Interview with...
CLARKE ILLIMATICAL
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Writer Clarke Illmatical crafts amazing stories with characters leveled in depth and complexity. His latest endeavor titled MASTERNEVER AND THE FLOW OF DEATH shows such skill. He recently stopped by CBI studios and chatted with publisher John Michael Helmer about his career in comics and his new project...
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JMH: Where were you born and raised?
ILLMATICAL: I was raised in the mighty borough of Queens. Located in the metropolis known to the world as --New York City.
My mother told me that she had me in her stomach when she went to see Star Wars, so I'm officially a Star Wars baby. I was raised in the old New York City, when it was still a place of mystery and mysticism, just like the amazing settings in some of our favorite stories.
JMH: Tell CBI about yourself…
ILLMATICAL: Let me formally introduce myself to everyone. My name is Clarke Illmatical. Yes, that is my real last name. I'm the creator of the martial arts fantasy fiction comic book MASTERNEVER AND THE FLOW OF DEATH. My writing has appeared in The Amsterdam News, The Norwood News, China Global Daily, Kung Fu Cinema and Clout Magazine.
I started out on a quest as a fiction writer almost a decade ago. In late 2006, I was encouraged by a friend to seek out the writer who penned one of my favorite movies. His name was Louis Venosta and the movie was The Last Dragon. We met inTimes Square,Manhattan.
I initially wanted to write the sequel to The Last Dragon but my meeting with Venosta helped me realize that I need to write my own story.
I've been on my quest ever since. I finished my first screenplay in 2007, about 6 months after meeting with Venosta. I completed my self published novel in 2008. Over the next few years, while trying different story telling options, I worked on screenplays that followed the original story.
In between writing the script and working on the other stories, I ventured into the film world. This was necessary because I realized that as much as I saw the project visually, I didn't want to work in film.
I moved to Brazil in 2010 and taught English while working on my writing. Deep in the favela of Vidigal, on a winding street known as 'Rua Tres,' my story was in the back of my mind. I knew that I had to return and find a way to present my story.
I made my way back to New York City early 2011. I called for artists around the globe to participate in the completion of the graphic novel. The project is distributed, artists have selected individual chapters and illustrated them. Influenced heavily by hip-hop and DJs who created stories with mix-tapes, I decided to abandon traditional comic lettering and work with a voice narrator and sound engineer to create our own mix-tape to accompany the comic.
In 2011, MASTERNEVER AND THE FLOW OF DEATH made its debut at New York City's comic con, with a "Collector's Preview."
I thought I was going to be a success after Comic Con. I managed to network and sell a number of copies, but I didn't experience "overnight success."
A few months after Comic Con, during the winter of 2011, I found myself entering New York City's department of homeless services. I wasn't necessarily living on the street or sleeping on any trains; however I spent several months in the tumultuous shelter system.
During the days, in between working part time, I forged ahead. Fortunately, one of my contacts at Comic Con happened to be a technical lead from Frostclick, which was known as Frostwire during the P2P days.
A few months after, during the spring of 2012, I left the shelter and Masternever made its debut on Frostwire. It was a free distribution, featuring the preview edition and two tracks from the mixtape.
Thanks to Frostclick, we reached 30,000 downloads in 2012. There was no monetary gain, but it was nice to know that I had those numbers.
Being homeless is a traumatizing experience, as a creator, I'd recommend that other creators have balance in their lives. Instead of regrouping spiritually, I lost my focus and got distracted. I continued to work on the comic book, but I wasn't fulfilled and my personal relationships: family, women and friends - they suffered.
All of this time, I was working on the comic, working with illustrators and planning the next chapters. When I was emotionally spent, there were times that the content I'd receive from some of the visual or audio talent would really lifted my spirits.
In 2013, I was presented with a teaching opportunity in China. Considering that my story is a martial arts fantasy fiction comic based in Chinatown and heavily based on Chinese mythology - it was a dream come true!
I've been in China since the summer of 2013, and happy to say that in addition to my original team of talent, I'm working with new artist in Hong Kong, we're preparing for our attack run, hopefully printing the graphic novel later this year.
JMH: Have you had any formal training in writing?
ILLMATICAL: I received my earliest writing instruction from friends who worked at magazines. I also interned and freelanced at some smaller newspapers and magazines in New York City.
JMH: Who are your writing influences?
ILLMATICAL: Some of my earliest influences came from the walls of New York City. When I was growing up, Queens was filled with graffiti, the writers used walls to convey messages. From an early age, I was influenced by visual writing.
