JEFFREY NODLEMAN ON THE FOURTH HORSEMAN

[MattBrady]

by Koben Kelly

Jeffrey Nodleman once worked on Cartoon Network’s fan-favorite hit show, The Venture Bros., but he’s currently working on an animated film for Fangoria Entertainment titled The Fourth Horseman. He is also the writer on its prequel in comic book form from Fangoria Comics. We had a chance to chat with the man during a pause in his hectic schedule to talk about the movie, the comic, and his experiences in the industry.

Newsarama: Jeffrey, how did you hook-up with Fangoria Comics in the first place?

Jeffrey Nodleman: I run the animation division for the parent company that owns Fangoria. It's kind of weird, growing up I never really watched horror stuff (unless you count the time Abbott and Costello met Dracula)… so this is a whole new world for me.

NRAMA: When did you meet Fango Comics chief Scott Licina?

JN: I first met Scott one fateful day at last year's San Diego Comic Con. Some skinny, little, bald dude in cowboy boots introduced himself to me at the booth; and he hasn't stopped talking since. As a matter of fact, I'm not even sure he's taken a breath since in-between sentences. All joking aside, he is a great editor, and really knows his craft. For me being the F.N.G. in this style of book, he has been one heck of a mentor. He has the respect of the artists, and really helped me shape what I thought was a good idea into a series of really strong books.

NRAMA: The Fourth Horseman is the story of how the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse came together, right?

JN: Basically, this mini series is kind of the back-story to the movie we are producing… not necessarily a prequel, but, more history and information on the characters and how they met. To me, a prequel would only make sense in the context of the bigger story. These books can stand either alone or with the film. The overall plot follows the four riders of the Apocalypse. If you know your Bible, they are the ones that bring on the end of days. The Bible tells they are coming, but leaves out the specifics of when, where, and why. I give these answers a nice twist in the film, but, the books give each rider the individual attention such warped personalities require.

NRAMA: Which specific Horseman does the title refer to?

JN: The four riders in order are:

The White Rider who represents the False Messiah. Strong and handsome, he wears a crown, and carries a spear. He leads his people down the wrong path.

The Red Rider, who represents weapons of mass destruction, kills all with dramatic flare, shock and awe.

The Brown Rider represents disease and pestilence. He is the ultimate bottom feeder, and spreads the plague on mankind.

The Black Rider represents death.

For the book, the characters are: Bear (the White Rider), who is a great Indian warrior. Maggog (the Red Rider), a Chinese slave who escaped the railroads, and is a supreme martial artist. Prophet (the Brown Rider), who is just as badass as a cowboy can come. Lastly, Ezekiel (the Black Rider), who I won't get into now, but who is one hell of an anti-hero… pun intended.

NRAMA: Did you hand-pick Tommy Castillo as the artist, or were you matched up by Fangoria?

JN: I always think it is better to be lucky rather than good, perfect case-in-point. After Scott read the first treatment, he called me and told me he had the perfect guy to pencil the books. It must be the boots, but, Scott was dead on. Tommy's work has been outstanding. I didn't want these to read or look like a typical horror mag, and since that has been Scott's mantra all along, he just nailed it with the art. It looks really beautiful.

NRAMA: Was the transition from animation to comics difficult?

JN: Not really. They are both visual mediums where composition and pacing are of the utmost importance… sans story of course. Since I wrote and will be directing the animated feature for Fangoria Entertainment, these books are just like elaborate storyboards for the film.

NRAMA: Were the designs for the Horsemen already in place from the film, or did Tommy have the freedom to do his own designs?

JN: We are currently in the pre-production phase on the film, which is the fancy term for the figuring crap out part. That said, I had worked with John Van Fleet on a different project a few years back, and when I knew I was going to write the books, I thought he would be a great choice to do a triptych cover for the first three. When you get the first three books, the covers will line up like a poster. I knew the book wouldn't be in that style, but, in animation we use a lot of inspirational art. Having a few artists interpret the characters makes for a more interesting world, and lets me try out new stuff. You learn what works and what doesn't.

NRAMA: Will you be doing any comic book writing after this series, or is this just a one-time thing for you?

JN: Yes. I actually have another book series coming out with Tokyopop later in the summer, and I think we are going to see some more of the Horsemen when the film is ready for release next year.

NRAMA: So is there more Fangoria in Jeff Nodelman's future?

JN: I hope so. Oddly enough, I come from a more family-oriented animation background. I was a Disney animator for a lot of years. When I wrote The Fourth Horseman, it really started as something fun just for me. I had written one too many cute and fuzzy bunny stories, and I needed to blow some crap up to clear the creative pipes. I never thought it would go as far as a feature film or comic book series… and did I mention the video game? Crazy.

NRAMA: Are you going to be doing any comic conventions this con season?

