There's always a 'new' (to me at least) creator in the area, and Allan Liska is the latest to agree to our usual set of questions.
A few weekends ago, I was at the Fairfax Comic Con, and stopped by the table of Green Archer Comics, drawn by their recent publication of a Buck Rogers comic book, while the rights to the character are in dispute. Here's two interviews that goes into that subject: Words, Images, & Worlds with Allan Liska & Benn Liska, and THE AWESOME COMICS PODCAST Episode 521 - Who Gives a Buck?, while Allan focuses here on his background and new project.
What type of comic work or cartooning do you do?
My brother Benn and I are writers, so we pen the scripts and edit each other (in addition to working with professional editors) and then work with artists locally and around the country to do the art.
When (within a decade is fine) and where were you born?
Late 1960s.
Why are you in Washington now? What neighborhood or area do you live in?
I grew up in the DC area and we just never moved. There is so much to do in the area and easy access to airports that will take us anywhere, so I'm not sure why we'd move. We currently live in, and our office is in, the Herndon area.
What is your training and/or education in cartooning?
I studied sociology at the University of Maryland, College Park (go Terps) and work in cybersecurity by day, so comic book writing/publishing is more my secret identity.
Who are your influences?
Our parents are from Johnstown, PA area, so we grew up reading Steve Ditko! Jack Kirby and Dennis O'Neil are big comic influences. But, beyond comics, Leslie Charteris, Dashiell Hammett, Louis L'Amour and Edgar Wallace are big influences on my writing.
If you could, what in your career would you do-over or change? Or rather, how are you hoping your career will develop?
We've only been creating comics for two years, so it's a little early for career predictions. Right now, I want to make comics that connect with people, that remind them why they loved comics in the first place or convince them that they should love comics.What work are you best-known for?
Yours Truly, Johnny Dollar. Growing up in the DC area, I've listened to the Big Broadcast Sunday evening on WAMU for decades now and love those old radio serials. But, Johnny Dollar was always my favorite, even before I knew what an "expense account" was. I think what attracted me most to the stories is that Johnny's superpower has always been that he is the most competent guy in the room. He isn't the smartest, strongest, fastest, he just knows what's going on and can anticipate what's coming. I was convinced an updated version of Johnny Dollar taking on hackers would be a way to tell modern stories, but stay true to the original stories and, thankfully, the comic has been incredibly well received.
What work are you most proud of?Right now, we have a Kickstarter for The Green Archer, which is based on a 1923 book by Edgar Wallace of the same name. The project not only includes a 150-page comic, it also includes a documentary about the book and the three movies made based on that book. This is, by far, our most ambitious project and it is amazing to see it come to fruition.
What would you like to do or work on in the future?
For 2026 we are planning on releasing a comic based on the first The Saint novel, Meet the Tiger and in 2027, assuming our lawyers sign off on it, we want to do a Shadow comic.
What do you do when you're in a rut or have writer's block?
There's a reason we're called Green Archer Comics. I have a target set up in my back yard and when I am having trouble writing I go out and shoot some arrows. I get into a bit of a Zen state where everything else fades away and it is just me and the target.
What do you think will be the future of your field?
The comics business has always been tough. Almost from the beginning the comics industry feels like it has been on the precipice of collapse, whether from war, censorship, poor business decisions, Manga or whatever the current threat is... something has always been coming for comics. But, comics continue to survive.
We live in a weird state now, where entertainment based on comic book IP is a multi-billion dollar industry, but comics themselves continue to struggle.
The industry will remain, but, like everything else it will evolve and change,
What local cons do you attend? The Small Press Expo, Awesome Con, or others? Any comments about attending them?
We table at AwesomeCon, Fairfax Comic Con, Big Lick Comic Con (NoVa), Stellar Con, Baltimore Comic Con and Lot Con (The Comic Logic, of Ashburn, biannual con). We've been to the Small Press Expo a number of time (and will be attending this year) but haven't been lucky enough to win the table lottery there yet. Baltimore is, by far, my favorite and the one my son and I have been attending since he was 5. I also love the Small Press Expo because of the great indie creators I get to meet and chat with.
What comic books do you read regularly or recommend?
I am big Green Arrow fan, so I read him every month same with Batgirl, Birds of Prey, almost anything Mad Cave puts out, I also love The Green Hornet, when Dynamite has a new run. My current favorite is News from the Fallout from Image. I am also loving the 75th anniversary celebration of Godzilla comics that IDW is putting out.
What's your favorite thing about DC?
In the same day I can visit a museum and then be out in Virginia at a winery (I've actually done that). I also love being surrounded by expertise. There are so many people in this area that are experts in the most obscure, but interesting, fields that you never know what kind of conversations you are going to have at a dinner party.
Least favorite?
I'm guessing everyone responds to this with traffic, and I don't want to break that streak :).
What monument or museum do you like to take visitors to?
We tend to take visitors to one of the amazing wineries in Virginia, but our go-to museums for visitors who want some culture are The National Museum of the American Indian and the Spy Museum,
How about a favorite local restaurant?
We grew up 10 minutes away from the original Ledo Pizza and Ledo's is still my favorite pizza to the point that when I was in NYC last year I stopped by the Ledo's there for lunch.
Do you have a website or blog?
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