Influences and Inspirations

Doomsday and Superman facing off in a fight that threatened to ruin my childhood.

We all have influences and inspirations that inform our approach to work, art, training, relationships, and many other aspects of life. For me, there are stories and shows that tangibly impact how I write and experience comics, in particular.

When I was a kid, I spent a lot of time at the Scott County Library, where I checked out and consumed comic books (in trade paperback format) for the first time. Superman and Batman were my favorite. In those early days, I decided it was in my interest to read “Death of Superman,” in which Minnesota comic book legend Dan Jurgens murdered the Man of Steel. (Okay, it was Doomsday, but you know what I mean.)

There were no secrets about what I was getting into—the events of the story were clearly set forth on the cover of the book. But I was simply not ready to watch my hero bite it. My developing brain ruminated over Superman’s haunting sacrifice, and the image of Lois Lane cradling his limp, lifeless frame is seared into my brain to this day. To me, only an incredible meld of art and storytelling can have this effect. Thanks, Dan, I guess.

Aside from these memories, other stories that stick with me include Peter David’s Spider-Man 2099. The creative, futuristic art and story-telling breathe fresh air into my life whenever I read them. I open up this omnibus when I simply want to consume comics I know I will enjoy. Similarly, Batman Beyond, the TV show, was a childhood staple of mine that I recently re-watched on Max. Same thoughts apply here.

I have no doubt that my enjoyment of futuristic imagery and story-telling has influenced and inspired aspects of Smarg. And if even one person reads the story that Jesse and I are cooking and remembers it, well, that sure would be pretty neat.