CATCHING UP WITH CHRISCROSS

[MattBrady]

by Zack Smith

When we last spoke to ChrisCross about his issue of Wildstorm’s Midnighter, a lot of our readers were left clamoring for more U.S. comics from the fan-favorite artist. Next year, they’ll get their wish. Cross is returning for a six-part serialized storyline, Tainted, from Big City Comics. In a Newsarama exclusive, he gave us the first look at this crossover, along with some preview pages and an update on his Humanoids project, Neferites L’Embaumeur.

Newsarama: Chris, tell us about Tainted. What does the story involve?

ChrisCross: Well, It’s pretty involved and I may miss some things, so I hope you’ll forgive me.

As I understand it, the story rotates around a Heavenly spiritual power source called Totem. The archangel Michael appears to be in charge of it in some capacity… but there are many avatars that are plugged into the source.

The story starts as one of the Totem avatars (named Cougar) happens upon a vampire named Smoke as he is about to ravage a drug dealer for his blood and is thus prevented by Cougar. In which case, Smoke (now thoroughly annoyed and near-insanely hungry at this point) winds up chomping on Cougar’s life-force. He, in turn, winds up transferring the Totem energy into himself and it starts to slowly wreck havoc with his very being…and the rest of the avatars are dealing with their powers shutting on and off like a light switch.

Thus, Smoke has tainted himself and corrupted the Totem power source.

This creates waves that involves a lot of annoyed big hitters in the Big City Universe and brings an inevitable price on his head. The Vampire clans, the Totem force, Totem(avatar with the same name) The Archangel Michael….

This in turn affects plans that Michael and Lucifer have in regards to a bet that I’m not clear about yet. Michael decides to send out members of the Totem to handle Smoketo balance the scales again…. even if it means killing him. Which is something that Vlad Tempest, a fellow vampire/lawyer by day, is stepping in to try and avoid since he’s close friends with Smoke.

Since Smoke is the target of termination by both the Vampire Clans and the Totem avatars, Tempest is trying to find a way to even the odds to give him time to find a way to release the Totem energy in Smoke’s system. Unfortunately, Tempest going to blackmail Ant into helping him to do just that by helping her outcome in some court case she’s been embroiled into.

It’s a world of happiness all the way around, I guess.

NRAMA: Sounds like a pretty elaborate storyline. How'd you become involved with this?

CC: I was (and am continuing to be) looking into some finite projects while I’m still finishing the second installment of my contract with Humanoids, and came across Big City.

I contacted them about some project that they were actively looking for some big talent on and I thought, “Heck, Why not?” They need people to see what they have to offer and I get to play in a different sandbox. They get noticed like I’d get noticed. Good for both sides, I say. I’m never above working with smaller companies.

It’s all work and it’s all good.

No shame in my game.

NRAMA: What appealed to you about the project?

CC: Well, it kind of reminded me of when I was a teenager and I used to create comics for fun with some of my old friends. We would have a contest on how many comics we could create before the end of the school year. And the stories had to make sense and they had to look good. 15 pages each.

Also, any excuse to use the caption, “Last ish- cosmic Cross” was so nerdy-cool.

And there was a great enthusiasm about it. We just wanted our comics to be fun and remember-able. Not a word. I know. But that’s what we were looking for.

There’s something about that innocence and raw energy that I get from the staff of Big City. They all have something to prove, they all have fun with the titles and they understand structure. But most of all, they want to have fun with the stories and the comics on a whole.

When I talk with Jeff Kaufman (CEO, Esquire, Writer, Jedi-Knight), you get the idea that he gives his all for everything. Just in the way he talks. That he’s still in the mode that I was when I was a teen. He wants to realize the dream of doing comics that are fun and remember-able.

I know… there’s that non-word again.

It’s catchy though.

My little voice always lets me know where to go on certain projects. I’ve been listening to that voice for 13 years being in the industry and It’s never led me without work. Ever. Something tells me that my association with Big City is going to be a special one. And it’ll put on notice that smaller companies will know that under the right circumstances that I’m not above helping their company get more notice. It’ll wash my back also.

And make me smell all citrus-ey like.

I know, there’s no such word. Get over it.

They’re a hungry small company and their characters have some raw punch. They have an unfiltered aggression and, under the right circumstances, some major gravitas.

