10 Questions With Jim Balent (5/16/2008)

10 Questions With Jim Balent (by Darrick Patrick)

Jim Balent is a professional artist and writer who has worked on various comic book titles such as Catwoman, Detective Comics, Green Lantern Corps, Lobo's Big Babe Spring Break Special, Purgatori: The Vampire's Myth, Batman: Batgirl - Frenzy, Evil Ernie: Revenge, The Supernaturals, Red Sonja, and many others.  He created his own company called BroadSword Comics where he produces his ongoing series Tarot, Witch of the Black Rose along with his wife Holly Golightly (also known as Holly G!).  BroadSword Comics also releases titles such as 3 Little Kittens and School Bites.

Darrick: How did you end up writing and illustrating within the comic book format?

Jim: I've always drawn comics since I was a kid.  I would spend hours in my room sitting on the floor, drawing my own stories and characters.  When I became older, I found out that you can make a living at it.  So, I followed my first love and made a career out of it.

Darrick: Tell us about BroadSword Comics.

Jim: I started BroadSword Comics in the year 2000 with Holly Golightly.  We both loved the idea of starting our own company and launching our own projects from it.  BroadSword not only publishes comics, but we also have a line of t-shirts, perfumes, posters, and art books.  Check out our site at www.jimbalent.com for information on upcoming projects and merchandise.

Darrick: How would you describe Tarot, Witch of the Black Rose to someone who is not familiar with this project?

Jim: Tarot, Witch of the Black Rose is a supernatural adventure set in the present time - filled with Magick, enchanted creatures, and witchcraft.  The star of the book is a voluptuous, red-headed witch named Tarot.  Aided by her bat-winged black cat, Tarot fights to keep the balance between Magick and Man.  The fate of mankind lies in the hands of one witch!  It's a mature readers book.  There is nudity and violence in the stories, so this comic isn't for the little guys.

Darrick: What would you say to younger individuals looking to make a career in the medium of comic books?

Jim: If you love to draw comics, then this is your field.  I'm a big believer in making a living out of something you love to do.  Sure, it's hard work - but so are other careers.  You might as well spend your life doing something you love.

Darrick: Who are some of the people that significantly influenced you while growing up?

Jim: I love Frank Thorne's work, I grew up reading his Red Sonja.  Many of the artists from the '70s and '80s.  Also, TV had a big influence on me.  The Adam West Batman TV Show, the Spider-Man cartoons from the '60s - all of these had a great influence on me.

Darrick: How do you spend your time on a typical work day?

Jim: At the board at 10 a.m. drawing.  I'll take a half hour for lunch, then back to drawing until 5 p.m. - if I need to draw more or just want to, I'll work until eight or nine at night.

Darrick: Outside of illustrating and writing, what are your other interests?

Jim: I love video games, movies, traveling, caving, Karate, and going to see my favorite bands.  Stuff like that.

Darrick: If you were stuck in a bomb shelter for the rest of your life, what 3 items would you take in with you besides food and water?

Jim: My beloved Witch, Holly Golightly - I don't need anything else.

Darrick: What is your oldest memory?

Jim: Being locked in a bathroom when I was two years old and seeing a fireman come through the window.

Darrick: Tell us something about you that most people don't know.

Jim: I spent a few summers working in a cemetary.

FOR OTHER EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEWS BY DARRICK PATRICK:

http://blog.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendID=4974388&blogID=343519835

You can also check out Jim Balent in the following places:

Official Jim Balent Website:

http://www.jimbalentstudios.com

Official Jim Balent MySpace Profile:

http://www.myspace.com/jimbalent