Exclusive Interview with Artist and Co-Creator of 'The Fatal Charades' Bob Little

Welcome to Tardigrade Press, your source for engaging interviews with the creative minds behind captivating works of art. Today, we bring you an exclusive interview with Bob Little, the talented artist and co-creator of the critically acclaimed graphic novel series, 'The Fatal Charades.' With its visually stunning illustrations and intricate storytelling, 'The Fatal Charades' has captivated readers worldwide, establishing itself as a beloved and influential work within the comic book industry.

Bob Little, renowned for his distinct artistic style and unparalleled creativity, has played a pivotal role in shaping the success of 'The Fatal Charades' universe. His visionary illustrations breathe life into the characters and their immersive environments, seamlessly merging the realms of reality and fantasy. As fans eagerly await the release of the highly anticipated next installment, we sit down with Bob to gain insight into his artistic process, inspirations, and the journey.

During this exclusive interview, we delve into Bob's creative journey, exploring the origins of 'The Fatal Charades' and the collaborative efforts that brought the story to life. We explore the artistic influences that have shaped Bob's unique style, his techniques for crafting intricate panels, and the challenges he has encountered along the way.

Stay tuned for this exclusive interview with Bob Little, brought to you by Tardigrade Press, where we celebrate the creative spirits who shape our world through their incredible artistry.

1. Can you introduce yourself and share a bit about your background as an illustrator and artist of comics? How did you get started in this field?

I’ve had a sort of meandering path back to the Arts since first attending Art classes at college back around 1999 or 2000. I really hated the college experience and ended up going back home and working for a few years in random minimum wage jobs before going back to post-secondary school for English. I’ve been a high school teacher for twelve years now, teaching mostly English. By some stroke of luck, I landed a gig teaching Visual Arts a few years back – and that really got me back into drawing every day.

2. What drew you to the world of comics and sequential art? Were there any specific artists or comic books that inspired you?

I can’t remember not loving comics and superheroes. There are all kinds of pictures of me as a kid with my Superman and Batman action figures. In the 90s there was this fantastic resurgence of comics where Superman, Spiderman, Spawn, and all of those characters were huge. There were the comics, but also video games, and cards. I was reading all the books by Jim Lee and Todd Macfarlane without really even knowing who they were at the time. I was more just focused on the characters. And then there was Ernie Chan and John Buscema with all of their fantastic Conan comics, which really pulled me in. In my teenage years, I discovered James O’Barr and The Crow, and that just had such a profound impact on me as an artist.

3. Tardigrade Press is excited to feature your work. Can you tell us about your artistic style and the techniques you use to bring your illustrations and comics to life?

I think that all of those artists that I mentioned have had an influence on me. There was a period in my life where I stopped consuming comics. This was probably around the time I was first going back to school for English, and I was actually more focused on playing the drums in my band and finishing my undergrad. But, when I had that resurgence in Art, I was getting more and more comics, I was watching videos on Youtube about them, and I finally found out about Mike Mignola. As an artist, I feel like I always overdraw, and I strive to simplify. Mike Mignola is such a master at that – he is efficient with his lines, and he gets the essential details, while removing all of the extraneous stuff that really isn’t needed. I strive for that in my own work, but I also recognize that there’s a lot of my earlier influences at work in my art too, particularly the poetic, high-energy approach of James O’Barr.

4. Could you provide us with an overview of the comics or graphic novels you have created or are currently working on? What themes or genres do they explore?

My good friend Darrell Sawatzky wrote a title called The Fatal Charades, and I did all of the art for it in issue one. I’m hoping to get started on issue two soon. That was my first comic. I also did all the art for another title by Darrell, called Sol ‘69, which is nearing completion. And when I say I’m doing all the artwork for it, I really mean that – the pencils, inks, and colour. I also am wrapping up a short six-page cyberpunk comic that I’ve yet to title. This one was a bit different because, aside from doing the writing for it, I also have been working with traditional pencils and inks. All of my other work has been digital. So that has been a fun departure for me, and it’s always nice to get away from screens whenever you can.

5. How do you approach the storytelling aspect of comics? How do you use visuals and panel layouts to convey emotions and narrative effectively?

I love bringing a writer’s dream to life with my drawings. When I get a script, and if there’s room for deciding upon the layout and different angles, then I really study the script and start to make all kinds of decisions. It’s sort of like my band days playing the drums – you work with the structure of a song and do your best to serve the song. The art has to serve the story. I personally like clean page layouts where the panels don’t get in the way of the art – they lead the reader through the story without distracting. I try to set the rhythm and pace for the reader as they go through each panel and experience the story, with the occasional eye-popping image that stops you. Again, this is like drumming – the drummer sets the tempo of the song, and helps guide the band through rhythmical changes, and occasionally will throw down a jaw-dropping drum fill to build the drama.

