-Tell us a little bit about your background? How did you get into being a creator?

"Well for my background, I've always loved comics and animation. Growing up in the 90s we had great cartoons and comics."

 

-How did you come up with the idea Canada Bear?

"This is a great question, So, my family is actually from Canada. My father was the first US born. Never really knew of any Canadian superheroes other than Captain Canuck. Back in 2009, while still attending Edinboro University, studying animation we had a character design course. One weekend I was watching my friend Joe play a game called Age of Mythology, which is like Age of Empires. He put in a cheat code called (OH CANADA). It was a pixelated bear, no cape and shot lasers out of its eyes. Saw that and inspiration took over."

 

-For someone who has never heard of it, how would you describe the story of Canada Bear?

"Well I would describe Canada Bear the story. The setting takes place in a city called OH, Canada. They were at war with the Swiss. The Canadian government created a nuke to end the coldest of all wars. The Canadian air force (which is betrayed as geese) are shot down by a hunter. The nuke falls at a local zoo, where Canada Bear lives. Nuke explodes giving him his powers. Since his creation villains emerge and he defends Canada with all of his might, eh?"

 

-I'm sure the average person hasn't made a comic book, what goes into it?

" All a lot goes into a comic book. It's never one person, it takes a team! I did create the characters of Canada Bear but it took the writing of Sean Wilson to help get the comics started. The basic pipeline for a comic is Writer, Artist, Inker, Colorist and Letterer. There are one person shows out there but it's usually a team."

 

-What's the toughest part about making and continuing the story in a comic?

" Well the challenges are plenty. Being on the same page, finances and even just the passion for the project. Keeping a series going is having a great plan from the start. Don't rush into it with just a small sample of the whole story. Take your time with the writing. Its the most important part! Great art may attract a reader, but good writing makes them come back."

 

- What advice would you give someone who might be looking into either writing or illustrating a comic or book?

"Well this ties into what I said in the previous question. Be on the same page! That is so important. If you're a writer and looking for an artist, make sure you hire whomever you can afford and clear instructions on your vision."

 

-Any big plans with Canada Bear in the future?

" Yes, more issues are being created as we speak. We are taking 2022 as a developing year. Will be doing Comic Cons and signings in 2023. Actually working on multiple titles that are based in the Canada Bear universe."

 

-Can you describe your drawing routine: how often you draw, how many hours per day, how you break up the day with drawing?

" Can't stress enough how important drawing everyday is. You don't need to create a masterpiece everyday either. Simply "doodling" during periods of the day helps. Keeping inspiration can be tough. Sometimes drawing can seem like a chore. You always have to remember why you draw and who or what inspired you to start. When i'm in a rut, I always look at artist work that inspires me to get the creative juices going."

 

-For someone interested in purchasing the Canada Bear comics where can they do that?

"In 2023 we will have more copies. But, local comics shops in the Cleveland area have carried Canada Bear. Also our website, you can head over to SP-COMICS.COM."

 

-Do you read a lot of comics? What are some of your all time favorites?

"Oh for sure I do read comics. Big GHOST RIDER and HELLBOY fan. I'll read anything Marvel and some indie. DC comics are not what it used to be, which is sad."

 

-What are some of your biggest pet peeves with the comic book making process?

"Biggest pet peeve is people giving up so early. It's a process. Always trust the process. You get what you put into it."

 

-Thanks again for taking the time to talk and teach us about the process in making a comic and Canada Bear!

"You're welcome! Thank you for considering me!"