Comic Book Resources

Idol Thoughts 10/23

Over these two days, I’m featuring a Q & A I did with the two finalists who were eliminated in the first round, Warren Leonhardt and Daniel Lafrance. Yesterday was Warren, today is Daniel!

Enjoy!

1. How disappointed are you that you’ve been voted off?

Well I’m mostly disappointed in myself with my first submission. Being voted off is all part of the game, but the chance to have editors review my work was a chance of a life time and I’m disappointed that the work that I turned in did not truly reflect what I believe I can do.

2. Why do you think you didn’t click with the audience this week?

A couple of reasons: first, I was under the impression that we had the choice to follow the script or not, so that was a big mistake on my part. Second, my issue with the sexual exploitation of women in comics pushed me to find a way to show Aspen not naked and that didn’t go over well with the majority of the viewing public (ha ha!).

3. You’ve read the judges comments as well as the public comment thread — what comments do you think were unfair? What were right on the mark?

I think the whole towel issue was a bit unfair. The script called for no nudity, so I had her put on the towel that she was pointing at. After she transformed back from her water state, everyone was surprised to see her in a towel and not naked even though her powers allow her to keep the clothes she had on before the transformation.

The comments that were right on the mark were the ones about my work not being inspired. I also appreciated the feedback from the judges with respect to how I could improve my work - that was invaluable.

4. What was the hardest part about the assignment for you?

At the time, I didn’t think I was having any problem with it. It was after the comments came in re. the nudity (or lack thereof) and some of the judges’ comments, made me think twice about the choices I made.

5. I noticed that you took some issue with the style of comic that was being asked for in the first round - do you think that played a big part in your departure?

Definitely, my ’style’ or storytelling is more grounded in the ’slice-of-life’ type of stories. But still, I didn’t think I would struggle that much with a super hero assignment.

6. Of the remaining contestants, who do you think has the best shot at going all the way?

We’ll just have to wait and see!

7. Will you be participating in the play-at-home thread at all?

YES!!! I was out of town for the whole week-end but I’m trying to get my pages for round 2 in by the deadline.

8. Has this encouraged or discouraged you from continuing to pursue your dream as full-time comic artist?

I’m not discouraged at all! One good thing that came out of the whole process is that it forced me to ask myself ‘what kind of stories do I really want to tell?’ At the same time, I realize I need to stop being ’safe’ with my art, let my unique style come out and not worry about what people
will think.

9. Finally, take this space to promote the heck out of whatever you would like to promote!

I’ll be participating in the ‘play-at-home’ thread, so I would encourage all editors and all those who have supported me (thanx! it meant a lot!) to come and see my work there over the next few weeks. Thanx again to J. Torres, the judges, members of CBR and Comic Book Idol 3 for a chance of a life time!

And be sure to check out my website at www.danlafrance.com!

Thanks a lot, Dan!