First Comics News: How was Compass Comics formed?
Graham Nolan: I wanted an imprint to publish my work. The kind of comics I wanted to read. I started Compass Comics in 1998 to launch “MONSTER ISLAND”.
1st: As President/Publisher what are your duties?
Graham: Everything on the creative end! I write, illustrate, and publish the books and determine the publishing output and schedule. My wife, Julia handles all the fulfillment and shipping of products.
1st: Does Compass Comics have a mission statement?
Graham: To bring fun back to comics.
1st: Why is “The Ghosts of Matecumbe Key” important?
Graham: All of my comics take place in the same universe. “The Ghosts of Matecumbe Key” makes that clear and shows how they connect.
1st: Who are the main characters in “The Ghosts of Matecumbe Key?”
Graham: Two private investigators named Mysty Fahrenheit and Mike “Meathead” Rutowski.
1st: What is a Chenoo?
Graham: The Chenoo is a creature out of Native American myth. He’s an ice creature that was once a man. His soul is cursed and now he seeks to eat the hearts of men to reclaim the warmth he can no longer have.
1st: Why will people love “Joe Frankenstein” and just who is he?
Graham: Joe is a 17-year-old boy who is unaware of his lineage until the night while delivering pizzas, he is attacked by vampires. He is rescued by a mysterious stranger who turns out to be the Frankenstein monster. The creature has been watching over the decedents of Victor Frankenstein for 300 years as penance for his crimes and Joe is the last in the line.
1st: What do you remember learning most importantly at the “Joe Kubert School of Cartoon and Graphic Arts?”
Graham: Master visual storytelling, and understand the BUSINESS of comics.
1st: Would you ever like to do more work with Batman?
Graham: Not really.
1st: Which character that you have not worked on would you like to?
Graham: There are many but I have no interest in working for Marvel or DC Comics the way they run their business these days. Having said that, I would love to do a 12-issue run, writing and illustrating the Fantastic Four. The caveat is “No editorial interference”. So that’s not going to happen.
1st: What is the most important thing for a new comic company to succeed?
Graham: Treat your customers/backers with respect, and be passionate about your product!
1st: What breed of dog do you have, what is the dog’s name, and do you baby the dog?
Graham: I have a basset hound named Pumpkin. And yes, I baby here.
1st: What would you like to say to new fans of the Compass Comics?
Graham: Give Compass Comics a try! Action, adventure, excitement, and dynamic artwork the way you remember it!
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