Forging Ahead: David Steward II & Shannon Eric Denton talk about Lion Forge Comics

Television shows from the 1980s are not only reappearing on the big screen but also within the pages of digital comic books.  “The NBCUniversal deal was something we actively sought out,” states Lion Forge Comics founder and CEO David Steward II.  “We had been on the hunt for nostalgic properties from our youth to bring back to readers with a new generational twist.”  The transmedia studio will be commencing the newly formed creative partnership with Knight Rider, Airwolf, Miami Vice, Punky Brewster and Saved by the Bell.  “These properties were chosen specifically by our team because we’ve been long-time fans of the shows. We wanted to reignite older properties. We believe fans past and present will enjoy our take on the shows in digital form using familiar storylines mixed with new content.”  Steward II observes,  “The digital format has basically allowed us different tools to use in our storytelling.  Instead of page bleeds in a print format, we have transitions that allow us to convey motion or slowly reveal things like a modern ‘flip-book.’”  The collectors market established by print comics will not become a thing of the past in the digital age.  “I actually think it will help print because it will add more scarcity to the marketplace.  One of the big reasons older comics have become so valuable is because most moms threw out their kids comic collections when they left the house. This made them scarce and, thus, more valuable. As more companies more toward digital and limit print runs, the value of those editions and the ‘collectability’ should increase.”

“Shannon [Eric Denton] is one of two senior editors we have; he is based in Los Angeles and works on several titles, including Airwolf, Knight Rider and Miami Vice,” states David Steward II.  “Adam Staffaroni is the other senior editor; he’s based in New York and oversees Saved by the Bell and Punky Brewster. Both Shannon and Adam also work on our original titles, in the Catalyst Prime Universe.”   Lion Forge Comics Senior Editor Shannon Eric Denton explains, “Both Airwolf and Knight Rider are developed as modern reboots of the original series, so while they incorporate modern details and events, fans will still get to enjoy seeing their favourite characters and familiar storylines mixed with new content.  Whereas Miami Vice is set in the 1980s and is the time in-between seasons 1 and 2. We’re working hard with that one to make it feel like episodes you think you missed in the original run. All in all we’re big fans of these properties, regardless of whether they are set during the original continuity or re-imaginings of the properties set in the modern day.”  Denton notes, “At the heart of each project are its characters. Even if it’s a re-imagining, the characters have to ring true to the original property the fans know and love.”

Handling the Airwolf comic are writer David Gorden, artist Koi Turnbull, colourist Sai and letterer Marshall Dillion.  “We first start with choosing the appropriate writer for each of our projects,” explains David Steward II.  “David Gorden was a big fan of the original Airwolf series so he was a natural fit. Once we had a script, we tried out a few artists to find the right style to the tone David set and Koi fit the bill for the initial launch [of the comic].  After the art was completed Sai and Marshall helped round out the team and we added them to the final product.”  Shannon Eric Denton remarks, “The biggest challenge is just how much technology has advanced since that show was on the air. Most of us carry phones now that are more advanced than the original helicopter, but that being said, the show was never really about the technology.  Airwolf was a about a man and his relationship with his friends and his moral obligation to do the right thing no matter the cost. We’re working hard to honour that.”  The digital format was a concern.  “Upon completion of the book we are always amazed at how the current technology aids the storytelling process. What was originally feared by many in our industry [digital comics] has actually advanced the industry in ways that are constantly changing. It’s an exciting time to be making comics!”

Knight Rider pairs writer Geffrey Thorne, artist Jason Johnson, colourists Milen Parvanov and letterer Deron Bennett. “Geoffrey had always wanted to write about Knight Rider since he was young,” states David Steward II.  “Once the script was developed, we found Jason Johnson whose artwork matched the storytelling. Then we rounded out the team with Milen, Sai, and Deron, who helped build upon and further refine the base that was started with the writer and artist. Like any good TV show, a comic is driven by the enthusiasm of its creative team. We’ve got the enthusiasm in this group!”  Like with Airwolf, technology is a key part of the Knight Rideruniverse.  “We tried hard to keep the element of futuristic adventure and hi-tech heroes, such as Knight Industries Two Thousand [K.I.T.T.], an artificially intelligent and technologically advanced automobile.  We also made sure the interplay between the show’s two main characters, K.I.T.T. and Michael, remained intact albeit with a slight role reversal. In the original series, Michael was a bit more brash and impulsive while K.I.T.T. was the wise ‘father figure’ type. In our version, K.I.T.T. is the one that learns and develops from Michael’s experience.” Shannon Eric Denton reveals, “Our biggest challenge was probably visual. We had to figure out how to make a modern prototype car feel like a Pontiac from the 1980s. I think Jason nailed it with regard to that.”  Denton adds, “We obviously want fans to love reading these as much as we love making them.  If we can get that, we’ll be completely happy!”

“We see the comic book industry shifting into the digital era, which allows us to expand our creativity through digital platforms,” states David Steward II.  “Digital distribution affords us a multitude of opportunities to enhance our storytelling in ways that cannot be achieved through print. The ability to put rich media into comics is hugely advantageous to us; you can add anything from animation and video, to music, voice-overs and other interesting things to further immerse the viewer in the book. We are always looking at ways to expand the storytelling experience you get when reading our comics. In addition to our NBCUniversal-licensed properties, we also have several original titles out, including The Joshua Run, Wonderous: The Adventures of Claire Sinclair, Catalyst Prime and Roboy.”  Steward II concludes, “We’re grateful for all of the success and positive responses we’ve had so far! Keep checking out Lion Forge Comics and keep an eye out for all the great things we have in store for the rest of the year. Be sure to like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter. Also find us online at www.lionforge.com."