Nik Was Here

Well, the day has finally arrived! Our new five issue mini-series, Huck Finn’s Adventures in Underland is now available for purchase on Comixology:

http://www.comixology.com/Huck-Finns-Adventures-in-Underland-1/digital-comic/DIG003329 

This comic series was my first foray into writing all-ages comic books. My previous work has been in many other genres: crime, horror, and the occasional thriller. As well as the silliness that shows up here on a weekly (we’re trying) basis. Some might call it comedy, some might not be as kind, and some might just spit in my general direction. In any event, let’s get back to the subject at hand, how Huck Finn’s Adventures in Underland came to be (Just in case you were wondering).

After a misstep or three, I decided to write this as an all-ages comic book, instead of a horror/fantasy, which it was originally intended to be. I was excited at the prospect of working on something that my children might actually be allowed to read. Not to mention, that I relished the opportunity of introducing them to Mark Twain, Lewis Carroll, H.P. Lovecraft, and especially Huckleberry Finn. In my mind, I imagined this comic book as my gift to them. What actually happened was a bit different.

As pages came in, and the comic book started to progress in the way they usually do (script, layouts, pencils, inks, colors, and letters), both of my boys began sharing in this developmental process with me. Popping in and out of the room, Peeking around me at the computer screen, and asking a never ending barrage of questions. All the while, I tried to patiently look over the beginning stages of pages, as well as the end product, when the time came. I didn’t realize it then, but looking back, they were actually—in their own unique ways—helping oversee the creation of this comic book.

And after each of the first three issues had finally been finished, we sat at the computer and read each one together—unfortunately, I don’t hold a candle to the master narrators at audible… although, I have picked up a few of their tricks.

My boys seemed to enjoy the first issue, and immediately had questions, as well as quite a few suggestions for the second issue. Which in turn, had me rethinking my future scripts just a tad. After reading the second issue, these suggestions only increased, as well as taking the occasional odd turn. And after the third issue, odd became the norm. Although, I must confess, I can’t say this surprised me.

After all, we’re talking about a four-year-old, and a six-year-old, who consider eating chicken nuggets and drooling over an endless marathon of SpongeBob SquarePants to be on par with heaven. Whereas, I would rather stick my head in a wood chipper, then listen to that spongy bastard barf words at me for any prolonged period of time. Chicken nuggets are okay, though.

Suffice it to say, not all of their ideas were home runs. Still, some of their input, and more importantly, the little moments that they took a special liking to, began to squeeze their way more and more into this comic. And what started as a rather straightforward mashup, went decidedly off course… a metamorphosis of sorts.

So, as of writing this (at five in the flipping morning), I’m proud to say that Huck Finn’s Adventures in Underland is definitely written by me. Its pencils and inks are most certainly handled with flair and dedication by Gabriel (Gabo) Peralta. Its colors are without question, blended beautifully by Felipe Gaona. Its letters have undoubtedly been placed with precision and care by Peter Simeti. And, its gorgeous covers are created with exquisite craftsmanship, by none other than the talented Brian Level.

But, it was Aleks and Maks who brought this book to life. And I hope you enjoy the series as much as we do working on it.

Thanks for reading,

Nik