By Drew C. • 4/29/09

Declaration Of Independents: Elliot Serrano

Starting April 27 and continuing throughout our nation’s birthday, we here at CosmicBookNews will be declaring our own Independence. Every week we will bring you stories and articles that spotlight indie creators and rising stars in the wonderful world of comicdom.

And so to kick off my series of interviews, I am introducing you guys to a truly talented fellow fanboy, Elliot Serrano.

CosmicBookNews: So, What made you want to write? Was it always in your head to be a comic book writer or was there a different form of writing you first pursued?

Elliot Serrano: The truth is that I wanted to be a comic book artist, a penciler to be exact, but I lacked the discipline to keep at it, so I did what all frustrated comic artists do and became a writer. 

CosmicBookNews: What were your influences?

Elliot Serrano: I'm influenced quite a bit by television and motion pictures.  Writers like Aaron Sorkin, David Wells and Joss Whedon. I also like the styles of popular mass market like Michael Crichton and Stephen King.  (If you ask me, Stephen King doesn't get the credit he deserves as an artist.  Sure, he sells lots of books, but he's a really good writer!) 

Comic writers like Warren Ellis and Matt Fraction remind me that I have a loooong way to go before am anywhere near as good as they are.

CosmicBookNews: How'd you land the gig at Dynamite Comics?

Elliot Serrano: It was a case of being in the right place at the right time.  Brandon Jerwa, a good friend and a great writer who also influences me, asked if I would be interested in partnering with him on a project for Dynamite, namely Xena/Army of Darkness.  Brandon knew what a fan I was of the Evil Dead series and wanted a fan of the films to help him with the character if Ash.  I'd met Dynamite Editor Joe Rybandt previously at a comic convention, and for some strange reason he thought I was good enough to take a chance on, so he approved of Brandon and my partnering on the book.

CosmicBookNews: What can you tell us about your upcoming Xena vs. Army of Darkness comic?

Elliot Serrano: Well, the series finished a few months ago and will be collected into a trade paperback in a few more. It's the sequel to the first mini-series written by John Layman and Brandon Jerwa which teams the two popular Sam Raimi creations: Xena the Warrior Princess and Ashley J. Williams of the Evil Dead series.

It was a lot of fun to write, both because the characters are a delight to work with and because Brandon is a great writing partner.  He taught me a lot about what it takes to write a comic book.

After we completed the mini-series, I was asked if I'd like to write a one-shot for Dynamite. That ended up being my solo debut with Army of Darkness #18, which hit the stands a month ago.

CosmicBookNews: Do you have a current favorite title?

Elliot Serrano: Invincible Iron Man is my must-read title each month.

CBN: How about a current favorite writer?

Elliot Serrano: That's a tough call.  Of course I have my biases.  Brandon Jerwa and Dan Jolley are both great writers who are also friends.  I've already mentioned Matt Fraction and Warren Ellis.  Oh, and this may surprise those who watch my YouTube show, but Brian Bendis is also one of my faves.  It's hard to point to just one.

CosmicBookNews: What books do you usually pick up?

Elliot Serrano: I'm a confessed Marvel Zombie, so I read a lot of Marvel titles like the aforementioned Iron Man.  I just got into Thunderbolts again since Andy Diggle took over the book.  As for DC, anything Grant Morrison writes is a must read for me.  I'm loving James Robinson on Superman, too.

CosmicBookNews: Is there any advice you can give to aspiring creators?

Elliot Serrano: If you want to be a writer, write.  An artist, draw.  You have to commit to doing these things every day because when the time comes to show your stuff, you've got to be ready.  And, with the internet today, it's easier than ever to get your stuff out into the market and have people read it.  But you've got to be persistent.  Keep working at it and find your own voice.

CosmicBookNews: Maybe on how to land a gig?

Elliot Serrano: Hone your skills as a creator and be ready to sell yourself.  Network.  Go to comic conventions and meet people in the industry.  Be ready to hear 'sorry, but no' again and again and again.  Be mature and be ready to get a lot of rejection.  But if you really want it, and keep working at it, you'll be sure to get a break.  As the old saying goes 'luck is the by-product of hard work.'

CosmicBookNews: Are you working on any other projects that you could tell us about?

Elliot Serrano: I am working on something right now, but am not at liberty to say what it is as the moment.  As soon as I'm in the clear, I'll let you know!

CosmicBookNews: Thanks again to Elliot Serrano for taking the time to do this interview. Make sure you keep an eye out for this rising star.

You can check Elliot out at his website:

http://www.comicswaitingroom.com

Or his comic book talk show:

http://www.youtube.com/user/comicculturewarrior

 

 

 

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