Richard: How did you end up on the "G.I. Joe 25th Anniversary" comics?

Jeremy: I was asked directly by the lead editor of the project via email whether I'd be interested in drawing the comics. They had seen my artwork online and had really enjoyed some of my work on 1980s properties, and I suppose my enthusiasm for that sort of character really showed through.

Richard: What attributes does your art give to the Joes?

Jeremy: Seeing as how these comics take place in continuity around the time of the original Marvel Comics issues of the 1980s, I tried to keep it in a more classic, iconic vibe to stay true to the characters first and foremost. My style still shows through, but being a huge fan of the comics, the TV show, and the action figures as a child really gave me a good understanding of the property before even starting the first page.

Richard: Do you prefer drawing the good guys or bad?

Jeremy: It really depends on the project. On something like G.I. Joe, I much preferred to illustrate the antagonists-- the main Cobra characters have wonderfully eye-catching designs and their characters are more fleshed-out than most of the Joes, I've found.

On most properties, though, it's all about the hero. I love drawing comics if for no other reason than I get to work in ideals and heroic visions-- black and white heroes and villains, the belief that you can achieve great things in the midst of absolute terror? That's something that comics can get across in such a unique way that no other media can even approach! I love that.

Richard: What is "Absolute Zeroes" about and how did you come about creating it?

Jeremy: Absolute Zeroes follows a brother-and-sister duo of new superheroes as they struggle to find their place in their unique situation. I've had a ton of fun working out how to balance the fun, classic comics of yesteryear and still bring to it a modern edge... all without ever allowing it to seem cheesy.

Honestly, there's so much I want to do with this series and so little time to make it all happen. I'd love to bring more Kirby-style ideas to the table, just toss zillions of situations at the page and just... well, CREATE. I love coming across books that explore new concepts and ideas in that matter.

Richard: What is the main drawing point of "Absolute Zeroes"?

Jeremy: Remember the joy and excitement you felt when you read your first comic? I want to recreate that for tomorrow's audience and then some. Absolute Zeroes' focus is "classic comics today"-- hopefully that comes across on the finished page.

Richard: What is "Storytellers" all about?

Jeremy: Every year, comic book artists across the world take up Scott McCloud's 24-Hour Comic Challenge: to create a 24-page comic from concept to completion in merely 24 hours. Storytellers was mine, and was kind of my love letter to comics.

Back in 2005, I took the challenge with over a dozen other artists at a comic shop (BuyMeToys.com in South Bend, Indiana), and completed mine in just under 16 hours. My hand aching, my mind shot, my energy level depleted... but honestly one of my favorite things I've done.

Artistically, the book looks understandably rushed-- but over the course of that challenge, I learned more about drawing and visual storytelling than I had in years. I'd love to do that again sometime-- it was an eye-opening (and CLOSING when the caffeine was running out) experience.

Richard: What type of audience will enjoy it?

Jeremy: Storytellers? It's an all-ages book, but not aimed directly at kids-- I aimed to make it approachable for a new reader as well as one that's been reading comics for decades. I end up taking on various art styles throughout, from a faux- Kirby clone to a more modern-ish Crossgen style to a tongue-in-cheek manga flair. There's a lot there, and something for just about anyone to enjoy.

Richard: Do you prefer drawing or writing?

Jeremy: I'm a storyteller, first and foremost. Will Eisner really inspired me to look at things differently than just your standard writer/penciller/inker/colorist mindset that we see so often in some comics. When I'm not off doing my own creations, though, I'm typically in the artist mode. I love the process of building stories visually-- communication even without words. That's powerful stuff.

Richard: Which children's books have you worked on?

Jeremy: I've done a few-- my first was Brian's All-Star Day (written by Judi Wiegman), and I had a wonderful time on that book. It's also a lot quicker when you're drawing only one illustration at a time, as opposed to comics' sequential art.

It's like working a different set of muscles when you switch from comic book illustration to children's book illustration. I love the challenge-- and the flexibility I don't typically find in comics! Currently I'm doing spot illustrations for an upcoming book, Office Dogs and a personal project that's far too early along at the moment to talk about. Soon enough!

Richard: What comic would you like to work on that you haven't?

Jeremy: In the mainstream, I'd love a shot at something like Marvel's Spider-Man and His Amazing Friends, to be honest. Something where I can have a lot of fun working on a book that doesn't take itself too seriously, while keeping the reader engaged with clever wit and storytelling. DC's Nightwing springs to mind as well. High-energy action with great character moments-- that's my passion.

Otherwise, it's all about creating new series and properties. I'm currently writing a book called Carter Kain, Rocket Ranger with artist Nate Lovett illustrating-- and that has been thrilling to do. Working on a series I'm not handling the illustration on is somewhat new to me, so I'm writing to a different set of interests, skills, and flair. Nate's really knocking it out of the park on that book. I can't wait to show more from that soon.

Richard: Who in the comic field do you admire?

Jeremy: Will Eisner. The man knew more about comics even in its earliest days than most will know their entire lives. His appreciation of the art form and visual storytelling in general really inspires me.

Currently, cartoonists like Mike Kunkel and Kyle Baker continue to challenge me artistically and mentally as they bring a new skill set to comics with their animated cartooning style storytelling. I'm like a kid all over again reading their work.

Richard: If you could have one super power what would it be and why?

Jeremy: I'll stray from the easy answer of flight and toss out telekinesis-- that'd be a lot of fun to play with, I think... and how useful it would be in everyday life!

Richard: How can someone contact you?

Jeremy: Oh, I'm everywhere these days. Here are a few options:
My website! - http://www.jeremy-dale.com
My Deviantart gallery - http://thincage.deviantart.com
My Art Dealer, A Cosmic Odyssey - http://acosmicodyssey.com/jedagacobso.html

Richard: Any final words of wisdom?

Jeremy: Ha! Not really, but let's see... embrace the joy of comics! Share them with your friends and family-- there's more than enough variety out there for anyone to find several titles they'd like.