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ANTHONY ZICARI BECOMES BLACKLINE COMICS’ NEWEST EDITOR
Veteran Comic writer to edit at Blackline Comics

Blackline is proud to announce adding a new editor to its staff, Anthony Zicari. 
He is currently editing ASSASSIN & SON Blackline’s action series written by wrestling superstar Shad Gaspard.  Anthony Zicari’s previous works run the gamut of different positions within the comic book industry working on a vast variety of projects in a wide range of roles.

Anthony Zicari got his start writing comics at Antarctic Press with Warrior Nun Areala vs. Razor: The Dark Prophecy a 4 issue mini-series crossover. The book earned its highest rank in Diamond Comics top 300 lists .  Along with a healthy career writing comics he has also written scripts for animation, and screen, as well as articles for publications like Wizard and TokyoPop.

He has leant his editorial skills to Sea Lion books and Marvel Comics editing novels both of the usual and graphic variety.  Along with his experience as a reviewer, and in PR and advertising, Blackline Comics is proud to have him as the newest member of its team.

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The CREATORS YOU SHOULD KNOW series Installment #1 VASSILIS GOGTZILAS

We are kicking off our  CREATORS YOU SHOULD KNOW series with an interview of the insanely talented Vassilis Gogtzilas and his creation  MISERY CITY.

What got you into the comic book industry?

Comics have been a part of my life since I was a child. Same stands with creating comics. I started drawing at a very young age and I was motivated by my teachers and my parents of course. When I found comics, I soon started to tell my own stories and creating my own characters. I have been publishing my stories since I was 14 years old in Greece. I have worked as an illustrator for newspapers and magazines but at the same time I was drawing comics for any available magazine. The USA though was my big dream. I wanted to achieve something there. So I took a trip to America in 2006 where I attended the San Diego comic con. The way my work was welcomed there was a big surprize for me. After that everything got in the right way...

What inspires your art?

 Inspiration can  be derived from anything... from my personal life, my social life... music...books...photographs and some of my favorite movie creators. German expressionism movies... Fritz Lang and James Whales... photographers like Matt Mahurin and Floria Sigismondi. Music by Denny Elfman, which I listen to when drawing Misery City and plenty others. Many classic books of gothic literature, which I read when I was a child. But most of all the city I live in has been the inspiration for creating Misery City and Max Murray, the comic’s main character. A city that I love to hate, just like Max. All my relationships so far have been a really big inspiration and a big influence for the creation of Max’s character. Besides women are responsible for many great but also disastrous things.

What was your favorite part about drawing for misery city and Mister Universe respectively?

 Umm... Mr. Universe was created accidentally... I mean that after my first ten page story about Mr. Universe that was chosen for the Popgun Anthology vol. 2, I wasn’t completely satisfied with my work, so I decided to make a one shot where I would give more depth to the characters and the concept I presented there. The most interesting features and the most pleasant thing during the creation of this one shot was the combination of realism and a more comic book style within the comic. The whole concept was based on me being able to play with these two elements. For me this comic was like a strange art project.

After that I passed onto a more cartoony version of the character in Popgun Anthology vol. 4. But even though it’s really interesting to draw superheroes... when viewed from my point of view which is more criticizing and has two dimensions , a more POP point of view, it’s a lost case. Horror on the other hand is something that I have always enjoyed. When I was really young I read all the classic stories: Frankenstein, Dracula, Doctor Jekyll and Mr. Hyde... Lovecraft...Poe... etc... It’s certainly my favorite genre. To me Misery City is a comic with monsters...basically...together with a touch of noir. Misery City is definitely closer to my sensitivities. I enjoy drawing every page.

What are your thoughts on Digital Comics vs. Print Comics from an artistic standpoint as an individual?

I grew up reading printed comic books... and I still prefer that version... I find no charm in reading a comic book via a cell phone or an iPad. But I understand the economical reasons that lead a reader to such a change. Or also the young readers that grow up being completely accustomed to technology. But personally I prefer my comic books printed...

What about each story you are working on for Blackline resonated most with you?

Every new issue of Misery City has something of me. I believe that the more we know about the main character, Max Murray, the more fun the comic book is. It also fills my heart with joy and warmth when I create monsters and horror. It’s really exciting.

Thank you for taking the time to chat with us Vassilis.

No problem it is my pleasure.

Vassilis is the artistic half of MISERY CITY a new offering from Blackline Comics. MISERY CITY is an ongoing series with 4 issues completed to date. Misery City will be available for the time being in digital format via iTunes and is currently going through the Apple approval process. MISERY CITY will also be available in print and is currently going through the PREVIEWS solicitation process. In the meantime please visit our comic previews section here, and take a look at the first five pages of MISERY CITY issue #1.