Created on February 19, 2013 and written by TaliAdina
Category: Comicmaniacs

Grace Randolph is the host of two Youtube Channels: Think About The Ink and Beyond the Trailer. She’s also the creator and writer of the awesome comic book SUPURBIA which is published by BOOM! Studios. I had the opportunity to interview her and I asked her about the comic and what fans have to look forward to, as well as her web shows, and much more.

What inspired SUPURBIA?

Real Housewives!  I’d never watched any before the Beverly Hills edition, and that’s the still the only one I watch, but I thought it was interesting how each version changed based on the city it was located.  So jokingly, I wondered what it would be like if there was a focus on superhero spouses.  Then I was like “Hey, that’s no joke! That’s a good idea for a comic!”

What can fans look forward to with the series?

Really strong character development.  That’s important to me as a comic book reader so it’s also important to me as a writer.  Plus I’m very lucky to be working with Russell Dauterman, who’s such a talented artist that we can have these great character beats that don’t need dialogue.  Yes, even though I’m the writer, I believe that sometimes it’s best to let the visuals do the talking!

As for what fans can look forward to storywise, there’s Tia Jenkins’ return to being a superhero – Aso – which will have huge repercussions!  I can also tell you we’ll be visiting deep space, a tropical island, and London – all in the next arc!

What inspires you to write?

Honestly, my love of reading comics.  And I know I’m not alone.  When you really love something, it’s natural to want to contribute to the medium.  In fact, I get my strongest desire to write after reading my weekly stack on Wednesdays!  That, and seeing Russell’s pages come in!

What advice can you give writers who want to break into comics?

Be patient.  It took me a long time to break in myself, and I had to do a lot of legwork.  Plus don’t take rejection personally.  I had a ton of ideas that couldn’t get off the ground!  It really is a matter of just finding the RIGHT idea, and then you’ll see things start to click.  I also highly recommend doing to comic book conventions and networking.  That’s HUGE.

What comics are you reading?

I read a lot of comics!  So I guess I’ll list my favorites: Batman & Robin, All New X-Men, Hawkeye, Saga and The Sixth Gun.

Like a lot of fans, I was introduced to you by watching the YouTube series you hosted-The Watcher on Marvel’s YouTube channel. When you were fired many fans thought you were fired unfairly. Do you have anything you would like to say about that?

Ah, I appreciate you asking.  The thing is, Marvel decided to stay quiet about their reasoning and, as a professional, I need to respect that.  But I have to say it was a tough period of time and the tremendous support from viewers is what got me through it.  Them and Rich Johnston from BleedingCool.com, who not only covered what happened but helped me to launch my new web show on YouTube, Think About The Ink.

You’re now on your own YouTube channel ThinkAboutTheInk doing two shows: STACKTASTIC! and BETWEEN THE PAGES. How did this come about and what can fans look forward to?

Think About The Ink exists literally because of the viewers.  When Marvel fired me, many viewers encouraged me to start my own show and when Rich then offered to host it I decided to give it a go.  It was very nerve-wracking and I was nervous about how it would be received, but now I’m so happy I did it.  Also I get a lot of great messages from viewers on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube who say I’m getting them into comics and that’s very rewarding.

 

In your opinion, have things changed for the better in the geek universe for lady geeks and what things in your mind need fixing? What is your take on the fake geek girl controversy?

TheMarySue.com posted a great article about this:
http://www.themarysue.com/psychology-of-the-fake-geek-girl/

It would be hard to sum it up better than that!  But I will add that I think some men need to stop thinking women are only interested in comics to meet guys or help their careers.  How about women just enjoy good superhero, sci-fi and fantasy stories too?  Do I think things are getting better?  Yes and no.  Geek Girls are becoming a bigger part of the community, but that’s also creating a harsh backlash…

How can those of us who love comics encourage young girls and older ladies who want to to draw, write, or just be involved in comics?

Don’t let anyone discourage you.  Comics exist on the page, so who knows if a man or woman is creating them?  Good work stands on its own, and if you’re creating good work eventually you’ll win out.

What other projects are you working on?

Besides Supurbia and Think About The Ink, I also have a movie news web show on YouTube called Beyond The Trailer.  I hope everyone will at least stop by once and check it out! :)

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Tags: Between the Pages, Bleeding Cool, comicmanaics, comicmaniac spotlight, comics, fanboy buzz, Grace Randolph, interview, STACKTASTIC!, Supurbia, Think About The Ink

About the Writer: TaliAdina (71 Posts) Tali Adina is the creator of the blog Comicmaniacs. Tali also posts her thoughts and comic scripts on her blog The Diary of a Novice Comic Book Writer. She's also a contributor on WhyNotIndie.com. Her first comic book script "Defect Light to Combat the Darkness" was accepted to the women-created comic book anthology Womanthology, created by Renae De Liz. She was paired with artist Kelly Turnbull. She also wrote a one page story for the Womanthology Holiday PDF & Valentine's Day special with artist Brenda Kirk entitled "Don't Let the Light Go Out" and "June".

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