One On One With M. Palumbo (reupload)

(explanation for reupload will be coming relatively soon~)

STARGAYZER Austrina & STARFIGHTER creator M. Palumbo
Questions asked & answered over MSN MESSENGER
JANUARY 20, 2009; 7:20 PM-9:10 PM ARIZONA TIME


QUESTION ONE

Fighter Austrina: What and when were you first inspired to create STARFIGHTER?

M. Palumbo: Oh man. Ah, to be honest, I don't remember it too clearly, but I'm pretty sure it started out as a drawing for Kippery, just a sketch of random guys to act as gay cannon fodder. At the time, I had been holding onto the idea of some type of sci-fi soldier story, so it provided a great outlet to flesh out both subjects at once.


QUESTION TWO

FA: How many pages do you expect SF to be?

MP: I'd say the first chapter or so, ahaha, if I can even call it that, would be 40-45 pages. After that, it can continue on; but I don't want to get too ahead of myself! I try to just focus on getting the first part done before I start talking big.


QUESTION THREE

FA: How many drafts of SF did you go through? In other words; has the story always been the same and are the current Cain and Abel the originals?

MP: Lol, this is totally embarrassing, but I just thought of the idea and ran with it. I've thought of several alternate scenarios for the sequence of events, but the general plot and characters have stayed the same.


QUESTION FOUR

FA: The characters you've created are so beautifully designed and have fantastic personalities. Would you mind maybe elaborating on them a little? For instance, how old are Cain and Abel? Do they have any quirks? Specific personality traits or habits? Favorite foods, songs, phrases?

MP: Ahaha! Ashleigh, you sweetheart, agdsljjf! I try to keep things as simple as possible with them in hope that as the story progresses, more can be revealed. I'd say they're probably in the 22-24 range, with Abel being on the lower end of the spectrum. As for quirks, I HAVE NOT THOUGHT OF ANY, ahaha, it's sadly true, but I can image Abel having some type of structured pastime, like playing the piano or studying, while Cain would enjoy something that doesn't require much thought, like riding a motorcycle or.. jerking off. It'll be fun to draw them having some downtime; I'd love to hear some ideas people would have for them!


QUESTION FIVE

FA: Who do can you relate more to? Cain or Abel?

MP: AHAHA! Aaaah, damn, that is a good one. It's embarrassing, but I think Abel would be the easiest to relate to; his sensibilities are always getting battered!


QUESTION SIX

FA: How did you come up with character designs and pick the names, Cain and Abel?

MP: This might be weird, but picking character names is not enjoyable at all for me, AHAHA! I am much more comfortable with choosing a preexisting name that sets some kind of tone for the personalities. When I was thinking of a couple that had a conflicting relationship, Cain and Abel came to mind. They are names from the Bible, but their titles are “task names” and have no special religious meaning. Don't think “Cain” and “Abel” would have much relevance to the characters themselves in their crazy, made-up future world.


QUESTION SEVEN

FA: Ah, which brings us to the next question; Cain and Abel are codenames. What are their real names?

MP: Aha! I think Joteivv was the first to suggest that they have real names and, BECAUSE SHE IS GENIUS, I think it would be really great to work that angle. I don't have their real names picked out yet. Oh ho, that is for later, perhaps in a moment of saucy tension! SAY MY NAME, BASTIAN!


QUESTION EIGHT

FA: Will the entire story revolve around Cain and Abel or will there be other minor characters introduced and followed?

MP: Oh! AHAHA, YES I CAN ANSWER THAT! There's definitely going to be some minor characters, namely the Fighter Commander, the Navigator Commander, and Tiberius (from the ship that Abel helps save during the horribly drawn pew pew) at the start of the next chapter. Oh god, if it ever happens. AGH, C'MON, BABY! But mostly, it's all Cain and Abel


QUESTION NINE

FA: If SF was made into an animated/live action series, who would you cast as voice actors/actors?

MP: LOL! ZAC EFERON IS CAIN, PLESPLES. Ahaha, WAIT, NO. You know, it's weird, but I can't even imagine their voices. I bet there are some really great suggestions out there for it.


QUESTION TEN

FA: Do you plan to make more comics other than SF?

MP: Ah, yeah. One day I'd love to do a comic based on this character I have that I just refer to as Machine. There's some drawings of it in my gallery, usually holding a scythe or kicking a robotface. Oh! Ahaha, or a yaoi parody comic. That would be fun.


QUESTION ELEVEN

FA: Oh, that sounds very interesting! Could you maybe give a brief synopsis on what that story is about? (Machine's story, lol, not the yaoi parody!) XD

MP: AHAHAHA! The story revolves around this machine that's been built by a vengeful inventor. It's been sent out to hunt the delegates that rule below the city, but the task is not as simple or easy. As the machine sets out to accomplish the task, it learns the city's secrets and finds companionship with a little girl. AHAHA, IT'S RIVETING.


QUESTION TWELVE

FA: I see, and when do you think you will start that? After you've finished SF?

MP: Yes! I hope! Oh god, I have no idea when that will be. It'll be a nice departure, artistically.


