Comix Asylum recently had the pleasure to speak with writer Dennis Knight about his indie comic Cross, his creative process, webcomics and the indie publishing scene through Pronto Comics.
SB: There’s a 7 page preview of Cross up on Pronto Comics’ website and it looks interesting. What is it about and how did you come up with the idea?
DM: Cross is about a contract killer that finds out he is a terrorist in an alternate universe and said contract killer has to travel to the same alternate universe to fight himself and save the world.
SB: You’re working with Kirk Feretzanis, who is providing the artwork. What has it been like collaborating with him?
DM: Working with Kirk has been a dream. He understands my scripts and draws the panels just right every time. He is patient and enthusiastic and provides constructive criticism and suggestions.
SB: You’re publishing Cross through Pronto Comics. Can you tell us a little bit about them?
DM: Pronto Comics is an independent comic book publisher based in New York City. It is a great company to work with. I have never worked with a more passionate and focused group of people. They do not only publish comics but they help people break into the business. Dominic Sparano is Pronto’s Editor-in- Chief. I consider him a mentor and a friend.
SB: Describe your writing process.
DM: Good question, I have never really thought about my writing process. Best way to describe it is connect the dots with the voices in my head. I hear my characters talking all the time, make sense of their conversations and put it into a sequence (with) plot and character motivations – all the fun stuff that goes into a story and keeps you up at night some times.
SB: When did you first decide that you wanted to create your own comics as a career?
DM: I do not remember the exact date, but it was six years ago when I started working on Cross. There were a lot of mistakes and a lot of trial and error. The moment I realized I can do “this” all the time is when I made the decision to make it a career. I love what I do.
SB: Where do you see webcomics in the future landscape of comic book publishing?
DM: I see webcomics as a viable aspect to the comic book industry. It is also a way for someone to break into the business. I don’t think webcomics will replace print comics. However, I do think webcomics will help expose more people to the art form that is comic books.
SB: Who has had the biggest influence on your comics career, and how has that person changed your work?
DM: I have respect for a lot of professionals in the business. The biggest influence on my career is a man named Brian Michael Bendis. His work on Dark Avengers inspired me and also made me think I can write comic books.
SB: What element of your work gives you the most personal satisfaction?
DM: Without a doubt, when I show someone one of my comic books for the first time and they are into it. When I see the look of excitement and joy on their face that is the best feeling in the world. Nothing can top that feeling.
SB: Time to get philosophical: What’s the most important “big idea” that you’ve learned in life – in or out of comics – and why is it important?
DM: The big idea for me can be summed up in one word: humility. When you are humble a lot of things are second nature. Patience is a big one, comic books do not fall out of the sky and they do not come together over night. Sometimes it takes years to get a physical copy of your idea/story. A person has to know that comic books will have to be their life if they want to be successful in this business. There has to be a commitment to your art and your story and that your comic book will be the best you can make it. Best way I can describe it is you are a little kid waiting for your turn to get into the sandbox. It might take a while. Also, try not to upset the kids that are already in the sandbox. Learn what you can, work hard, and listen more than you speak when you are first starting out and you will go far.
SB: What can we expect from you in 2016 and beyond?
DM: 2016 will be a very busy year for me. Firstly, more issues of Cross will be put out this year. My goal is have the whole story published by the end of the year. I am also working on a project titled Knightzero with creator/writer Kristian Kruz. The plan is to have a trailer for the book by the end of the year. I am also working with creator Dorphise Jean in an advisor/contributor capacity for her original story Spirit’s Destiny. The first issue should out within the next few months this year. Make sure you pick up a copy. On July 9th and 10th I will be making an appearance for Modesto Con located in Modesto, California with Fellow Pronto writer and creator Dez Demise. For more up to date appearances and events you can follow me on Twitter @mrknightwriter. I am also on Facebook under the name Dennis Knight and for any questions regarding projects my email is mrknightthewriter@gmail.com. I look forward to meeting more like minded people and working with comic book professionals. Thank you for having me.
