Behind the Scenes ✨
We’re doing something a little different tonight and bringing you the behind the scenes scoop on the writing of Smithers&Wing! We’ve had some questions about the book and our process so here goes!
This delicious comic was, like most of my work, born title first. Smithers&Wing, a perfect duo. The names belong to a real pair of friends I encountered in late 2017. They sound like detectives, don’t they?
At the same time, Kirsty asked for a script with queer protagonists (alright, she asked for something saucy and queer, and she got spooky and queer). I wanted Smithers&Wing to be about opposites; a city that makes its money on ghost stories being too supernaturally quiet to make a living as a spook, a spell-caster and a detective, a catholic school-teacher and a wild young witch. Where Smithers&Wing came from and who they are now.
The making of Smithers&Wing has been a super collaborative process. This was the first time I had written for the graphic novel format as opposed to single issues so getting it right took time, research and a lot of writing. Luckily, Kirsty is an incredible comics-maker and so she gave editorial feedback throughout.
My scripting style doesn’t generally include panelling (that’s the Page one, panel one, panel two etc bit) and it’s always meant a lot more freedom for the artist. Even now as we publish these pages, Kirsty has been breaking up script pages to add bigger spreads and incorporate that beautiful magic she’s making. The point of scripts, I think, is to bring the artist into the world of the book and create an atmosphere that will seep into every panel, every background detail and every colour choice. I can give Kirsty space to make those things happen because I know I did my job making that atmosphere at the start.
Kirsty and I have been working on this book for a few years now and every time I look at a completed page, I am still beside myself with excitement for what we have created, the fresh takes Kirsty has given, the easter eggs and the world we built.
The last part of this collaboration is going to be with you. Comics cannot be what they are without readers, and Smithers&Wing needs you! On 28 October, we will be launching our Kickstarter, with an aim to raise enough to bring this story to print and into your hands. We’re excited, and a bit nervous, but we know we can count on you to back Smithers&Wing - and Kirsty and I!
Or, you know, we’ll set a Nuckelavee on you.
That’s enough from me! We’ll be back to comics later this week, so keep your eyes open.
Heather