An interview with Artist James Daly

 

How did you first become involved with 2099?

James: I was freelancing for White Wolf Games doing illustration for their Vampire RPG's, and some smaller comic book publishers, while also working full time at a Kinko's in Green Bay, Wisconsin. My agent at the time asked me to do a test image based on Ashley Wood's work for an opportunity to be his inker. My memory is not perfect, but I think Ash called me at Kinko's expressing he liked my test piece. Joey Cavalieri, the editor on Ghost Rider 2099, called me at work soon after and offered me the job. It was really exciting for me.

 

What recollections do you have about working with editor Joey Cavalieiri?

James: Joey was great. He took care of us, Ashley and I, For me it was my first mainstream comics job. I would consider him a mentor in many ways. Years later I got to visit him when he was at DC which was really nice. Joe was always great to me.

What do you recall about working with Ashley Wood? Was he a tough artist to ink for?

James: Ashley is hilarious, and we formed a fast friendship during our time on GR2099. He was in Perth, Australia and I was in Green Bay, Wi, so to save time he would fax me pencils and more often just his layouts which I would lightbox and do finishes/ ink on the board. I maybe inked 4-5 pages of real, physical pencils of his and a cover. It was a challenge to ink him, but I learned a lot from Ashley and I grateful for the experience. My phone bills were hilariously expensive, but I thought it was worth every penny to build a solid relationship with Ash. 

Do you have a favorite issue or cover?

James: I actually did pencils and inks for the last issue, so since it was my first gig doing pencils, that might be my favorite, but issue 16 was the only time I got to ink the cover, so that issue was really special for me. Truthfully, since it was my first job at Marvel, I really enjoyed it as a whole experience.

What do you recall about the cancellation?

James: I remember that the sales were dropping and that around that time Ash decided to leave the book. I was asked to finish the series doing pencils and inks, so I stayed on. It was an opportunity to graduate from just doing ink work for me, so I took it. Sadly, It was not long after in 1996 that Marvel filed for bankruptcy. I left the comics industry full time to work in concept art for video games, with only one break to do Bad Planet for RAW Studios.

 


 

Questions or Comments? Email me.