QUICK QUESTIONS WITH Eugene J Byrne

WHO ARE YOU AND WHAT IS YOUR CONNECTION TO COMICS?
I’m Eugene J. Byrne – I’m EIC and Publisher of Havoc 21, for Wolfman Productions International
WHAT COMIC ARE YOU WORKING ON RIGHT NOW?
Compiling Havoc issue #6, #7 & #8 – Producing the art and scripts for ‘The Diaries of AVH’, painting a series of landscapes of Ireland, plus plotting a script for a novlette and/or possibly a film script.
WHAT’S THE BEST PART OF MAKING COMICS?
As I’ve been involved in all aspects of making comics I have found the best part is still being an artist (drawing or even painting) and as an added bonus is when I’m working on one of my own scripts.. Which I’ve been focused on for the passed two years.
WHAT’S THE WORST PART OF MAKING COMICS?
The time it takes and sometimes working with others.  Not a lot of people are actually ready for the exceptionally hard work involved and the time it takes, they bail and leave you hanging.
HOW DID YOU FIRST DISCOVER COMICS?
Superman as a child, then the Batman, he’s been my favourite ever since, but the comic and character that showed me the possibility of getting in was 2000AD and Judge Dredd. That is one amazing bastion of comics.
WHO IS THE BIGGEST INFLUENCE ON YOUR WORK?
There isn’t one. Caravaggio has driven my hunger and style, but when I saw such striking work in comics, in 2000AD (Colin Macneill, Greg Staples, Dermot Power, and many others.) is when my eyes were opened.  To this day I follow those artists and I’ve added Alex Ross to those names.
WHAT TOOLS OF THE TRADE DO YOU USE?
Pencil, pen, graphic tablet, paint brush, oils or acrylics.  Whatever tool is required to complete the job.
WHAT IS THE SINGLE WORK OF WHICH YOU ARE MOST PROUD?
I’m just wrapping up a story of AVH, and I’m proud of the style that I crafted doing it.  Plus I’m delighted with how our new Omnibus cover turned out.
WHAT IS THE BEST ADVICE YOU HAVE RECEIVED?
I’ve had some but do not remember who said what.
WHAT IS THE WORST ADVICE YOU HAVE EVER RECEIVED?
There is none that comes to mind!
WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THE CURRENT IRISH COMIC SCENE?
I’m living in the States right now, so I’m getting my info from second hand sources but I hear good things.
WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO SEE HAPPEN IN IRISH COMIC IN THE NEAR FUTURE?
Companies getting established that are stable, have a base of operations that hires and retains staff and to see an healthy Irish comic market that buys regularly Irish comics.
WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO SEE HAPPEN IN COMICS IN GENERAL IN THE NEAR FUTURE?
More national (and international) recognition from all forms of media!
WHAT WAS THE LAST COMIC THAT MADE AN IMPACT ON YOU?
Hellboy is the latest comic to radically have an impact on me; simply because has shown me how to tell a small story in a powerful way.
FROM YOUR EXPERIENCE WHAT IS THE BEST ADVICE YOU COULD GIVE SOMEONE WHO WANTS TO START MAKING THEIR OWN COMICS? (And don’t say DON’T:) )
Start slowly, it’s a marathon, pace yourself, perfect your skills, layout the project, from beginning to end, have all pieces figured out and make sure you can complete it.  There is nothing worse or more soul destroying than not getting your goal complete.
ANY FINAL THOUGHTS?
Ask yourself why you want to do it.  Research the amount of work involved (ask professionals at cons) and have clear long term goals that are within your reach.  Believe in yourself.  Know your skills, and always practice.  Network.  Get to know like minded.
Eugene was drawn from a very early age to ‘creating’.  He has studied using oils, watercolours and acrylics, working  in oils for most of his work.  In previous years he opened ArtMasters Studio, offering evening and weekend classes.  He studied Design, Life Drawing, with a focus on anatomy,  followed by doing two years studying Animation.   He got into indie comics when he left college.  Just over a year after college he started up Wolfman Productions Ireland which is now Wolfman Productions International.  Current projects are: Completing Havoc 21 issues 6- 10, Releasing Wraith (TPB), Releasing The Diaries of AVH (TPB)