INTERVIEW: E. Nesbit’s ‘Book of Dragons’ ready for 21st-century revival

E. Nesbit’s the Book of Dragons features stories on that fantasy mainstay everyone seems to enjoy: dragons. Now Nesbit’s creations are coming back to life in a new adaptation from Bronco Ink Publishing. Publisher and editor A.C. Brown is working to have the illustrated tales appear in print, and a Kickstarter campaign is getting her close to that goal. With $3,500 as the target and Aug. 8 as the deadline, the pressure is on, but it appears fantasy fans are close to having a physical copy in their hands.

The cover, an epic swirl of dragons circulating a castle hanging on the precipice of a cliff, is the product of Daniel Govar. Each story is tackled by a different creative team, which results in vastly different dragon styles. Scott O. Brown and Amberin Huq’s The Book of Beasts, for example, features an anxious child ready to inherit a kingship. The artistic style is relaxed and full of rounded, inviting shapes — meaning it’s a comic creation that probably can be enjoyed by audiences of all ages. Jonathan Clode and Russell Hossain’s The Deliverers of Their Country features a more realistic style: shadows, wrinkles around the eyes and one cute dragon. More artistic examples can be viewed on the Kickstarter page.

Recently Hollywood Soapbox exchanged emails with Brown about the 120-page project. Answers have been slightly edited for style.

Where did the idea to adapt the Book of Dragons come from?

The idea of having more all ages books out there came to me after visiting my local comic book store. My twins, who are 8, love comics, but on the shelf there was very few from them to look through, either they are ultra violent or over sexualized. Not something I want my kids reading until they are at least older and can understand more about what is going on.

I saw that there was a need for more comics that all ages can enjoy, and I am trying to fill it. Adapting the Book of Dragons, came a few nights later when I was looking for something to read. It just grabbed my attention until the end. Any book that can do that is worth getting out there for younger generations to love and enjoy. And it has dragons, who doesn’t love dragons!

Are you a fan of E. Nesbit? Did you first encounter these stories when growing up?

Unfortunately, I did not read these stories when I was growing up. My first encounter with her writing wasn’t until I had kids of my own and needed bedtime stories to read. Ever since then I have been hooked. I am currently reading another story of hers, The Enchanted Castle, to my kids, and it has my daughter wanting more.

What can fans expect from the adaptation?

I have worked closely with eight teams of writers and artists to bring this book to life. Each writer took their story and gave it a new voice but still keeping Edith Nesbit’s overall tone. This adaption has stories that take us back in time with kings and queens, flying off to space to fight a dragon in a spaceship, and even traveling down to the Arctic for adventures.

My favorite thing is that each story is self contained. You get a full story in 12 pages without feeling that you missed something.

How is the Kickstarter campaign going? If it’s not funded, will the project move forward?

The Kickstarter is moving. We are still gaining backers, which is great, and with only nine days to go every little bit helps [as of July 30]. You can visit the Kickstarter here.

To answer your questions, yes a short print run will be printed along with some of the rewards. We are planning on debuting the book at SPX this year. And after get it to as many comic book shops that will take it. I want to get this book into as many hands as I can.

What are some of the unique challenges of being involved in independent comics in 2014?

One of the biggest walls being a small independent publisher is no one knowing who you are. You have to be prepared to wear many hats. I am currently editor, letterer, publisher, marketer, accountant, and the list goes on.

But that brings me to another challenge: I can’t write or draw for the life of me, so I need the talent. And … platforms like Kickstarter, Indiegogo, and more like them, give people with the talent the means to be able to publish on their own work without needing a publisher. On the flip end of that I know many people who rather create then have to deal with the backend stuff. I love working on the backend stuff.

To me challenges are just blocks in the road you haven’t knocked down yet. Being an independent publisher is not for the weak of heart. I work 24/7 about 16-18 hours a day just to keep moving forward. I am in this for the long haul not for the short-term success.

By John Soltes / Publisher / John@HollywoodSoapbox.com

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