In addition, my parents forced religion on me. In between day dreaming while listening to lectures at church, I saw the bible as a book of interesting stories. Take the religion out of the bible and you've got some great stories; some of which I believe would make great movies.
Movies and Rap music have also been heavy influences. I've always gravitated towards adventure stories and epic fiction.
My earliest fiction favorite was The Legend of Tarik, written by Walter Dean Myers.
Since I've gotten older, I'm influenced by George Lucas, Stephen King, Robert Howard, DONDI (the graffiti writer) and most of the rappers from the golden age of hip-hop.
JMH: How did you break into writing comic books?
ILLMATICAL: With a dollar and a dream.
JMH: What is the first comic you remember reading?
ILLMATICAL: I don't recall. My parents didn't want me to have them so I remember buying them and hiding some in my room. I was really into mythology and the first guy I really liked was Thor.
My parents encouraged reading and they didn't have any problems with me reading books on mythology. I recognized the stories from Norse mythology and Thor seemed very powerful.
A particular comic that sticks with me though -- it was the Spiderman Vs Wolverine battle from 1987. I just remember the action and vivid fighting sequences.
JMH: Do you read any of the new comic books that are being published today?
ILLMATICAL: To be honest -- no. I don't buy comics weekly. I will purchase a graphic novel periodically. I get tired of the same characters. More than anything, I've been digging in the crates, reading older comics, from the 70s and 80s. I think the stories are better -- ideas are fresher.
JMH: Print versus Digital. Your thoughts…
ILLMATICAL: I've grown up with the Internet. However, I still have an appreciation for print. It's a love hate relationship, I believe that digital comics and books are the future, ten years from now, the next generation of kids, they won't bother with print books. They're growing up with tablets. So, they won't have any intimacy with anything other then electronic content.
The comic industry hasn't really been impacted by the digital revolution, not like the music and film industry have. That is another reason I am self publishing the comic, I want to circumvent the standards in the industry and deliver directly to the audience.
The global Internet audience, they are the true decision makers. Digital printing makes that possible. So there are definitely positives to both.
JMH: Writer’s block. How do you get around that creature?
ILLMATICAL: To be honest, I've never been short on ideas. My problem has been procrastination. I also believe that creators; writers and illustrators, we have to get out in life and have experiences of our own. A rich life, this will provide you with plenty of material for stories and story telling. Years ago, when I was in photography school, an instructor mentioned that several students were having problems coming up with ideas or projects to work on. He simply said that these people spent all of their time in school and didn't do enough "living." So, get out in the arena and you'll have plenty to write about.
In addition, my experience writing for a newspaper or having deadlines; it helped me appreciate that writing is a job or skill that has to be developed. Regardless of your creative execution; illustration, writing or painting, you're going to have your good and bad days, but keep going!
JMH: What is MASTERNEVER AND THE FLOW OF DEATH?
ILLMATICAL: It's a martial arts fantasy fiction story based in present day New York City! The protagonist, is a young martial artist who has been given the task of adding his fighting style to a 2,000 year old Chinese legacy protected by a cryptic writing style. There are those who want to stop Masternever from achieving his goal, an evil wizard who steals souls, a legendary clan of kung fu masters and a power hungry triad family!
This is the first story in an epic series of four. The story is geared towards people who like adventure, mythology, martial arts and fantasy stories!
JMH: Do you research your story ideas? If so, how?
ILLMATICAL: It depends on what I'm writing about. When I started out, before I wrote my first screenplay, I researched fiction writing so I could understand the characteristics that were essential in building a hero. I'd advise others to do the same. Most libraries have books on fiction character creation. Consult books on how to make stories as well.
In addition, for my story, I had to spend a considerable amount of time studying Chinese mythology. So, yes, research is a necessity. There has to be a credible foundation for your story.
JMH: What is your writing process like?
ILLMATICAL: At one point in time, I believed drugs helped me creatively. However, I have to say that alcohol and marijuana have never stimulated any creativity. My best ideas, they've always come to me when I was sober and usually, when I wasn't focused on writing -- I'm sleeping and something comes to mind or with a girlfriend watching television. I always keep a notebook handy. Overall, the process depends on what I’m writing about. The process for completing a comic script isn't the same for writing an article. Find what works for you! I tend to drink coffee when I write, other writers like to smoke and listen to music. Try different things and eventually, you'll find a creative pattern that works just for you!
