Bates & Holden TV series. This is one example where the film characters made the transition to the comic page. This is why we retain all rights -- it's called synergy, my friend. If we let the rights go, then we can't capitalize on such cross-over possibilities. Another area that we will be moving into is toy production. Watch for DFG Action Figures Series One which will be hitting toy stores for Christmas. Figures will include the golden age Spymaster, Nepto, Redman, the original Sy Clopps, Killer Shark, the Blaster, and the Radiation Master.

CCI: Would you like to be the 'Stan Lee' of DFG with walk-ons in every movie?
DFG: What? Are you kidding me? Haven't you seen any of our films? I'm in every one of them! I was doing that before Stan Lee even thought of the idea. And by the way, missy, I have much more substantial roles that Mr. Lee.

CCI: You have two brothers, yet neither has produced a comic...any reason for that?
DFG: They can't draw. But they are award-winning actors. Again, watch the movies.

CCI: Which villain is your favourite?
DFG: The original Sy Clopps. You'll understand why next year when the 2009 Spy Classics Annual #2 finally tells his origin. If you want a hint, check out the Sylvester Clopps family photo posted elsewhere on this page. I've also recently developed a real soft-spot for the Radiation Master, just because he's so absurd. I mean, the guy has no head!

CCI: Which character do you think has the greatest potential that to date remains a secondary character?
DFG: Freddy.

CCI: Tell me a little about the upcoming finale of Spy Comics Presents The Invincibles.
DFG: It will all wrap up in Issue #5. While it is a battle between Julius' team and Nepto's team, it really is the culmination of the psychological battle between Julius and Nepto. It will set the stage for the next major era of the DFG universe, changing it forever.

CCI: In terms of sales, which DFG title is the most successful? The most popular?
DFG: Spy Comics Presents and Captain Nepto Prime seem to always go head-to-head in sales, with Spy Classics coming third and Retro-Spy in fourth.

CCI: Spy Classics is one of my favourite titles , what can fans expect to see in the upcoming year?
DFG: Well, you know about the "all-origins" annual, and I've mentioned plans for next years' all-villains origin annual. Issue three retells Captain Nepton #1 (from 1981) and includes story and art by Andrews, Repovski and myself. I'd like to retell the first Cap/Spymaster team-up... watch and see!

CCI: Any plans for a special Christmas Holiday edition?
DFG: Oh yes, you must be psychic. It will actually be an issue of Retro-Spy and will take place in DFG Golden-age period. It will be entitled, "The Invincibles Save Christmas!"

CCI: Are you and Todd Abbot friends?
DFG: No.

CCI: Describe your best day.
DFG: Every day is a great day at DFG!

End of Part One of Interview

Spy Comics Vol. 4, No. 2 advance preview is now online!

By Bob Barnes
DFG ONLINE Staff Reporter

DFG Comics has posted an advance preview of Spy Comics (vol. 4) #2. DFG President and Co-Publisher, who is writing and drawing the company's flagship title had this to say: "We're pleased to offer this preview to our faithful fans. We realize that we had fallen behind schedule and are doing everything in our power to get things back on track." It had been suggested that delays are the result of various legal proceedings against the company by disgruntled former staffers. When asked about his rumour, Mr. Graves said, "There is nothing farther from the truth. The demands of writing/drawing/editing a title AND captaining Canada's preeminent comic book publisher sometimes come into conflict. I have also been hard at work on a couple of other creative projects including writing and drawing some pieces for the upcoming Spy Classics origin issue as well as having recently completed Retro-Spy #2. I'm afraid that I'm a hands-on publisher who is involved in the creative process as well as all the administrative and executive duties. My time get spread pretty thin." When asked if this is why co-publisher Darryl Andrews is listed as "co-plotter" for Spy #2, Mr. Graves resonded, "No, not at all. You see, Darryl was originally scheduled to write and draw the second issue but other creative responsibilites in the company kept him busy. I actually had issues three and four nearly completed, and we were waiting for number 2. When it became clear that Darryl couldn't do it, I decided to pick it up and run with his plot outline and basic script adding several elements of my own." Mr. Andrews is currently working on several projects including a New Captain Nepto title, as well as some stories for Retro-Spy, and of course, some material for the eagerly anticipated Spy Classic origin issue, which will also feature work by the controversial superstar, Todd Abbot.

Spy #2 opens with Captain Nepto and his renegade heroes responding the developments of Spy #1 (in which Sir Julius Smithers, formerly the Spymaster, and now Governor General) has reconstituted the Invincibles super-team to respond to the actions of Nepto and his renegades. Nepto and co. had allegedly assassinated the prime minister, Randy Anderson. Anderson, Nepto's half-brother and former supervillain the Sea Serpent, had reformed in the mid-nineties and subsequently led a neo-conservative party to electoral victory last year. After the assassination, Sir Julius, as head of state, dissolved parliament and assumed executive control to deal with the crisis. Spy #2 will also feature the funeral of prime minister Anderson.

Spy #2 is expected to be available sometime this month, with issues #3 & 4 to follow in April and May.

Click here to view the advance preview, or click on our "ONLINE Publications" in the right-hand column of this page.

Todd Abbot confirmed for Spy Classics Origin Issue

Sure to be one of D.F.G.'s biggest sellers to date, Co-Publisher Darryl Andrews has already confirmed the Spy Classics Origins Issue will feature art by comic book icon Todd Abbot! When reached for an in-person interview at his Modular Home, Todd commented that he'd be doing one of the Big Three D.F.G. heroes and wouldn't have signed onto the project for a lesser hero. "Listen," said Todd, "No way would I participate in this project to provide the orgin of the Agent or the Warrior or some other lower-rung hero; Dan knows this project will sell out because of my participation. Nothing is finalized yet, but I expect to have the plum job of retelling the Spymaster's orgin Todd Abbot style. Don't ya dare miss it!!"

Spy Comics -- Online!

Publishers Daniel Graves and Darryl Andrews are proud to announce that D.F.G. Comics titles can now be found online! The link in the right hand column of this page will lead you to an online version of Spy Comics (Series 4) #1 (Previously released in a print version). A preview page from #2 is also posted. We also feature online versions of Retro-Spy #1, from 1996, and the long awaited second part, Retro-Spy #2, from 2006. Online editions of Spy Classics are soon to follow...

About Spy Comics (Series 4): This version of Spy Comics is the fourth series of that name. The first appeared in 1981 and introduced The Spymaster, D.F.G.'s masthead character. It was shortly followed by Darryl Andrew's acclaimed Captain Nepto series. The Spymaster and Nepto shared many adventures together. The series was relaunched in 1985, and again in 1996 as Spy '96, which lasted 8 issues. The 1996 relaunch also featured the introduction of two new titles, Spy Classics and Retro-Spy. In 2006 we relaunched yet again and have big plans for the all-new Spy Comics.


Issue One of the all-new Spy Comics features the return of classic D.F.G. characters such as the Captain Nepto, Julius Smithers, Redman, The Grim Avenger, The Agent, Nitro, and everyone's favourite slap-stick detective duo - Holden and Bates. Newcomers include Leighton Graves' newest creation, Glow Girl.

The story opens ten years after we have last seen our heroes. Sir Julius Smithers (the retired Spymaster) is now Governor-General and in order to respond to the murder of Prime Minister Randy Anderson (the reformed arch-criminal, the Sea Serpent) at the hands of Captain Nepto (One-time champion of Carnage City and half-brother of the Prime Minister), Smithers must reconstitute the superteam known as The Invicibles in order to take down the renegade Nepto. Will they succeed before Nepto and his band of renegades strikes again?

Story and art by Dan Graves