First Comics News: Before working on this comic of “Betty Boop” what did you know about her?
Gisèle Lagacé: Not much, actually. I mean, I had seen her on various merchandise but that was about it. I wasn’t familiar with her cartoons, and comic strips. I think that has a lot to do with the fact that I grew up in a more French environment. I just wasn’t that exposed to her. I have remedied that, though. 😉
1st: Why was and is Betty Boop so popular?
Gisèle: She’s extremely cute, and puts a smile on people’s faces. She just makes you happy somehow. There’s this joie de vivre about her. That’s probably why people still love her to this day.
1st: What characteristics does your art bring out in Betty Boop?
Gisèle: Betty Boop has always been considered a sexy character but at the same time, a very cute and innocent one. Balancing the cute & sexy is something that I do every day in my own comics, and in Archie comics as well. I’m enjoying myself tremendously on this project, so I hope people will like how I draw her, and her friends.
1st: What is the story line of the comic “Betty Boop”?
Gisèle: The story starts at the Oop-A-Doop Club, where Betty works and dreams of hitting the big-time. She also takes care of Grampy, who makes these crazy inventions. The world of Betty Boop is filled with eclectic characters, but also ghosts! And in her first adventure, Betty fights ghosts! So without spoiling anything, I can say that it’s a very fun story, and having issue #1 hit around Halloween is perfect timing.
1st: Who is Bimbo and how do you manage to draw such wonderful expressions on him?
Gisèle: Thanks! I try my best to make Bimbo expressive & fun. In regards to who he is, he’s basically one of Betty’s best friends. He’s also an anthropomorphic dog. I did say the cast was eclectic!
1st: You are the artist on “Archie Meets Ramones” how do you feel working with these Iconic characters?
Gisèle: It’s a blast! I love both the Archie characters AND the Ramones. Having been in bands myself, this is totally up my alley. I’m giving this my all, and I hope people will like the results.
1st: What do you have to do withwww.PixieTrixComix.com ?
Gisèle: I co-write and draw a few webcomics which we later collect in print editions. Ménage à 3, Eerie Cuties and Sticky Dilly Buns are the ones I’ve had the most involvement with.
1st: Which webcomics of yours has the most meaning for you?
Gisèle: That’s like choosing a favorite child! I like them all for various reasons.
1st: How are you like Betty Boop?
Gisèle: I dreamed of being on stage and making it big in my late teens, early twenties. But more importantly, I’m a tough cookie!
1st: Would you like to live in Betty’s world working with her?
Gisèle: Of course!
1st: What has been your biggest thrill involving comics?
Gisèle: I would say the response to Ménage à 3 when we started it. The readership grew SO fast. Clearly, we had a hit on our hands.
1st: What would you like to say to your many fans?
Gisèle: Thank you for your support over the years! 🙂
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