6. Are there any particular challenges you face as an illustrator or artist of comics? How do you overcome those challenges and maintain your artistic vision?

Comics are sort of built for speed and sometimes I find it tricky to move on from certain drawings. I zoom through some – not in a bad way! Others sort of keep me trapped. There’s a lot to be said for working quickly to embody a lot of energy into your drawings. But not every panel needs to be perfect, or be like a fine art piece. I think this comes with practice, being able to get quicker to the punch, rather than erasing and redrawing so much.

7. Can you share any interesting or unique experiences you've had during your artistic journey? It could be a collaboration, a breakthrough moment, or a meaningful interaction with readers or fans.

I have absolutely loved my experiences engaging with the online artist community. I’m mainly just on Instagram at this point, but man! It’s been such a positive experience for me. I’ve had the chance to work and collaborate with a bunch of other artists – mostly doing coloring jobs. The camaraderie is outstanding. It’s not something that I had experienced before, having an art community that I feel a part of.

8. Tardigrade Press is known for its diverse and thought-provoking content. How do you feel your artistic vision aligns with the values and mission of Tardigrade Press?

This sort of goes along the lines of being part of an artist community, which includes writers, in my mind. But I feel like the creators that I’ve worked with from Tardigrade have been just so damned supportive and enthusiastic about ideas, about titles, about the latest drawings we’ve all done. I just riff off of that.

9. Are there any specific messages or themes you aim to communicate through your artwork? What do you hope readers or viewers will take away from your illustrations or comics?

I just hope that readers get to enjoy some of the stories I’m able to make with fellow creators, and that they feel like they can reach out to us any time to say “Hey, that was cool!” I hope people feel like they can say hello to us any time. The amazing thing about The Fatal Charades was that it couldn’t have been published without all of those backers who specifically chose to put their hard-earned money forth to help us out with our Kickstarter. That is huge! To me, it makes them just as important a part of my projects as any of us.

10. Lastly, what projects or collaborations are you currently working on or planning for the future? Can we expect to see more of your artwork and comics published through Tardigrade Press?

Sol ‘69, baby! I’ll be finishing inks and colours on that one soon.

As we come to the end of this exclusive interview with Bob Little, the talented artist and co-creator of 'The Fatal Charades,' we are left inspired by his journey, artistic vision, and dedication to the craft of sequential art. Through his captivating illustrations and immersive storytelling, Bob has not only entertained readers but also challenged conventions and sparked the imagination of audiences around the world.

Tardigrade Press's commitment to showcasing the works of talented artists and providing a platform for diverse and thought-provoking content is truly commendable. By supporting artists like Bob Little, Tardigrade Press plays a crucial role in nurturing and promoting the growth of the creative community.

Special thanks go to Bob Little for sharing his experiences and artistic journey with us. His passion for storytelling, attention to detail, and willingness to experiment with different techniques have elevated his work to new heights. Bob's ability to capture emotions, construct engaging narratives, and transport readers to vivid worlds is a testament to his skill as an artist.

As fans eagerly await the release of future projects, such as the eagerly anticipated 'Sol '69,' we are reminded of the impact that Bob's artistry has had on readers. Through his collaborations with Tardigrade Press and his unwavering dedication to his craft, Bob continues to push boundaries, challenge norms, and create extraordinary experiences for his audience.

We encourage readers to stay connected with Tardigrade Press and Bob Little, as they embark on new artistic ventures and bring forth more captivating stories. Let us celebrate the power of art in all its forms, as it has the ability to inspire, unite, and leave a lasting impression on our hearts and minds.

Once again, we express our heartfelt thanks to Bob Little for sharing his time and insights. May his creative endeavors continue to thrive, and may their contributions to the artistic world enrich the lives of many.

To witness Bob Little's incredible talent and explore his diverse portfolio, make sure to visit his Instagram profile at https://www.instagram.com/bob.little.art/ Prepare to be awestruck by his unique artistic style and the meticulous attention to detail that brings his characters and their stories to life.

And that's not all! If you're craving an unforgettable reading experience, be sure to pick up your copy of 'The Fatal Charades' at www.tardigradepress.net  This critically acclaimed graphic novel series, co-created by Bob Little, will transport you to a world where reality and fantasy intertwine in thrilling and unexpected ways. Don't miss out on the opportunity to join the legion of fans who have fallen in love with this enthralling tale.

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