ANT-ICIPATING THE ANT

[MattBrady]

by Benjamin Ong Pang Kean

If you think you learnt all about ants in A Bug’s Life or Antz, think again. Move over, Spider-Man and Batman. There is a new hero in town, and she is the Ant.

Who?

Ant is an all new comic book series created by newcomer, Mario Gully. J. Scott Campbell and Joe Benitez provide the covers to the first three issues.

“Ant is [the] story of a little girl and how she copes with the big adult world in which she lives,” said Gully. “Hanna Washington lives with her father, Danny. She’s a precocious youngster who seems to understand far more about the real world than any eight-year-old should. Her father is a good man, a hard worker and a loving father trying to raise his daughter in the best way he can. Hanna's estranged mother, Betty, is a bit of a mess and only seems to enter Hanna's life when she needs something from Danny. Hanna's schoolmates, led by the bully, Carrie Wolfe, ostracize her and pick on her relentlessly.

” With the exception of her neighbor, Steven, they all treat Hanna like their personal punching bag. To deal with the stress, Hanna has taken to writing and drawing fantastic stories in her personal journal. The contents of her journal - where the super heroic action takes place - are what many comic scholars have dubbed, a "juvenile power fantasy". She has created a fictitious world where she can act out her noble aspirations as her adult superhero alter ego, the Ant.”

According to Gully, Ant was actually inspired behind bars and it was a turning point in his life. “Actually I invented Ant in jail in 1996. I was convicted of robbery and sentenced to one year and probation. The event was a turning point in my life. I used to draw portraits and hot chicks on envelopes for commissary. One day around day #6 of 358, I was depressed about where my choices in life put me. I was looking out the barred window and a single ant crawled in from the outside of my window seal. I said to myself ‘Man, I wish I were an ant! Then I could crawl right out of this place and start my life all over!’ Well, I couldn't pull that one off, so I decided to make a homemade comic book about it. It got around and I had a little audience with my cellmates. Really built up my confidence about drawing. That's when I realized that one day I could be a comic book artist. I sent out my first submission from the county jail. I hope one day my story can be an inspiration to anybody out there who has a dream. You can do it if you want it bad enough. I was determined to do something positive with my life after that.”

The submission from jail was good enough, as it ultimately landed Gully work. “I got into comics by doing various pin-ups for Image Comics,” Gully said. “I'm a self-taught artist and always wanted to draw comics as long as I can remember. My work can be seen in a number of sources, including the 10th Muse Gallery book and commercial projects like Scooby Doo Trading Cards.”

Despite being the creator and artist on Ant, Gully is backed up by former Wolverine writer Matt Nixon and Avalon and Arcana Studios on colors. “Well, after really understanding that nobody can know Ant better than I can, after all she's my baby, I have taken on pretty much all the chores on the book. Except for the color. Which is done by Avalon and Arcana Studio. I also work with Sean Patrick, editor/creator/writer of Arcana Studio. This guy is awesome. Matt Nixon and I worked out the plot for issue #1. Matt is a very talented writer. Very creative. And we work well together. Hopefully if our schedules permit, we will work on future issues of Ant.”

Describing his art style, Gully said: “The most dominating influence is [former Spawn artist and creator of Creech] Greg Capullo. And if you look hard enough, you can find some J. Scott Campbell and Jim Lee. But my stuff is evolving in a good way I think. I'm trying to establish more of a ‘Gully’ style. I would hate to be known as a clone of Greg's or anybody else for that matter. Even though I think that my stuff does look special in it's own way, I'm getting better and better as I do this. Comic fans are going to see some knockout art from me in this book! Some of this stuff is like "WOW" did I do that?”

So, how did he get J. Scott Campbell and Joe Benitez into agreeing to draw the covers? “I covered Campbell's body in honey and swore to pour a bucket of fire ants on him if he didn't like Ant or draw something for me,” joked Gully. “But I just showed Joe my rap sheet. That was all it took for him.”