JN: I'll be at the San Diego Comic Con this year, for sure. I have a few signings and panels, so far, for the books. It's my ten-year anniversary in the land of the crazy. I usually bring an extra empty bag just for all of the goodies I buy while I'm there. FYI, I'll be the one standing next to the skinny, bald dude in the cowboy boots having an asthma attack while trying to cram too many words into one sentence.

[ryancody]

ugh, those covers, I'm sure the interior art will be 100% times better, but I don't know how many people will get past the Mortal Combat covers

[Blackbeard]

I'm not feeling the covers, either, but the premise sounds fantastic. And we all know Tommy Castillo is a wonderful, underrated artist.

Yep... I'll pick this up.

[mrpunch0]

I was VERY happy when I read who the artist was on this title because those covers ... wow.

If this were my book, I'd be pulling those covers, redoing them, and showing some interior art in the meantime. Damage control is in order. These covers do not give the first impression you want.

Not trying to be mean ... just honest.

This is the first I've heard of this (the book and the film), and I'm interested in seeing more ...

[Charlie Hustle]

sounds cool, let's hope it's better than the last crow movie that tried this with the kid from terminator 2 lol.

[Mr. White]

I’m not sold on how bad these covers are, in fact I think they look kind of cool. I wouldn’t mind seeing Prophet shoot it up on the Xbox. You know Tommy's art will be tight. The story sounds strong enough to give the books a go, I’m in.

[Troy Brownfield]

Here's half of a two-page spread from the Fangoria Comics site . .

[sdestefano]

While I mean no disrespect to Jeff, who was always very kind to me while I worked with him at NoodleSoup Productions, I do feel compelled to point this out: to call Jeff "one of the creative forces behind" the VENTURE BROTHERS is somewhat misleading, as well as moderately disrespectful to show creators Chris McCulloch and Doc Hammer.
Jeff was studio head of the aforementioned NoodleSoup during production on Season One of the VB's. To my knowledge, he dealt exclusively with budgets and schedules. The basic running of the business was his sole contribution to the production, and the majority of those matters were mainly handled by producer Dave Lipson, and production manager, Rachel Simon. Jeff neither drew, nor wrote for the show. Before the second season went into production, Jeff's association with NoodleSoup had ended, and the studio name had been changed to World Leaders Entertainment.
The VENTURE BROTHERS is an extremely creator driven show. I've worked in animation for many years, and it truly describes the process in which the show is produced. And while many people have contributed their exceptional talents to it (myself included), I can assure you, there are no creative forces behind the VB's other than Chris and Doc.

[jasonm]

Ask, and ye shall receive! Interior pages for the first issue! Click to enlarge....

[FANGO COMICS]

Thanks to Jason, Fango Comics production manager, for getting some preview art pages up so quickly.

Good news for those that are not into the cover- even though we don't do variant covers, I am making an exception... of sorts.

I have a policy here at Fango, that the interior artist is the cover artist. I just don't dig the bait and switch.

But, when Jeff and I started work on the book, he already had John Van Fleet doing the design work for the film AND the video game (good call, Mr. White!), and really wanted to have John do the art. And they had this cool triptych idea with the first three covers, which I thought could be interesting.

So, I made a deal- John does the front cover, and Tommy does the back. That's my idea of a variant cover- 2 for the price of 1!!!! And this way, retailers can display the book whichever way they prefer.

It's a really killer series- in addition to the talented Mr. Castillo, we have a hot new discovery digitally coloring/painting the book. His name is Milen Parvanov, and he rocks hard. Just take a look at the pages above.

Thanks for taking a look!

[JustSaying]

Originally Posted by sdestefano

While I mean no disrespect to Jeff, who was always very kind to me while I worked with him at NoodleSoup Productions, I do feel compelled to point this out: to call Jeff "one of the creative forces behind" the VENTURE BROTHERS is somewhat misleading, as well as moderately disrespectful to show creators Chris McCulloch and Doc Hammer.
Jeff was studio head of the aforementioned NoodleSoup during production on Season One of the VB's. To my knowledge, he dealt exclusively with budgets and schedules. The basic running of the business was his sole contribution to the production, and the majority of those matters were mainly handled by producer Dave Lipson, and production manager, Rachel Simon. Jeff neither drew, nor wrote for the show. Before the second season went into production, Jeff's association with NoodleSoup had ended, and the studio name had been changed to World Leaders Entertainment.
The VENTURE BROTHERS is an extremely creator driven show. I've worked in animation for many years, and it truly describes the process in which the show is produced. And while many people have contributed their exceptional talents to it (myself included), I can assure you, there are no creative forces behind the VB's other than Chris and Doc.

I was going to point this out, too. You said it much better than I could, though.

[JawsNJ]

I can't speak for Venture Bors.

But...

You two sour grapes should get past whatever it is that is riding your unstroked egos...

As for Horseman, all I can say is where and how fast can I get my copies???

Finally, an original story line with some legs. This thing looks awsome, and I too can't wait to sit infront of my WII and get some good target practice in.