I first read writer/letterer Sam Roads work in Silicon Heart and I was impressed with the mix of real feelings he poured into his characters that made them instantly relatable.
What was the first title you worked on?
Kristo, with Alex Sheikman
How has your work changed since then?
I try and change with every project, do things differently and allow that challenge to keep the writing process fresh.
Kristo was Alex’s (brilliant) idea – the Count of Monte Cristo set in Soviet Russia -but that did mean that it failed the ‘Bechdel test’ (to pass there needs to be a conversation between two women which isn’t about a man). Since then I’ve ensured my work is big on diversity.
Silicon Heart was inspired by Shakespeare, and is something of a homage.
Cryowulf has been conceived as simultaneously a film and a comic series. If the comic is well received I’d be keen to investigate licensing it.
Who are your main influences?
Alan Moore, Mike Carey, Joss Whedon, Shakespeare. All four seem capable not only of telling a great yarn, but also of getting to the humanity of a character and making me care.
What comics are you reading just now?
Injection, the Collected Judge Dredd, Saga. Injection is the current comic which I think everyone should be reading!
What’s the best thing about creating comics?
Collaborating to create something better than working solo.
Kristo is suffused with Alex Sheikman’s beautiful, austere, grand sense of Russian-ness. Silicon Heart‘s emotional core lives in Kat Cardy’s sometimes energetic, sometimes tender line-work.
What are you working on just now?
Cryowulf, a genderflipped retelling of Beowulf set on a long-abandoned space station. I’ve been about three years on worldbuilding, structure and drafting and I’m just about ready to begin collaborating with an artist on the first issue.
The promo art featured is by the excellent Nav Juty.
You can check out more on Sam’s work on his website and keep up to date with what he’s working on over on Twitter. You can also check out each of his titles on their Facebook pages:
G-Man
COMICS ANONYMOUS 