First Comics News: What is the best thing about being a writer?
Ray Jamison: Like most things, writing is a form of expression. For some, there is much to express and not being able to do this can feel like drowning. Being able to put something together for another to experience gives me great satisfaction.
1st: How did you end up joining Philbo Publishing?
Ray: I met Phillip Russert online when I offered to review his book, Tragedy. Over time I asked for advice on The Madcaps which I was working on at the time. After seeing the artistic talent that I hired, and reading my script, he expressed interest which I am very grateful for.
1st: In “Madcaps” what is the basic storyline?
Ray: Everyone has a circle of friends that they wish they could see more often. Have you ever felt unanticipated satisfaction from meeting up with such a circle? This book is an homage to that very dynamic. It’s about four friends who meet up in their hometown, but their reunion is cut short due to an incident involving a local drug problem.
1st: Who are the main characters in “The Madcaps”?
Ray: I’ll say them in alphabetical order.
– Chasgo Blundale: Chasgo comes from a race of elves that live secluded in a mountain range, which is riddled with silver deposits. After generations of exposure to the silver, the skin of these elves turned blue and the silver in their veins grants them resistance to magic. These elves are xenophobic and treat outsiders with extreme prejudice. Chasgo viewed his people as dysfunctional and left. He was approached by a being which made him her champion, for Chasgo to help his people find a way to leave the mountains. This being gave Chasgo arcane “gifts”, which allow him to hide his appearance and fit in with society.
– Dunnan Ini: Dunnan Ini is half Dwarf and half Gnome. He has difficulty fitting in with either culture but draws from both bloodlines. As he grew, he found that he had unique abilities. Much like his gnomish mother who can influence wildlife, Dunnan has an arcane influence on metals and crystalline structures. Although he’s not one to resort to violence, he carries with him a shield and a smithing hammer (which he can heat). One of his most interesting creations is a modified telescope, which peaks over his shoulder, and blasts raw arcana out of it.
– Medrakus Darthual: Medrakus is a creature known as a Wyr (pronounced “We’re”). These creatures are descendants of a great creature known as “The Great Storm Wyrm” (a large kaiju-esque electric eel). Medrakus exceeds 6 feet and weighs approximately 350 lbs. His gizzard can store limited amounts of raw lightning which he can vomit out at will. Medrakus is not a skilled fighter but swings his sword with much strength. These talents are all second to his most threatening ability: his intelligence and the arcane.
– Sarlac Swamptrudger: The Swamptrudgers are a group of dwarves who left the mining life to farm on the surface. As stubborn dwarves go, they settle in a swamp land and slowly clear out their surroundings. These dwarves have developed a culture that involves working on the land and also protecting it. Sarlac felt compelled to move into the city of Ivywood to raise a small church and be a beacon of light in the city, promoting his views on an entity known as “The Divine”. Sarlac’s main goal is to help the less fortunate, but there are times he is forced to track down and pacify things that go bump in the night.
1st: Where did the name Madcaps come from?
Ray: It’s hard to find a good name. Having the right name for this comic proved difficult. I had to rely on looking up synonyms for other corny/obvious words. The work “Madcaps” means “a group of eccentric individuals”. This defines these four.
1st: What makes “The Madcaps” stand out from other comic books?
Ray: Easy. No overlapping story arcs where you need to read other monthly issues to catch up. No global or multiversal threats. Characters are not infallible and are not the most powerful beings in their reality. A standalone three-issue miniseries which spans over one night. It’s an enjoyable read with a direct premise, and the final act of this miniseries is a well-earned ending that will leave you content.
1st: Which character in “Madcaps” are you most like?
Ray: Surprisingly I’ve been asked this a lot. I’m very much an extravert, so that would make Dunnan the most like me I guess.
1st: Who is the artist on “Madcaps” and what do you think of their art?
Ray: There are many names to give thanks to here.
– First of all is the cover artists. Erika Hollice made the variant cover of Chasgo (digital), Jenna Stark made the variant cover of Dunnan (digital), John Zeleznik made the variant cover of Medrakus (hand painted), Javier Saltares penciled/inked the variant cover of Sarlac (traditional), and Jimbo Salgado penciled/inked the main cover with the entire group (traditional). Dan Kemp colored the Sarlac and Main covers.
– Next is my interiors.
– Evan Quiring penciled/inked, Dan Kemp colored, and Micah Myers lettered.
– There is so much talent amongst these artists and I consider myself fortunate to have them work on my project.
1st: When you write how do you get inspired?
Ray: For this story? It’s inspired by the very first TTRPG I ever ran. It was a “homebrew”, which means there were no modules to aid me in the story. It’s all my creation. The only thing which was modified for the comic was the characters.
1st: Who has been the biggest influence on your career?
Ray: Well, the first comic I collected from #1 onward was Ghost Rider Vol 2, where Dan Ketch became a Rider. The first year of this series was drawn by Javier Saltares, who also drew my variant cover of Sarlac. This was a real “full circle” moment for me.
– Another artist I’ve been fond of was John Zeleznik who has drawn many video game covers which I have played. This includes Shanobi for the NES, the Worms franchise, and Warhammer 40k Chaos Gate. He painted the Medrakus variant cover which is another “full-circle” moment for me.
1st: Do you have any ideas for other comic books?
Ray: A few. I’m focused on The Madcaps for now.
1st: How do you spend any free time you happen to get?
Ray: Family. Work. Reading. Physical Fitness. Repeat.
1st: Do you have anything for those who love to read what you write?
Ray: I appreciate the support! Follow the Madcaps pre-launch page on Kickstarter right now!
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