QUESTION THIRTEEN

FA: Do you hope to one day get SF published?

MP: Yes, haha, in my poor foolish dreams! I'm not quite sure how to go about that business, but as soon as the first chapter is done, my top priority will be to get it printed!


QUESTION FOURTEEN

FA: Does your family know about SF? If so, what do they think of it?

MP: LOLOL, that's a good question. I know they have my DA site from a while ago.. If they have seen it, they haven't said anything about it.


QUESTION FIFTEEN

FA: How long does it take on average to finish a page?

MP: Oh man, 8-12 hours. The space fight ones took longer. Is that slow? I think it's slow. I have no idea.


QUESTION SIXTEEN

FA: Do you use music as inspiration while drawing? If so, what genre/band? If no, what DO you use?

MP: AHAHAHA, this is a good time to admit that a large portion of Starfighter was indeed drawn to Britney Spears music. And industrial. Oh, and I find movie soundtracks very inspiring for like, catering to the mood and stuff.


QUESTION SEVENTEEN

FA: Self taught or art school?

MP: I've been drawing since I was a child; and I did go to an art college for animation! So maybe a bad mixture of both.


QUESTION EIGHTEEN

FA: What are some of you favorite comics/films/anime/mangas/fandoms?

MP: Oh shit. Ah, I'm a big fan of Star Wars, Star Trek, Robocop, Terminator, Matrix (just the first!), all that geeky stuff, plus early Tim Burton films. As for manga, oh man, I have a lot. I never realized I had so much until I have to move it all. Some artists I like are Uki Ogasawara, Uchida Kaoru, and Kaori Monchi. In regards to fandom, I am a sucker for Sub/Sei X/1999 and Tokyo Babylon fandom. Ug h, it's horrible. Suffering love always gets me. Plus it's 2009 now and that shizz is still not done? I KNOW HOW TO PICK'EM! Plus Sasu/Saku. /SOB


QUESTION NINETEEN

FA: Are you surprised at the fandom SF has attracted?

MP: Yes, very! I'm very humbled and thankful. I wish I could hold everyone in my arms and be all romantic to show how much it means to me! It's very surprising and wonderful.. I never had a lot of confidence in my style and the encouragement is a great motivator- I don't think I would have ever gone past the first two or three pages of Starfighter if it wasn't for the awesome people reading it.


QUESTION TWENTY

FA: How are you dealing with your newfound popularity on DA? It must be overwhelming at times, but you manage to stay so positive, down-to-earth and unbelievably friendly.

MP: AHAHA! U GAIS! Ah, I wish I could give everyone a big individual thanks for all the comments and encouragement. It's a lot of fun to talk to people on DA, I just wish I had more time to maintain the site.


QUESTION TWENTY-ONE

FA: Imagine you’re flipping through the channels on the TV; you come across the local NEWS station to see an emergency broadcast. An unidentified object has fallen from the sky and crash landed in your home town. Interesting enough? Now what if just as you started to watch it, two figures emerged from the broken down aircraft, one with black hair, blue streaks and an earring, calling himself Cain; and the other, a uke-looking blonde with a scar on his lip responding to the name Abel. … What do you do?

MP: WAKE UP FROM THIS CRAZY DREAM!


QUESTION TWENTY-TWO

FA: Why HamletMachine?

MP: Oooh! I'm a huge Shakespeare fan and I love machines. HOWEVER, there is a play that exists somewhere in the world called "Hamlet Machine". When I first heard of it, I thought, "TWO OF MY FAVORITE THINGS EVER, MERRY CHREESTMAS!" but the play is actually awful. I was really disappointed with it but started using the name anyway. Ahaha, I am kind of fond of it


QUESTION TWENTY-THREE

FA: Are you pleased with how SF is going at the moment?

MP: Ah, yes. Even though it needs so much work and could use so much improvement, I'm just stupidhappy that people actually enjoy it. That's the best thing I could hope for.


QUESTION TWENTY-FOUR

FA: What do you think of the Stargayzers and how does it feel knowing a fanclub exists that is dedicated to something YOU created?

MP: I can't believe it. ITS ALL A VAST CONSPIRACY! Ahaha, but seriously, I am so amazed and humbled. You are so gracious for running it and I owe both you and the members a debt of gratitude. Or maybe just some sexual favors, oh god, please.


QUESTION TWENTY-FIVE

FA: Is there any last thing you’d like to close this interview with?

MP: Oh man, ah, I'm really in the service of everyone that has been so kind to me. My many thanks to everyone, and to you Ashleigh! You're so encouraging. I'm sorry if I ever mess up or get discouraged and I'm thankful for all the support, just.. let me take this mask off.. I want to look on you with.. my own eyes.. <3

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

In closing I would like to thank Hammie for taking out of her busy schedule to answer all of the questions, not only punctually but thoroughly as well. She was a delight to talk to as always. I'd also like to thank all the fellow SF readers who included their questions. And I apologize for not being able to use all of them. Perhaps another interview one day? <3 Well I do hope you all got something out of this. Hope you enjoy it.

Much

Austrina

STARFIGHTER © M. Palumbo