I just wanted people to see what my association and my talent will hopefully bring out what Jeff and Josh (Mr. E.I.C.) intended and wanted people to see what they embedded in the titles.

I want everyone to give them a chance.

I hope everyone likes the job I’m doing for BCG.

NRAMA: How many issues will this be?

CC: The Tainted storyline is going to be six issues long, spanning the titles Tempest, Totem and Ant Unleashed, each starting with issue #6. I know… three sixes…

So it’ll start in Tempest #6, continue in Totem #6, continue again in Ant Unleashed #6, and so on with the number sevens. And it will concluded in the last set of sevens.

NRAMA: What's different about this project for you?

CC: What’s different about this project is my knowledge of the computer process, using Photoshop to my advantage along with other programs to help facilitate my work on the book since I’m doing it all in full pencils. Though not as tedious as it was when I did full pencils back in the days of Captain Marvel, it’s still time consuming… and I seem to ink a lot faster than doing these fully penciled, fully rendered pages.

But the cool thing is that I’m not penciling to fool people into thinking that I’m inking the work. I want the pencil to have a life of its own, so I let certain texturing remain in the work. Some will see that I actually create a certain texturing as a special effect in its own right to add to the power and the movement of the spiritual flow of the page. People can forget the power of etching while you’re sketching.

So I use my Mac to aid me in making my work do its thing. Anything to keep from growing stale with my work. Can’t have that happening, right?

NRAMA: Looking at your other projects -- are there any plans at this point for Neferites L’Embaumeur to be printed in the U.S.?

CC: Oh…. I would loooovve to see that happen. Maybe they’re waiting for me to finish the trilogy first.

I’ve been going back and forth with Nicolas Forsans, (my editor supreme) as to when something like that would happen. But it seems that Neferites L’Embaumeur isn’t going to be translated and shipped here yet. I’m still finishing the second book as we speak. It’s a lot to do. I’m literally re-imagining Egypt into my image. I’ve collected at least a gig and a half of reference alone. I know more about Egypt than I ever cared to. And it’s a lot of work, but very rewarding. If you ever need me to embalm someone old Egyptian-style, let me know.

I recommend every American born artist that does American comics take a break from the normal grind of the superhero and try their hand at doing something non-superhero. Test your storytelling ability. Be more than tights and eye-beams. You’ll be blessed for it.

Especially testing your talent with the European market. It’s an eye-opener.

I would love to see the book come here. I want people to see what I’ve done in my time away from American comics.

CC: What's next for you?

Well, there’s still the contract with Humanoids. Still got one more book to do after this second one and I’m done…..and I’ll be probably doing some work with the big two in some capacity until I get my own work off the ground. Until, then.. I’ll take on extra finite projects for whomever can create the right atmosphere and give them the best of what I continue to learn.

But there are a plethora of personal projects that I’m indulging in right now, and when they’re all done, one by one…. Everyone will know about it.

Unfortunately, my dream to be Madrox the Multiple Man never came true.

Oh, well…

So stay tuned.

[Egg]

Love ChrisCross's art! And I will try this out just for that.

[-Armando523-]

really great artist

[jk2law]

It's been great working with Cross and seeing how he interprets our characters. Cross has a style that makes writing action scenes a whole lot easier. I can open up the fight scenes and see the flow and the movement without even concerning myself with how he's going to interpret it. I am really enjoy this and having the opportunity for six issues is probably one of the coolest experience I've had since I entered into comics.

jeff

[Arnout]

Though his art is beyond brutal & the pages look fantastic, the fact that this is a crossover on titles I've never heard of (or if I have, noticed the abysmal art on) I don't feel I'd enjoy this story at all.

The way it's described and that one brutal vampire-feeding page gives me a Rune vibe (which is always good). It's the deep-end of this new & unknown universe I'm not going to jump into, I think.

I will be on the look-out for those personal projects Cross mentions.

[trialsze]

First off I love CrissCross's work and I really think the big dawgs give him the shaft on a lot of things.

Nothing against this book but does the guy in the leopard skin pants not look like some reject from a old 70's movie? Is that what it is suppose to resemble?

Good luck with the series.

[350z]

I have to be honest here: I have purchased almost every ChrisCross project--from his early days at Milestone to his Captain Marvel days at Marvel. Speaking honestly, he's always been one of those artists that has always disappointed me. That is, he's always shown flashes of brilliance but never sustained that level. I don't know if it has been a deadline-thing or an interest-thing, but his pages always seemed to lose their intensity as the projects continue.