JMH: Do your stories carry a message?
ILLMATICAL: Absolutely. I created Masternever and The Flow of Death, to address the emotional and psychological needs ofNew York City, post 9/11. Those who buy the comic and get into the story, they'll realize that there are hidden messages for them. The story is martial arts on the surface, but overall I'm directing the story to several audiences. As a creator, I wanted the story to help other people and give them encouragement. Masternever will be appreciated by anyone who dreams and aspires.
JMH: Do you feel more comfortable with writing prose or comic book sequential storytelling?
ILLMATICAL: Same difference. I think that comic book storytelling, the genre is changing thanks to technology and independent creators. Years ago, you had to adhere to the standards of the major companies in order to have your stories accepted. These days, I believe creators can do what they want. As technology advances, the concept of what is a "comicbook" will change and so will its creation. Don't get me wrong, I definitely have respect for the culture and story telling as whole. I believe the comic book audience, they're special. In addition, I feel that most modern comic characters, in order for them to be accepted into superhero psyche and become palatable, they must first exist in the comic book universe and have success there. I believe that when a character is seen in comic form, there is a certain vulnerability associated with him/her. The viewer, associates with them. Think about it, when a story is delivered as an animation or comic, regardless of the tone, I believe our childlike instinct is attracted to it.
JMH: What future projects are in the works?
ILLMATICAL: I'm currently living in China and I'm planning on printing the finished graphic novel in Hong Kong. I'm also working on the sequel story MASTERNEVER AND THE REVENGE OF THE ALL CITY MASTERS. Aside from Masternever, I have other stories I plan on developing, moving into the sci-fi realm of things.
JMH: Where can fans get a hold of your books?
ILLMATICAL: Currently, fans can get the chapters as they're published serially on Gumroad. (http://www.gumroad.com/masternever - I'm going to launch an Indiegogo campaign shortly and fans can get limited editions of the graphic novel there as well.
JMH: How can fans and publishers contact you?
ILLMATICAL: I want to hear from fans, distributors and artist who want to contribute to the project.
Twitter: @masternever
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/clarkeillmatical
JMH: Anything else you'd like to mention that we haven't covered yet?
ILLMATICAL: Writers and creators, don't wait! There are people out there who have great stories and characters waiting to get out. Those stories, adventures and ideas have to be freed. Believe in yourself!
JMH: Clarke, CBI appreciates your time! All the best!
ILLMATICAL: Thank you very much!
ILLMATICAL: I was raised in the mighty borough of Queens. Located in the metropolis known to the world as --New York City.
My mother told me that she had me in her stomach when she went to see Star Wars, so I'm officially a Star Wars baby. I was raised in the old New York City, when it was still a place of mystery and mysticism, just like the amazing settings in some of our favorite stories.
JMH: Tell CBI about yourself…
ILLMATICAL: Let me formally introduce myself to everyone. My name is Clarke Illmatical. Yes, that is my real last name. I'm the creator of the martial arts fantasy fiction comic book MASTERNEVER AND THE FLOW OF DEATH. My writing has appeared in The Amsterdam News, The Norwood News, China Global Daily, Kung Fu Cinema and Clout Magazine.
I started out on a quest as a fiction writer almost a decade ago. In late 2006, I was encouraged by a friend to seek out the writer who penned one of my favorite movies. His name was Louis Venosta and the movie was The Last Dragon. We met inTimes Square,Manhattan.
I initially wanted to write the sequel to The Last Dragon but my meeting with Venosta helped me realize that I need to write my own story.
I've been on my quest ever since. I finished my first screenplay in 2007, about 6 months after meeting with Venosta. I completed my self published novel in 2008. Over the next few years, while trying different story telling options, I worked on screenplays that followed the original story.
In between writing the script and working on the other stories, I ventured into the film world. This was necessary because I realized that as much as I saw the project visually, I didn't want to work in film.
I moved to Brazil in 2010 and taught English while working on my writing. Deep in the favela of Vidigal, on a winding street known as 'Rua Tres,' my story was in the back of my mind. I knew that I had to return and find a way to present my story.
I made my way back to New York City early 2011. I called for artists around the globe to participate in the completion of the graphic novel. The project is distributed, artists have selected individual chapters and illustrated them. Influenced heavily by hip-hop and DJs who created stories with mix-tapes, I decided to abandon traditional comic lettering and work with a voice narrator and sound engineer to create our own mix-tape to accompany the comic.
