Interview with John Arcudi - B.P.R.D. 2012

B.P.R.D. bends the rules of team comics and is hitting a new high in 2012 when the Hell on Earth series continues, beginning with B.P.R.D. Hell on Earth--The Long Death. We stole a few moments of John Arcudi's time to chat about writing for Mike Mignola's B.P.R.D.

Don't forget you can give B.P.R.D. Hollow Earth #1 to your friends free, digitally, to get them started on this amazing series. 

Dark Horse Comics: B.P.R.D. hits a crescendo in 2012 following the death of Hellboy in 2011. What are you most excited about within the varied story lines that hit in the next six months?

John Arcudi: For the first half of 2012 we get to focus on individual characters a bit more within the B.P.R.D. continuity. It’s something I always got to do with a one-shot here or a mini there set in the past, but to have these characters front and center and changing in real ways in our current timeline—that’s pretty cool. It feels more “real,” if that makes any sense. 

DHC: What major challenges have you faced bringing so many stories in line with this huge event?

A: The timing, really. To accommodate the schedules of all the great artists we’re working with, sometimes I find myself writing series out of sequence, so it can be odd. You have to think about the way a previous series (that you haven’t finished writing yet) will end. But that’s what we have Scott for. And Daniel. And proofreaders. And . . .

DHC: Do you have a favorite agent within the B.P.R.D. to write?

A: Daimio used to be, when I was writing him more, so it’s nice to bring him back, but these days it’s probably Johann—although Devon’s been kind of a hoot lately.

DHC: B.P.R.D. is such a fun, dynamic, character-driven series. What resonates most for you?

A: I really identify with Kate. All this chaos around her and she’s struggling to stay human, and normal, and good—but I feel like that applies to every character. It’s not just a matter of doing the right thing; it’s a matter of trying to even figure out what the right thing is. Kind of an everyday struggle, you know? Don’t gotta be a fish guy to relate to that, do you? 

DHC: For those B.P.R.D. agents out there trying to get their friends to read the series, what phrase would you use to convince a friend to begin?

A: We don’t do “event stunts” in B.P.R.D. The B.P.R.D. is the event.

DHC: If you had a superpower, what would it be?

A: The power to sound less stupid in interviews . . .