Interview with John Arcudi - B.P.R.D. 2012
B.P.R.D. bends the rules of team comics and is hitting a new high in 2012 when the Hell on Earth series continues, beginning with B.P.R.D. Hell on Earth--The Long Death. We stole a few moments of John Arcudi's time to chat about writing for Mike Mignola's B.P.R.D. Don't forget you can give B.P.R.D. Hollow Earth #1 to your friends free, digitally, to get them started on this amazing series.
Dark Horse Comics: B.P.R.D. hits a crescendo in 2012 following the death of Hellboy in 2011. What are you most excited about within the varied story lines that hit in the next six months?
John Arcudi: For the first half of 2012 we get to focus on individual characters a bit more within the B.P.R.D. continuity. It's something I always got to do with a one-shot here or a mini there set in the past, but to have these characters front and center and changing in real ways in our current timeline-that's pretty cool. It feels more "real," if that makes any sense.
DHC: What major challenges have you faced bringing so many stories in line with this huge event?
A: The timing, really. To accommodate the schedules of all the great artists we're working with, sometimes I find myself writing series out of sequence, so it can be odd. You have to think about the way a previous series (that you haven't finished writing yet) will end. But that's what we have Scott for. And Daniel. And proofreaders. And . . .
DHC: Do you have a favorite agent within the B.P.R.D. to write?
A: Daimio used to be, when I was writing him more, so it's nice to bring him back, but these days it's probably Johann-although Devon's been kind of a hoot lately.
DHC: B.P.R.D. is such a fun, dynamic, character-driven series. What resonates most for you?
A: I really identify with Kate. All this chaos around her and she's struggling to stay human, and normal, and good-but I feel like that applies to every character. It's not just a matter of doing the right thing; it's a matter of trying to even figure out what the right thing is. Kind of an everyday struggle, you know? Don't gotta be a fish guy to relate to that, do you?
DHC: For those B.P.R.D. agents out there trying to get their friends to read the series, what phrase would you use to convince a friend to begin?
A: We don't do "event stunts" in B.P.R.D. The B.P.R.D. is the event.
DHC: If you had a superpower, what would it be?
A: The power to sound less stupid in interviews . . .
DHC: Thanks so much for your time, Mr. Arcudi!
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