“I think fans appreciate something completely original,” said Gully when asked what would make this series appealing to comics fans of today. “I think comic fans are bored with characters not ageing, fighting the same old villains. Trying to tell the same story 50 different ways. In Ant you will see Hanna grow up from a little eight year old girl to an adult. Her plan is to become Ant when she grows up and live the adventures which she writes about in her journal. Without giving too much away, her obsession to become this fictional character will have devastating effects on her psychology. I think people will be entertained and enlightened at the events that unfold in Ant.

“Ant appeals to the dreamer in all of us. When we were little boys and girls that ran around the house with a sheet tied around our neck wanting to be able to fly. Wanting to do something incredible with our lives. In addition to that, I work [on] Ant the way I always wanted my favorite comic book or company to treat me. This is a book from a fan perspective per-se. I'm a fan. I know what fans want. We plan to do a lot of fan interaction with our message board. That evolves voting on events in the story. Publishing opportunities for the many talented people I come across on a daily basis. And guest appearances with comic book artist and fans. Just to name a few. Oh yeah, did I mention dynamic visual art, fun reading and yeah, those cool covers?”

Ant will ship this fall under the Arcana Studios imprint.

[TTROY]

wow i gotta say something about that pose........ well maxim fans will be happy....

[Studio D Comics]

I came across some of this stuff a little while back, and it looks really great! The concept is intriguing, and the art is very nice work!

Thanks for the story, Newsarama. I will try to pick up a copy of this title.


later
don

[Mr. Special ED]

I started reading this and thinking - YAWN, but the premise seems really strong and incredibly sad. And it certainly speaks to ALOT of people who have gone through this or know of children going through it now.

[sythspawn]

I'm willing to check this one out. It looks fun and I like to support the smaller publishers whenever possible.

[wishlish]

...between sexy girl art and non-sexy girl art. I mean, if you're going to draw it, and if you make it look right, then I might want to read it.

I think this guy's got it. The art's not just two bowling balls for boobs. There's a...rightness about the art that intrigues me.

I normally don't go for this sort of stuff unless it's Linsner, but I might pick this up. And regardless of the success of this project, I wish the creator good luck. We all make mistakes- it's what we do with the knowledge that we made a mistake that counts. I wish him a long future in this business!

[American Caesar]

The art is just too derivative to take seriously. I'm sorry, Mr. Gully.

It looks like he was going for a Gus Beezer type-deal, but instead comes up with another bad girl cheesecakery.

[mpg]

something completely original? geez....i don't think anything is completely original....let's take it easy eh? ..it is completely unoriginal to try to separate yourself from the competition by cutting them down....

if this was even slightly original....gully wouldnt call his book "the ant" and set up the character for marketing t-shirts..stickers and a movie option....just like the characters who dont age and fight the same guys...gully is still trying to appeal...rather than just telling a story

i am sure she will cross over with spiderman the first chance she gets

[Pikachu007]

Is Ant being solicited in the current previews? Thanks!

[Mario Gully]

I thank you guys for all the comments. Good as well as bad. It all is well recieved.
mpg It is or will never will be my intention to seperate myself from other companies or creators in the comicbook industry. I believe that is one of many views in the industry that helps the market to weaken and loose many political and economical battles. I am a big fan of dozens of comics and creators. I just believe that many characters get away with too much, That's all. And it's every creators job is to make his property appeal. If a book don't appeal than what's the point right? I think you have a misconception about comics. For every one comic you see on the racks there are twenty that don't make it. I would welcome a cross over with spiderman or whom ever if the conditions were right. I'm not a rebel.

[mpg]

I hear what you are sayin, man....I get comics....I get the point of them....but the originality thing just sticks me funny...Superheroes themselves are not original...and to say that yours is "completely original"...i think that is getting away with too much.....

and the marketing thing...all i meant was...there are other ways to present the book to the marketplace..rather than a superheroine book....other more original ways than a chick in a tight costume as your cover image

But i aint gonna sweat you over a few words...good luck with this...i will give it a look

[Mario Gully]

Point taken.