In 2011, MASTERNEVER AND THE FLOW OF DEATH made its debut at New York City's comic con, with a "Collector's Preview."
I thought I was going to be a success after Comic Con. I managed to network and sell a number of copies, but I didn't experience "overnight success."
A few months after Comic Con, during the winter of 2011, I found myself entering New York City's department of homeless services. I wasn't necessarily living on the street or sleeping on any trains; however I spent several months in the tumultuous shelter system.
During the days, in between working part time, I forged ahead. Fortunately, one of my contacts at Comic Con happened to be a technical lead from Frostclick, which was known as Frostwire during the P2P days.
A few months after, during the spring of 2012, I left the shelter and Masternever made its debut on Frostwire. It was a free distribution, featuring the preview edition and two tracks from the mixtape.
Thanks to Frostclick, we reached 30,000 downloads in 2012. There was no monetary gain, but it was nice to know that I had those numbers.
Being homeless is a traumatizing experience, as a creator, I'd recommend that other creators have balance in their lives. Instead of regrouping spiritually, I lost my focus and got distracted. I continued to work on the comic book, but I wasn't fulfilled and my personal relationships: family, women and friends - they suffered.
All of this time, I was working on the comic, working with illustrators and planning the next chapters. When I was emotionally spent, there were times that the content I'd receive from some of the visual or audio talent would really lifted my spirits.
In 2013, I was presented with a teaching opportunity in China. Considering that my story is a martial arts fantasy fiction comic based in Chinatown and heavily based on Chinese mythology - it was a dream come true!
I've been in China since the summer of 2013, and happy to say that in addition to my original team of talent, I'm working with new artist in Hong Kong, we're preparing for our attack run, hopefully printing the graphic novel later this year.
JMH: Have you had any formal training in writing?
ILLMATICAL: I received my earliest writing instruction from friends who worked at magazines. I also interned and freelanced at some smaller newspapers and magazines in New York City.
JMH: Who are your writing influences?
ILLMATICAL: Some of my earliest influences came from the walls of New York City. When I was growing up, Queens was filled with graffiti, the writers used walls to convey messages. From an early age, I was influenced by visual writing.
In addition, my parents forced religion on me. In between day dreaming while listening to lectures at church, I saw the bible as a book of interesting stories. Take the religion out of the bible and you've got some great stories; some of which I believe would make great movies.
Movies and Rap music have also been heavy influences. I've always gravitated towards adventure stories and epic fiction.
My earliest fiction favorite was The Legend of Tarik, written by Walter Dean Myers.
Since I've gotten older, I'm influenced by George Lucas, Stephen King, Robert Howard, DONDI (the graffiti writer) and most of the rappers from the golden age of hip-hop.
JMH: How did you break into writing comic books?
ILLMATICAL: With a dollar and a dream.
JMH: What is the first comic you remember reading?
ILLMATICAL: I don't recall. My parents didn't want me to have them so I remember buying them and hiding some in my room. I was really into mythology and the first guy I really liked was Thor.
My parents encouraged reading and they didn't have any problems with me reading books on mythology. I recognized the stories from Norse mythology and Thor seemed very powerful.
A particular comic that sticks with me though -- it was the Spiderman Vs Wolverine battle from 1987. I just remember the action and vivid fighting sequences.
JMH: Do you read any of the new comic books that are being published today?
ILLMATICAL: To be honest -- no. I don't buy comics weekly. I will purchase a graphic novel periodically. I get tired of the same characters. More than anything, I've been digging in the crates, reading older comics, from the 70s and 80s. I think the stories are better -- ideas are fresher.
JMH: Print versus Digital. Your thoughts…
ILLMATICAL: I've grown up with the Internet. However, I still have an appreciation for print. It's a love hate relationship, I believe that digital comics and books are the future, ten years from now, the next generation of kids, they won't bother with print books. They're growing up with tablets. So, they won't have any intimacy with anything other then electronic content.
The comic industry hasn't really been impacted by the digital revolution, not like the music and film industry have. That is another reason I am self publishing the comic, I want to circumvent the standards in the industry and deliver directly to the audience.
The global Internet audience, they are the true decision makers. Digital printing makes that possible. So there are definitely positives to both.
JMH: Writer’s block. How do you get around that creature?
ILLMATICAL: To be honest, I've never been short on ideas. My problem has been procrastination. I also believe that creators; writers and illustrators, we have to get out in life and have experiences of our own. A rich life, this will provide you with plenty of material for stories and story telling. Years ago, when I was in photography school, an instructor mentioned that several students were having problems coming up with ideas or projects to work on. He simply said that these people spent all of their time in school and didn't do enough "living." So, get out in the arena and you'll have plenty to write about.
