Daniel Crosier Shares Details of His Unpublished Swamp Thing Miniseries

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Daniel Crosier Discusses His Unpublished Swamp Thing Miniseries
by Rich Handley
Sept. 1, 2010

UPDATED: Sept. 24, 2010: Daniel Crosier has sent me additional artwork, which I've added to this page. Thanks, Daniel—once again, I'm in awe of your work! (And while you're at it, check out this great illustration from Kevin Gentilcore, also posted today. Kevin's Swamp Thing script, submitted along with Daniel's artwork, is posted here; an interview with the writer will be forthcoming.)

Daniel Crosier, a Denver-based artist known for his wood-burning comic illustration technique, approached DC Comics with an art submission in April 2009, hoping to land a gig working on Swamp Thing with friend and writing partner Kevin Gentilcore. Although that goal did not ultimately pan out, Crosier has graciously agreed to discuss the proposal with Roots of the Swamp Thing.

(Click on the above images to view larger versions.)

RICH HANDLEY: Was your proposal a miniseries, a one-shot or an ongoing monthly? And if it was a miniseries or one-shot, what would it have been titled?

DANIEL CROSIER: Originally, it was to be a miniseries, based on the Alan Moore's 'The Green' concept of the Swamp Thing creatures from other dimensions, by writer Kevin Gentilcore, and my wood burned/mixed media art. It was a pretty fun concept, almost existential. But we only pieced together the submission materials, and not much more beyond that.
(ED. NOTE: An interview with Gentilcore is currently in the works.)

HANDLEY: Your site, ThothEngine.net, notes that you had planned to give your five-page proposal to DC at Seattle's ComiCon in 2009. Did that happen as planned, and what was the result?

CROSIER: I chatted with DC/Vertigo editors via e-mail, because the art stood out. They were helpful in suggesting I expand on my art, diversity and narrative. Working from a script based in abstraction might not have been the best way to flex those narrative muscles—prove my storytelling mettle, so to speak.

HANDLEY: Was your proposal rejected? And if so, what reason were you given for the rejection?

CROSIER: Yep. Just too existential. Too abstract. Not enough narrative. But that is okay. I earned some important lessons. I am currently working on a new Hawkman portfolio for DC... after finishing the Distortions Unlimited series from Bluewater.

HANDLEY: What can you tell this site's readers regarding the nature of your pitch?

CROSIER: Sadly, I am lame for recalling the actual story Kevin wrote, but I can dig it up. I am sure Kevin would be happy to have it posted.

HANDLEY: Can you please describe your woodburning illustration technique? What advantages do you have, and what challenges do you face, with this type of artwork, versus more traditional comic-book illustration styles?

CROSIER: Its pretty simple. I'll roughly sketch out the design, then go over it with my $20.00 wood burner. It takes about twice as long, however, as it does in the traditional sense. The advantages, it stands out. Wood burning is particularly strong in the horror genre... obviously it works with characters like Swamp Thing. I also enjoy doing wood burning demos at conventions—great hook to bring peopl in to my table. Nowadays, I am starting to look into laser burning on wood. Very clean and nowhere as irregular or textured as wood burning, and very high contrast imagery.

HANDLEY: How long have you been a Swamp Thing fan, what most interests you about the character and his history, and in what direction would you take the series if given the opportunity to pursue it?

CROSIER: I think I've always enjoyed the visuals of the chracter, as well as growing up more with the Wes Craven film. But it wasn't until the last ten years that I've enjoyed Alan Moore's and Len Wein's work. I am not too sure now where we could take the character storywise, but the visuals can be ridiculous and freaking fun.

HANDLEY: Is there anything else you can tell us that isn't covered in the above questions?

CROSIER: You can get a hold of me at www.thothengine.net.
(ED. NOTE: Crosier also maintains a Facebook presence, here.)

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