Writer Curt Pires is making Comixology his home away from home with his 8th Comixology Originals series, Stillman.
Pires reunites with his Memoria collaborator, artist Sunando C, on Stillman, which explores the life of a happy family man by day and a hitman by night.
With the release of Stillman #1 this week, we thought it would be a good idea to speak to Pires about his latest series in this exclusive interview.
Where did the idea for Stillman originate?
Curt Pires: I was re-watching The Sopranos a few years back and was really struck by how it genre mashes a family drama with a violent mob genre piece. I wanted to find my own way into such a piece of storytelling, and thought a John Wick style contract killer with a family / double life would be interesting.
Your protagonist has to lead a double life of a family man and a hitman. What are the biggest obstacles when it comes to balancing both worlds?
Pires: Not bringing your work home with you. No blood on the shirt or shoes, and make sure your wife doesn’t catch you when you’re burying the money in the yard.
You work with Sunando again on Stillman. What was that like and what does he bring to this type of material in terms of his art style?
Pires: Sunando does a great job on Issue one. Alex Diotto, Stefan Tosheff and Luca Casalinguida all do amazing work as well. It is particularly exciting for me that Luca draws the two-part series finale of season one.
You’ve written a number of comic series and done work in other mediums. What is rewarding and frustrating when it comes to creating a comic book?
Pires: It’s more rewarding than frustrating. I’m rarely frustrated with the creative process – but more often find myself frustrated with the bureaucracy of the publishers and that I end up doing people’s jobs for them, because I care deeply about getting the books out into the world, in the best shape possible, and in front of as many eyes as possible. And honestly, 9-5’s at publishing houses will never care about the books as much as you. That said – I love Comixology. Jeff is doing a great job and is a stand up guy—so very excited for the future here.
You’ve done extensive work through Comixology. What do you like about the digital platform?
Pires: It democratizes comics. Broke kids can log into their parents’ prime and discover our wonderful medium.
Upcoming projects?
Pires: Lost Fantasy-my hit image series-has issue four out in about a month. And the first TPB and issue five are out mid-November. About a week later my first DSTLRY book Galactic will finally be released after being pushed back due to the diamond bankruptcy / circus. Really can’t wait for people to read this one. Lots more coming!
Stillman #1 is available to read right now on Comixology.
