Bill Nichols’ Prescription:
Comics 10ccs of the Process with
Michael T. Gilbert

I’ve been a longtime fan of Michael T. Gilbert’s Mr. Monster. So much so that I was inspired to do some fan art and write a letter to the letters column. And I’m glad to see Michael AND Mr. Monster are both still around. Let’s keep it that. 

-Bill

 

What inspires you to create and keeps you going?

I love telling stories and creating characters. I try to get my readers can get involved in my stories.

 

Do you have a set routine?

I generally go the gym in the morning, have breakfast, then work  until five or so (with a lunch break in between). Sometimes I do some work at night, but I’m fairly flexible.

 

What kind of output do you try to achieve?

It varies. Every six weeks or so I send in one of my Mr. Monster’s Comic Crypt columns to Roy Thomas’s Alter Ego magazine. In between I work on Mr. Monster stories, commissions and the like.

 

What inspires you WHEN you create? Music? Noise? Silence?

When I’m writing I listen to music in the background. When I’m drawing I listen to either music or podcasts. I can’t listen to podcasts when I’m writing.

Who was the first comic book creator that influenced you to pursue this?

Jack Kirby or Steve Ditko, most likely. When I was just a kid in 1959 when my grandmother gave me a copy of Tales To Astonish #1. It had a lead Kirby giant-monster story and a spooky Ditko backup tale. Both inspired me to do my own drawings.

 

When did you realize you could follow this path yourself?

Probably when I was twelve or thirteen and started realizing there were guys who wrote and drew comics.

What do you find to be a challenge in creating?

I love drawing Mr. Monster and Doc Stearn. But when I have to draw realistic backgrounds and do research, I find myself avoiding it. That seems too much like real work!

What else do you have to learn?
Nothing. I currently know everything. 😉

What keeps you motivated to get better?

I get a real sense of pride when I do a story that approaches the work of the cartoonists I admire. The closer I can get to Will Eisner, Wally Wood, or Steve Ditko, the happier I am.

Can you turn your brain (creativity) off (and on)?

It’s a muscle I’ve exercised for over half a century. I can turn it on when needed, but often story ideas also come when I’m not thinking about it.

 

Booster Shots

 

What advice do you have for aspiring creators?

Be persistent, keep improving and a side job isn’t a bad idea.

Do you ever worry about running out of ideas?

Not really. That’s never been a problem for me. And if that ever goes South, there’s always lots of ideas from other comics, books and movies to swipe!  😉  

How do you handle the slow times?

I work on my own projects, or pitch ideas to publishers. I’m fine with that.

Do you have a website or link?

https://www.facebook.com/michael.t.gilbert

DISCLAIMER: The opinions expressed by the above creator are theirs. This interview may not 

be reprinted or reposted without permission.