In addition, my experience writing for a newspaper or having deadlines; it helped me appreciate that writing is a job or skill that has to be developed. Regardless of your creative execution; illustration, writing or painting, you're going to have your good and bad days, but keep going!
JMH: What is MASTERNEVER AND THE FLOW OF DEATH?
ILLMATICAL: It's a martial arts fantasy fiction story based in present day New York City! The protagonist, is a young martial artist who has been given the task of adding his fighting style to a 2,000 year old Chinese legacy protected by a cryptic writing style. There are those who want to stop Masternever from achieving his goal, an evil wizard who steals souls, a legendary clan of kung fu masters and a power hungry triad family!
This is the first story in an epic series of four. The story is geared towards people who like adventure, mythology, martial arts and fantasy stories!
JMH: Do you research your story ideas? If so, how?
ILLMATICAL: It depends on what I'm writing about. When I started out, before I wrote my first screenplay, I researched fiction writing so I could understand the characteristics that were essential in building a hero. I'd advise others to do the same. Most libraries have books on fiction character creation. Consult books on how to make stories as well.
In addition, for my story, I had to spend a considerable amount of time studying Chinese mythology. So, yes, research is a necessity. There has to be a credible foundation for your story.
JMH: What is your writing process like?
ILLMATICAL: At one point in time, I believed drugs helped me creatively. However, I have to say that alcohol and marijuana have never stimulated any creativity. My best ideas, they've always come to me when I was sober and usually, when I wasn't focused on writing -- I'm sleeping and something comes to mind or with a girlfriend watching television. I always keep a notebook handy. Overall, the process depends on what I’m writing about. The process for completing a comic script isn't the same for writing an article. Find what works for you! I tend to drink coffee when I write, other writers like to smoke and listen to music. Try different things and eventually, you'll find a creative pattern that works just for you!
JMH: Do your stories carry a message?
ILLMATICAL: Absolutely. I created Masternever and The Flow of Death, to address the emotional and psychological needs ofNew York City, post 9/11. Those who buy the comic and get into the story, they'll realize that there are hidden messages for them. The story is martial arts on the surface, but overall I'm directing the story to several audiences. As a creator, I wanted the story to help other people and give them encouragement. Masternever will be appreciated by anyone who dreams and aspires.
JMH: Do you feel more comfortable with writing prose or comic book sequential storytelling?
ILLMATICAL: Same difference. I think that comic book storytelling, the genre is changing thanks to technology and independent creators. Years ago, you had to adhere to the standards of the major companies in order to have your stories accepted. These days, I believe creators can do what they want. As technology advances, the concept of what is a "comicbook" will change and so will its creation. Don't get me wrong, I definitely have respect for the culture and story telling as whole. I believe the comic book audience, they're special. In addition, I feel that most modern comic characters, in order for them to be accepted into superhero psyche and become palatable, they must first exist in the comic book universe and have success there. I believe that when a character is seen in comic form, there is a certain vulnerability associated with him/her. The viewer, associates with them. Think about it, when a story is delivered as an animation or comic, regardless of the tone, I believe our childlike instinct is attracted to it.
JMH: What future projects are in the works?
ILLMATICAL: I'm currently living in China and I'm planning on printing the finished graphic novel in Hong Kong. I'm also working on the sequel story MASTERNEVER AND THE REVENGE OF THE ALL CITY MASTERS. Aside from Masternever, I have other stories I plan on developing, moving into the sci-fi realm of things.
JMH: Where can fans get a hold of your books?
ILLMATICAL: Currently, fans can get the chapters as they're published serially on Gumroad. (http://www.gumroad.com/masternever - I'm going to launch an Indiegogo campaign shortly and fans can get limited editions of the graphic novel there as well.
JMH: How can fans and publishers contact you?
ILLMATICAL: I want to hear from fans, distributors and artist who want to contribute to the project.
Twitter: @masternever
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/clarkeillmatical
JMH: Anything else you'd like to mention that we haven't covered yet?
ILLMATICAL: Writers and creators, don't wait! There are people out there who have great stories and characters waiting to get out. Those stories, adventures and ideas have to be freed. Believe in yourself!
JMH: Clarke, CBI appreciates your time! All the best!
ILLMATICAL: Thank you very much!
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