Interview with The Dead Cell Creator John Barker

Indie creator John Barker takes a few moments to talk about his inspiration, his other projects and more!

Entering the Dead Cell with John Barker

John Barker, creator of the recently published The Dead Cell, has a lot of interests.  He’s dabbled in several arts and you get the impression that he is a man who enjoys learning about new ideas and new philosophies.  I’ll admit that I had to look up a few words, but that served him well as I found myself even more interested in how he has time to try his hand at so many different projects while attending so many events.  So, take a sec to learn more about this new creator who has more on the way to entertain us and make us think!

 ACB: So, John, how long have you been a comic book fan? Do you collect anything specifically that you never miss an issue of?
Barker: I was given my first two comic books at around age 7, so I guess 21 years now. They were Ghost Rider 1 and a Tomb of Dracula where he fights the Wolfman, so I guess pretty much since then. Right now I’m really into Sweet Tooth, which I think is the best book on the stands, The Unwritten, PunisherMAX, Morning Glories, Scott Snyder’s Batman stuff, The Boys and Day Tripper.

ACB: Are there any creators or series that directly influence you as a writer or are you looking to carve a brand new trail for yourself?
Barker: I put a lot of effort into trying new things, and I think my graphic novel The Dead Cell shows I’m not afraid to take chances artistically, but I’d be a liar to say I wasn’t influenced by what I had read. I’m a huge fan of Neil Gaiman, Alan Moore, Stephen King, etc. I think it’s impossible to be 100% uninfluenced by any other media this day in age, I think the key is to try to bring something new to the table when you consider them.

ACB: When it comes to your graphic novel, The Dead Cell, I saw a lot of different genres mixing from horror to drama to the metaphysical. What led to the creation of that story? Was it something you mulled over for a long time or did you find yourself rolling on it fairly easily?
Barker: My original idea for The Dead Cell was an ongoing series, very much in the vein of a “Twilight Zone” or something of the sort, using the experiment as its basis, and I had actually conceived quite a few stories for it, some of which I’ve turned into other graphic novel scripts. The story of Monica McCoy became much more pronounced later in the development of the book, after Arcana had ordered it as a graphic novel, which I think ultimately makes the book what it is. Chapter’s 2 and 3 were much longer originally, and quite different as they were going to be “Dead Cell mini series” in their first drafts. As far as the subject matter it really is based on Jungian psychology and Merkabah.

ACB: How did you meet artist Scott DM Simmons? How much of his art style do you feel had a hand in how you told the story of The Dead Cell?
Barker: I forget exactly how Scott and I came to work together, but I know I saw his art and shot him some samples. Scott was instrumental in The Dead Cell in general. I had a good idea, and some crazy stories to associate with it, but really didn’t know how to write a script or the fundamentals of what made a sequential story work. Scott really helped me find my groove with that, so not just from an art standpoint, but from my development as a writer period Scott was invaluable. As far as the art, Scott starts putting clues in from page one. In fact, if you’ve read the book, go back and read it again, this time really paying attention to each frame, and Scott’s detail to not just the art, but the story telling will hopefully testify to his talent. I think his art is very innocent and sweet looking, which helped counteract the overwhelmingly dark and moody stance I took in telling the story, helping make it much more enjoyable to read.

ACB: While there seems to be a lot of opportunities through online venues to get work out there, to get hooked up with Arcana Studios is pretty awesome opportunity. How did that come about? Were they the only avenue you explored or were there other studios you went to as well?
Barker: I talked to Sean [O'Reilly] briefly, he told me to get my pitch to Mark Poulton, and they green lit it. It was a mostly painless process. I was very fortunate in being afforded the opportunity to work with a real publisher on my first book, which is a rarity.

ACB: I spent some time on the net preparing to review The Dead Cell and preparing for the interview, so I have to ask. Was this book your first published project or have you had other works out there?
Barker: This is my first sequential project. I have written some award winning essays on Gnosticism as well.

ACB: What are your future plans? Do you have more projects in the pipeline that you can talk about?
Barker: I’m working on an album of spoken poetry now, and have finished several scripts. My next sequential project is called “The Dark”, and it’s in the art stage now. I pushed myself to try some things that weren’t as comfortable for me, and so far the people that have read the script are really raving about it. I honestly think it’s as good as any super hero project out there, though I’m a bit hesitant to call it a super hero book. I’ve also finished a script for a graphic novel called “Avery Vernum and the Monsters on the Sun” which is kind of a hillbilly, sci fi, love story. I’m also working on a horror anthology and really want to do an adaptation of “Battlefield Earth”.

ACB: Does having a graphic novel published by a studio like Arcana increase pressure to have more work released or is there a certain amount of relief associated with it?
Barker: It was really an honor to be published my first book out of the gate. I don’t really feel any pressure as far as my next projects. I feel confident that everything I write helps me grow as a writer, and that I’m telling stories that I can be proud of. As long as I’m having fun I’ll keep writing, regardless of how the project has to meet its audience.

ACB: Are you planning to attend any conventions from now through 2012 to show off any books or upcoming projects?
Barker: As of now I’ll be at the Cincinnati Comic Expo on 9/17, Lexpo in Lafayette, IN on 9/24, Kokomo Con on 10/23 in Kokomo, IN, Comikaze Expo on 11/5 and 11/6 in Los Angeles, CA, DanCon 2012 on 3/4 in Chicago, Lexinton Comic and Toy Convention in Lexington, KY on 3/24 and of course the Comic Con International in San Diego in July. I have a lot more stuff I’ll be announcing soon as well.

ACB: In the meantime, where can fans find more information about you and your projects?
Barker: Check out my website at johnbarkerisavirus.com.

ACB: Fans and insiders are definitely all a buzz right now with the moves DC is making to take a big stab at sales and online downloads. As someone who is a a mix of fan and insider, what are your thoughts on the future of the medium?
Barker: I think now is an exciting time to be a fan of comics. I think we are getting some of the best projects in history with some of the biggest moves ever made being made now.

ACB: Lastly, are there any words of encouragement you can give other would be writers or artists trying to catch a break?
Barker: Just keep your ears open, always look for ways to learn and improve your skill set and keep submitting. It also helps to have something in print, even if it is self published or an ash can.

 

ACB wishes to thank Mr. Barker for taking some time to chat with us.  You can find his book, The Dead Cell, can be found through Arcana Studios, your local comic shop (have them order it through Diamond), as well as at Amazon.com.

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