I first knew Richard Pester through book 1 & 2 of his very personal autobiographical graphic novels Dave, that I picked up at the first Edinburgh Comic Con & more recently through his stunning Dave’s Pop Art exhibitions and after seeing his talent across the mediums he’s involved in I was glad to get the chance to fire these questions his way.
What was the first title you worked on?
First title, that would be Derna (never published thank god) First work produced for a publisher would be Maeve : 1 Girl 4 Women for Eros with Terry Hooper.
How has your work changed since then?
I think my work has improved both in terms of layouts and actual drawing quality…as I (try to)write the stuff I do now, I have more idea about how much space to leave for dialogue and lettering in general. Getting a flow to things and having a payoff as you turn the page has also become clearer.
Who are your main influences?
Main influences (though you wouldn’t know it) are Jim Starlin, Howard Chaykin, Tom Sutton, Michael Golden, Carmine Infantino and John Byrne.
What comics are you reading just now?
The stuff I read now is mainly indie stuff, John Orlando’s FHA Q, the stuff that local guys Desert Whale Comics do and plenty of reprinted 70’s Marvel and DC stuff as that was the kind of thing I grew up with. Mainstream comics hold very little interest now as the stories are trying too hard to please the PC crew or are just bland retreads of bland stuff from a few years back. Much like if you photocopied an image then copied that image etc etc all you would have is a bad shadow of what originally drew you to the image…..if that makes sense?
What’s the best thing about creating comics?
The best thing about creating comics is, if you can think of it, you can make it, especially in modern days of POD companies. That’s actually not true, the best thing is seeing folks’ reactions to what you have done, be it good or bad, a bad reaction just makes you try harder, a good reaction makes you want to do more….seeing someone entertained or connecting to something you’ve done is a great feeling.
What are you working on just now?
Currently Dave: Death of the Cosmic Oddity is next on the drawing board. It’s taken a while but I finally found the starting point and it’s happening quite quickly. I also have a strip appearing in Reverend Cross from Kult Creations at some point this year, System Crash is going back on the burner soon in the hope of completing the 12 issues that I originally planned for it, and there’s a wee thing called Mathilde that needs to be finished as well.
Where can we see you next?
Appearances are limited, as I only do Edinburgh, but never say never…..possibly appearing at an event later in the year but nothing firm as yet.
You can check out more on Richard’s work over on the Chang31ings website & Facebook page as well as the System Crash Facebook page. Keep an eye out on his Pop Art Facebook page too for more of his paintings & shows.
G-Man
COMICS ANONYMOUS 