The Dude's Official Moth FAQ page
How was the The Moth born as a concept?
The Moth was born in the early 90's when I was asked to come up with an original character for a trading card set. I created two new characters; The Moth and the Silencer. The Moth kind of resembles a design that Jack Kirby might've come up with. His costume was fun and easy to think up and the Origin was developed later.
What's the story about in The Moth Special?
The story in the Special is about a group of South Africa natives that have a personal vendetta against the Moth. The back-story of what that vendetta is all about will be revealed in future issues, but they're real determined to put him out of commission. The natives conjure up a monster to track down the Moth in the states, where he works with the circus.
What's the storyline for the Moth mini-series?
The future stories are a continuation of what happens in the Special. It's an ongoing series of adventures, where one deed or misstep begets another, just as in our real life adventures.
How long ago did you start on The Moth. I seem to remember it from quite a while ago. Did you have a difficult time selling the concept?
We originally approached Image to publish the Moth. I thought it might be time to take more control of my concepts and decided to find out what they were all about. When it didn't work out, I approached Dark Horse, who was interested in the Moth from the beginning. If I'd known how miserable I would be working for Image, I would've picked Dark Horse to begin with!
Why The Moth? What about The Moth is so important to you right now, in a creative sense.
I felt it was time to assert myself in the comics business with a character of my own. I would develop all the concepts and bounce ideas back and forth with a writer, who turned out to be Gary Martin, an unknown and untried writer, who is mostly known in the industry as an inker. But I like taking a chance on unknown elements once in a while, and Gary turned out to be the perfect choice. Also, I feel more comfortable when I'm in charge of my destiny. I have a tendency to be involved in all aspects of my projects, and sometimes big company editors and I have creative differences. Working for Marvel, for example, was fun, but I wouldn't want to live there.
This might carry over from the last one. Are you at odds with the kinds of comics that are being produced in the mainstream (super heroes), and is The Moth a reflection of that? Are you trying to fill a void for a kind of comic you like, but don't see anymore.
Every point you made couldn't have been stated more to the point, or reflect my life philosophy any better. "Yes" to every question.
In some of your "Dude News," you hinted that doing The Moth could be financially risky. Are you going to do more work for hire in the near future, which can be financially stabilizing.
Engaging in a creator owned book is risky business, but I'm comfortable with taking risks like that. I'll take the freedom over the bread anyday. When I finish up with this current Moth series, I'll have to take on a few painting commissions to boost my income before I return to the fold and get started on the next batch of new Moth books.
If you could, would you, either through self-publishing or through smaller publishers, produce only the kind of comics you like, or would always like to occassionally service trademarks or do work for hire for Marvel and DC.
My career has consisted of a bit of back and forth--between my own things like Nexus with Mike Baron and then working on some beloved older book from the 60's like Captain America or Spider-Man. It keeps things diverse and interesting that way and will probably continue that pattern thru most of my career. But right now, with my conscious being what it is, I'm only interested in doing the Moth.
I've been a fan for 20 (since I first saw a mention of you in Don and Maggie Thompson's COMICS COLLECTOR mag). Are you still surprised at the response your work gets from people who keep following The Dude?
It's very flattering. I've told my wife and friends for 20 years now how lucky I am to have such a great group of supporters. My audience is made up of astute and fascinating people, looking for things of substance that can sustain our soul and help to understand the bizarre game of life a little better.
I remember that Marvel had some issue with The Moth's logo - feeling it was too close to The Punisher's? Are they still "concerned" about that, and did you have to make changes to appease them?
When Jim Valentino of Image delivered the ultimatum to give in to Marvel's request and change our logo or not be published by them, that's when I knew I would be leaving Image for a publisher of stronger constitution. Marvel's lawyers, as far I've been informed, have not brought the issue up since I told them I wouldn't be changing anything.
You're launching with a double-sized special that is due out March 17. What comes after that?
A 4-issue mini series due out April-June. Hopefully they will do well and Dark Horse will sign him up for another mini-series. Steve hopes to be working on the moth for several years to come.
You are touring and attending conventions to promote The Moth. What do you have scheduled so far?