[mpg]

You trying to get me to buy your comic by being a stand-up guy or somethin?? lol

since we are chatting here...i know that it is better to have name talent on the cover....but i remember people at the shop i worked at (waaay back when) would get so pissed when the art on the cover didnt match the art on the inside..

the sentiment was always that sure ..you got me to pick up the book....but i put it right back down...

will you be doing any covers? cuz you can always regulate j scott to pin up duty...

[Mario Gully]

Hey, You know I used to do the same thing in comic shops. I didn't understand alternate covers. Why would the inside not match the outside? But in reality it's hard for a new guy to get a break, even if he's good. We as artist hafta gain your trust if we are on a new book/new company and with a name you never heard of before. will I deliver? having artist like Campbell and Benitez attracts comic fans and retailers to your book. No orders no sale. In the same way a new singer will get Jlo to do the hook on their song.Stand on the shoulders of giants you know. I will do 50/50 splits with all 3 covers you see posted. If you go to the website you can check out my cover and more art. I believe once people see my stuff they will know that I'm a serious artist that has spent two many hours tring to sharpen my skills. then I won't need them anymore. I can't imagine too many people complaining about my art skills and putting the book down once they flip through it. And yes I'm no a Bu##$** er by a long shot I do want you to buy my book. But Ant is not for everybody. And if you hate it that's cool. To be honest I'm glad that you are buying any comics.

[theguttfather]

I have to say that this looks interesting. It's not totally original (what is these days? With all the stories that have ever been written, something always has some influence off of something else). I think the book has a good concept and massive potential. As a retailer I am wary of how many copies of smaller company titles I purchase because it really is taking a chance, especially with a lesser known name doing the book, but this looks like something I will take a chance on and point out to my customers.

[phoenx]

Mario, the art looks good. Keep up the good work. I do have a few questions for ya. In the page one, we see the driver getting arrested. Is he the little girl's father? And why is he being arrested? Did he do something bad?

[Benjamin Ong]

Hey, Mario, good to see you here Well, be sure to keep us informed of the exact date of release of the first issue, okay? Keep up the good work, man.

Cheers,
Benjamin

[Mario Gully]

Hey Phoenx, Thank you for the kind words. Yes that is Hanna's father Danny Washington. He gets arested and booked in the first issue. For what? Well you just hafta wait and see for yourself.

Benjamin Thank you. Thank you very much!I will keep you guys informed up to the latest news. That won't be a problem.

[Benjamin Ong]

Thanks, Mario. All the very best to you

[phoenx]

Ah I see. How does Hanna become Ant? And what kind of powers does she have?

[OM]

Originally posted by phoenx
Ah I see. How does Hanna become Ant? And what kind of powers does she have?

...Well, for starters, she can take down a rubber tree plant, and above all else she has high hopes.

[OcCaM]

Originally posted by OM
...Well, for starters, she can take down a rubber tree plant, and above all else she has high hopes.

Great now that old song is stuck in my head! You're such a piss-ant, OM!

[PennyDrdful]

blah... the art is pure cheesecake. Definitely not going to check this one out

[Mr. Special ED]

Originally posted by PennyDrdful
blah... the art is pure cheesecake. Definitely not going to check this one out

Wah. Go back to PROMETHEA or whatever "elite" book you cant be bothered to miss in search of something that just might have something below the surface.

[Aaron Weisbrod]

Originally posted by Mr. Special ED
Wah. Go back to PROMETHEA or whatever "elite" book you cant be bothered to miss in search of something that just might have something below the surface.

Hey, now... there's no need to bash people who read PROMETHEA!

That being said, HAPPY BIRTHDAY MARIO!!!

I'm sorry we couldn't make the NIGHTMARE WORLD schedule work the first time around, but I'll still whip something up for you should you ever have the time...

Best (Birthday) Wishes,
Aaron Weisbrod