Welcome to our new article on ComicScene – Space Station Comics. It’s like Desert Island Discs in space. If you’d like to take part then email us at comicsceneuk@gmail.com
This week we spoke to John Wagner, creator of Judge Dredd and Rok of the Reds which has just started in the Judge Dredd Megazine.
What is your earliest comic memory?
I suppose there were a few comics about in my youth – my older brother and his friends had the occasional Batman or Superman – but the first one the made a particular impression on me was an Uncle Scrooge comic. It was about a battle with another comic million/billionaire to see who could amass the greatest mountain of riches. I think I identified with him because of my Scottish blood – Scrooge McDuck was obviously a thrifty Scot.
What was the last comic you read and enjoyed?
Batman First Knight, Dan Jurgens and Mike Perkins. Mike used a lot of real Shrewsbury locations in it, it was very atmospheric.
What work are you most proud of and why?
Hard to single out one. The Rok sagas, Bogie Man, Al’s Baby, Button Man, Dredd: America, some of the better short Dredds.
Who do you thank for your career/interest in comics and who was your biggest influence?
My aunt, who cut out an advert for Editorial Assistants at DC Thomson and suggested I apply. Without her I might never have been a comic writer. Influences – Pat Mills and Alan Grant, two excellent writers I worked with that I learned a lot from.
What are you working on now?
Rok the World, the third Rok saga.
What advice would you give your teenage self?
It doesn’t hurt to be nice.
What five comics would you take to an orbiting space station with you?
I’d take mostly books. But I doubt you’d find me on a space station. The west coast of Scotland, more likely, close to a good pub.
What graphic novel would you take?
Batman Year One. One of the best graphic novels I have read.
Anything you’d like to share with us before you go?
Check out my new website, johnwagner.co.uk. It features my memoir, which I hope to finish before I depart this Earth, plus some bargains in the shop and a regular competition for excellent prizes.
Thanks for your time John.
Read Shane Chebsey on Space Station Comics here
HISTORY OF COMICS
America is a graphic novel written by John Wagner. It was originally serialised in the Judge Dredd Megazine. America is a dystopian political drama but it stands apart from the main Dredd stories by focusing on the story of a single individual, America Jara. She is a fiery, idealistic young woman who becomes disillusioned with the authoritarian state in which she lives. The story chronicles her journey from youthful rebellion to political activism, as she tries to fight back against the oppressive system of Mega-City One. Throughout the book, she’s faced with the harsh reality that challenging the status quo is far more complicated and dangerous than she imagined. The art, drawn by Colin MacNeil, compliments the heavy themes of corruption, betrayal, and revolution.
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