I can't say that about these pages (so far). It looks as if he has finally come into his own as a superior artist. I am eagerly looking forward to what he has done. I wish luck and success to this project; I'll be checking it out.

[genis-vel85]

Originally Posted by 350z

I have to be honest here: I have purchased almost every ChrisCross project--from his early days at Milestone to his Captain Marvel days at Marvel. Speaking honestly, he's always been one of those artists that has always disappointed me. That is, he's always shown flashes of brilliance but never sustained that level. I don't know if it has been a deadline-thing or an interest-thing, but his pages always seemed to lose their intensity as the projects continue.

I can't say that about these pages (so far). It looks as if he has finally come into his own as a superior artist. I am eagerly looking forward to what he has done. I wish luck and success to this project; I'll be checking it out.

you sir do not what you are talking about, Chirs Cross has consistently been a great artist since the begining and end of his EPIC Run on Captain Marvel. you expect too much from someone who is not a Jack Kirby but is his own artist and definetly stands out when you see his stuff next to anyone else's. i cant wait for this book and for Chris to start kicking serious butt again!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[GenisFan]

Originally Posted by 350z

I have to be honest here: I have purchased almost every ChrisCross project--from his early days at Milestone to his Captain Marvel days at Marvel. Speaking honestly, he's always been one of those artists that has always disappointed me. That is, he's always shown flashes of brilliance but never sustained that level. I don't know if it has been a deadline-thing or an interest-thing, but his pages always seemed to lose their intensity as the projects continue.

I can't say that about these pages (so far). It looks as if he has finally come into his own as a superior artist. I am eagerly looking forward to what he has done. I wish luck and success to this project; I'll be checking it out.

???? Are you serious??? His art on Captain Marvel was amazing. But to each his own I guess. Love seeing Chris back in the news, I'll be pickin this up and cant wait to see what he works on at the Big Two!

[iwarrior]

Chris Cross is killer. Love his work. Great character design too. I've been a fan since his days on Blood Syndicate.

[beta-ray]

Would've been nice to see him doing work on the new Captain Marvel mini... Love the guy's work.

[ChrisCross7]

I"m really glad that you guys like the work!! I'm really trying to give BIG CITY a chance to shine in the marketplace. I think that everyone should give them a chance and give the books a try. If you don't know any of the characters, then this would be a great jumping-on point. You may or may not think that it would be award-winning stuff, but all that matters is that you have fun with the read.

I think we forget that nowadays. Just to have fun with the material.

So in June, either you'll blast TAINTED, or you'll bless it.

So once again... check it out. The worst that'll happen is that you spent 2 or so bucks.

And Merry Christmas everyone!!! Be safe!!

[ChrisCross7]

Originally Posted by trialsze

First off I love CrissCross's work and I really think the big dawgs give him the shaft on a lot of things.

Nothing against this book but does the guy in the leopard skin pants not look like some reject from a old 70's movie? Is that what it is suppose to resemble?

Good luck with the series.

I know... Cougar is a little retro. BUt that's what the writer wanted and i never aim to disappoint.

[ChrisCross7]

Originally Posted by genis-vel85

you sir do not what you are talking about, Chirs Cross has consistently been a great artist since the begining and end of his EPIC Run on Captain Marvel. you expect too much from someone who is not a Jack Kirby but is his own artist and definetly stands out when you see his stuff next to anyone else's. i cant wait for this book and for Chris to start kicking serious butt again!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

???? Are you serious??? His art on Captain Marvel was amazing. But to each his own I guess. Love seeing Chris back in the news, I'll be pickin this up and cant wait to see what he works on at the Big Two!

Thanks for the great words, guys!!! THat's why i do what i do. If i just get one, i'm doing my job.

Tell others about Tainted and i'll keep everyone abreast of my future projects.

[350z]

@Genis Fan and genis-vel85:

Hey guys, I wasn't denegrating ChrisCross here; hell, I have bought damned near everything he has ever done. Is there a greater compliment? I was just pointing out that he is a good artist that I thought had the potential to be a great artist, and it seemed to me that he is realizing that potential.

@ChrisCross7:

Good luck with your project(s). I will be eagerly anticipating what you have coming up next.

[ChrisCross7]

Much love.. 3 fitty zee...much love.... Don't sweat it.