I was first introduced to Mike Norton and Battlepug, while listening to 11 O’Clock Comics (possibly the best comics podcast in the history of humankind) back in 2011. I jumped in, and I must say that Mike has guided me through some truly bizarre (and enjoyable) territory over the past few years. In 2014, to make some portraits and talk comics, I had the pleasure to visit Four Star Studios in Ravenswood that Norton shares with his longtime collaborator, Tim Seeley, and others. Recently, I reconnected with Norton to talk about our connection with our pets, the ongoing horror-noir series Revival, his uncanny ability to juggle a hectic comic con schedule while producing some of the more interesting books being made presently, and what he values most in his cartooning practice.
Mike Norton, Battlepug, 2012
Lets jump into the topic of you and your dog. You obviously hold a deep connection with our four legged friends. This bond can be seen in the numerous photographs I have seen of you and your puppy and your webcomic, Battlepug, (now available in print via Dark Horse Comics). At one point, I believe you even considered going into veterinary medicine? Can you tell us about this relationship and how Battlepug originated?
I’ve loved animals all my life. Dogs definitely have a huge place in my heart. I did think about being a vet when I was a kid, but keep in mind that was probably around age 13. All it took was one chemistry class for me to reconsider that career path. I’m not really good with math, either. Kind of a big prerequisite for being a doctor. Also, I like drawing too much.
Mike Norton, Battlepug, page 34, 2011
Revival has been one of those must read books for me in recent time. Can you share with us how you and Tim Seeley initiated this effort? Also, Can you discuss the process you and Seeley employ in the ongoing development of this horror-science fiction comic?
Revival came about just because Tim and I work together. The idea came to fruition through many lunch breaks. We’d talk about the kind of book we wanted to do. He wanted to do a crime story, I wanted to do something weird and character-based like the tv show, Lost. The idea of a town where zombies live but don’t eat brains came out of that. The more we talked about it, the more we both thought this project could have some steam. After Tim wrote the first plot, I knew we were.
Tim Seeley + Mike Norton, Revival, 2012-present
2016 appears to be a busy year. I see you are participating in numerous comic cons (e.g., C2E2, Gem City, Boston…), while diligently working upon your ongoing book(s) (e.g., Revival). Can you share with us how you manage your time and production? The schedule just appears nonstop. I am wandering how you juggle your professional life with the demands of participating in cons and online social media?
It’s really difficult. I’ve been lucky to be fairly fast at drawing, so I try to manage 2 pages a day, but managing two monthly projects on top of traveling has taken a toll over the last few years. I’m trying to slow down, but I have a real hard time saying no to projects I think could be cool.
Mike Norton, Deadpug, 2016
You‘ve noted that at an early age you were influenced by a wide array of seminal comic artists (e.g., Buscema, Byrne, Romita, Sr., Chaykin, Wagner). I am wandering what you take from these artists in terms of application and narrative. Are there any specific aesthetic strategies that resonate with you and hope to apply in your practice?
Romita Sr. was one of the first artists I remember seeing as a child. He was a storyteller. I learned from his work that telling a clear story was paramount. Byrne and Buscema showed me that you could do that with energy and style as well. I spent much of my youth studying the hell out of everything Byrne made. Chaykin came later, and I was thrilled about his incorporation of graphic design into his art. Also, the adult themes of his books made me realize I could make these stories for everybody as well.
Mike Norton, Battlepug, page 25, 2011
What do you value most about your cartooning practice?
It’s the one thing I do where I feel completely in control of what I’m doing. Even when I don’t know what I’m doing. Making comics is a safe space for me where the world doesn’t matter. Not a lot of people have that. I’m lucky that it’s my job.
Tim Seeley + Mike Norton, Revival, Volume 2: Live Like You Mean It,
cover, Image Comics, 2013
What are you presently working upon? Do you have any specific upcoming books or projects that you are excited about sharing with your readers?
I’m currently finishing up Revival and drawing Archer and Armstrong. After that? I have several things in the air, but not sure where any of them will land. Maybe I’ll even take a vacation!
Mike Norton, cartoonist, Chicago, IL, 2014 by Chester Alamo-Costello
For additional information on Battlepug, Revival and Mike Norton, check out:
Mike Norton – http://www.ihatemike.com/
Mike on Twitter – https://twitter.com/themikenorton?lang=en
Battlepug – http://battlepug.com/comic/2016/7/6/thank-you
Revival – https://imagecomics.com/comics/series/revival
Artist interview by Chester Alamo-Costello
