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28 Words Later
with Declan Shalvey

by David O'Leary

Well after a two month break, we are back with another edition of 28 Words Later where we exclusively talk with series artist Declan Shalvey about the recently released issue 10. So read on...

David O'Leary: Hey Dec, nice to be back. It's been a couple of months.

Declan Shalvey: Thanks man. Good to be back.

DO'L: You were at C2E2 recently and met Michael Nelson. Did you discuss much about the book?

DS: Oh definitely. I was sitting with Michael for most of the convention and we really got to have a great chat about the book and where it's heading. Michael told me about a lot of cool stuff that was coming up and we even got to work out a pretty important scene in issue 12. It was actually a scene I really wanted to draw and it just happened to be coming up in the next issue. Actually getting to collaborate in person with Michael, with that scene in particular, was a highpoint of my career to date.

DO'L: Did you check out Leonardo Manco's work last issue. Very gritty but good looking stuff.

DS: Yeah, I was a little bummed when I saw the issue, as I thought Leonardo did such a great job! I can't afford to take any more breaks in the story, as BOOM! keep getting such great artists to fill in for me. I thought all the soldier stuff Leonardo drew was great in particular.

DO'L: This issue sees you on cover duties for the second time. Will that be continuing from here on out?

DS: It'll be continuing for a few issues at least. I have about 6 covers coming up. That's all for the near future. Sean Phillips is the Eisner-nominated cover artist after all, he might as well show me how it's done (Laughs).

Dec's cover issue 10

DO'L: This issue also marks the first time that you were working with Al Rockefeller. Now that Nick has moved to The House of Ideas, what is like with Al? Does he bring something new to the table for you or is it a case of smooth continuity?

DS: Well Nick has been at Marvel for a while now, but he really wanted to work on the book, so it was great to have him when we were starting out. Unfortunately, Nick's workload at Marvel got too heavy, and he had to leave the book. I was really sorry to see Nick leave, as I think we made a really great art team. At times, I thought he was reading my mind, as he was colouring certain panels just like I would have if I was colouring, only he did a much better job. We have a new ongoing colourist coming on board with issue 11, so Al kindly stepped in for issue 12 to smooth things over.

DO'L: A new aspect of the story presented itself here with the menace of the military coming to the fore for the first time since the attack on the boat. With the setting of the forest it is an interesting meld of nature and machinery to tell the story. Does that present any unique challenges for you? For example, the helicopter over the VW, in front of an evergreen seems like a lot to lay out.

DS: Well, thankfully, I didn't have to draw that scene, as that helicopter was in issue 9, but I am enjoying all the military stuff. Saying that, I really enjoy drawing all the trees and foliage, so yeah, having both elements in a story makes it far more interesting to draw. With more machinery in a story, things do get more complex, but it stops the story from becoming repetitive. Each issue gives me a fun new challenge.

Interior art for issue 10

DO'L: For the first time we see the infected presented not as the predators that we have seen so far but as bait and the hunted. One of the best shots you have here is the shot you have of the Infected being herded to the cattle truck which was deep in meaning. It represents a subtle shift that makes the military the foremost threat to the group in a while. Will we see in this arc a more organised and focused threat to the group?

DS: Yeah, the Infected aren't really the main threat in this issue, much like they weren't in the last issue either, but I really like that. The existence of the Infected created a certain tension in the book, but that isn't necessarily the most interesting threat. The Infected are a mindless force of nature, but being alone in a room with a man with a gun is terrifying in a different way; a more interesting threat, I would argue. With this military force, there is a most serious and definite threat to the group. I cannot stress that enough. There is some pretty intense stuff coming up in the next couple of issues.

DO'L: How many issues in this arc?

DS: Three. Leonardo's issue was something of a breather, hinting at the upcoming threat. Issue 10 is part one of the 3 part 'Bend In The Road', which culminates in issue 12.

DO'L: One of the quieter moments that sticks out in this issue is the shot on page 14 where we see the humorous exchange between Selena and Clint. More so with each issue we are seeing the two of them depend on each other for emotional support. The subtle smile she gives in the last panel on the page is a rare emotion for her to show. I fear that they are being set up for a bad fall down the road that if something happens to one or the other it will make for a great story for us. The gentle building of this is one of the great continuing points of the story so far. Michael has a great sense of characterisation and knows these guys inside out. How beneficial is it to someone like that guiding the story?

DS: Oh, I can't overstate how important it is. Well, to be honest, any writer worth his salt should be doing so, but the unfortunate truth is that many of them don't. Drawing a comic is so much work, but at least when I get a script from Michael, I know he's spent the time on the plot, the characters, the emotional beats and the direction of the story. I know Michael works with Ian Brill, the editor, about where the book is going and it shows; every script I get is better than the last and every emotional kick in the guts is more powerful than the last.

Cheers to Dec for talking with us, it's always cool to talk to about this book, so join us next month for part 2 of ';Bend In The Road' where we will have more insight into the making of the issue.

If you are interested in buying some original artwork from the series, just contact the man himself on dshalv@gmail.com We won't be back with Dec until issue ten hits the shelves but next month marks the first cover that Dec has done for the series so pick that up and check back soon for another edition of 28 Words Later. Thanks for reading.

Interviewer Bio

Name: David O' Leary
email: idwfan@yahoo.co.uk

Been reading comics: for about 12 years now.

Review Bio: I am a 26-year-old Hotel Manager from the west coast of the Republic of Ireland and think this is a great way to talk to others about this cool medium. I am a husband to one wife and father to one girl (so far).

Favorites: ONI's Whiteout, Vertigo's Scalped and Garth Ennis Preacher and Punisher in Trades. In comic form I am reading a lot of Marvel and a bit of IDW, Dark Horse & WildStorm among others.

Website: Sorry, I don't have one!

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