Indie Interviews – Ten Earth Shattering Blows
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This week we sit down and talk to the awesome person responsible for Ten Earth Shattering Blows. If you like comics, and we’re sure you do, you’ll want to take a peek at what Tommaso, aka Nuclearpasta is up to. After you’re done, be sure to check out their work here.
What was your reason for getting into comics? That is, how did you end up involved in comics?
I fell in love with comics as a child, when I first laid my hands on a Mickey Mouse magazine. I never stopped drawing since. I’ve always wanted to be a storyteller and, luckily enough, we live in a time where if you want an audience all you need is an internet connection. So, after a painstakingly long epic duel against my self-doubt, I started a webcomic.
Who would you say is your comic book inspiration as an artist?
I grew up with tons of manga and I’m still waiting to read the ending of some of those stories (looking at you, Berserk). Mangakas are masters at depicting action, movement and the dilation of time. I got a lot from them in terms of composition and dynamism.
Other than that, my style has been often associated with the Franco-Belgian comics. Moebius is still probably the most influential artist for me. I always have one of his graphic novels open on my desk for quick reference.
Let me throw in some other names, in no particular order: Enki Bilal, Juan Giménez, Milo Manara, Tanino Liberatore, Yukito Kishiro, Katsuhiro Otomo.
Before comics, what did you do? If you’re still doing it, what are you doing?
I’m still doing it! I do graphic design works for big companies. It’s dirty, degrading and immoral, and I feel the need to wash afterward.
What was your first work in comics like?
So far so good.
How many years have you been working in comics?
Years? I’ve been online for a few months! The fact that you’re already asking for interviews is dangerously feeding my ego. I still suspect that you mistook me for someone else.
Tell me a little bit about your work. Where does it draw inspiration from? Where do you come up with your ideas?
I read a lot of comics, of course. You can’t work if you don’t know your medium. I’m a movie buff and I try to go to the cinema at least once a week. I watch and read about everything, there is always a documentary on Youtube worth listening to when I’m working.
I find the concept of writer’s block unrealistic. A simple what-if on a known story can lead to something new and interesting!
Ten Earth Shattering Blows, In particular, comes from my love of fantasy and my desire to read something different from the usual hero’s journey in a Tolkienesque green land. Someone left a comment calling it “Mad Max Flintstones” and I laughed my ass off. It’s perfect!
Who have you worked alongside in the industry?
Nobody! I see some collaborations in the future. (Actually, I see them right now, but I can’t speak yet.)
Growing up, who was your favorite character or team? Who is it now?
Speaking of superheroes? I’ve read my fair share of Spider-Man back in the days and I still think he’s one of the best. I’ve always rooted for the underdogs. It’s too easy if you are already rich and respected, with a convenient cave under your mansion!
Do you have any advice for a new artist who is just getting into the business?
I’m in no position to give advice! Do you have some for me?
Where do you see your work taking you?
TO WEALTH, FAME AND POWER!
Seriously, for now, I would be happy just to make a living with it.
What are you up to next?
I’m full of ideas, people! I’ve got stories with spaceships, giant robots, wasteland warriors, aliens, gods, dungeons, dragons! One day they will all see the light. But in this year to come I’ll mainly focus on my newly-born webcomic, Ten Earth Shattering Blows. This is going to be a busy year.
Where do you see the direction of the comic industry heading in 20 years?
I have nearly no experience on that, but I guess self-promotion will become even more prominent. Many artists manage to be successful even without a publisher. It’s still a niche, but it’s growing every day.
How can people get ahold of you?
I’m on Instagram, Tumblr, Deviantart as Nuclearpasta.
On Twitter as @Nuclearpasta1 (Damn you, name stealer, whoever you are).
On Facebook as @10esb.
Where can we buy and/or see your work?
You can read my webcomic for free here: www.tenearthshatteringblows.com
Any last words for the industry?
I love you all. Love me back!
A Little Background…
Nuclearpasta is a vertebrate mammal from the Italian peninsula. He leaves his lair only at night, to feed on carbs.
His claws are unsuited for digging or fighting: he uses them to hold pencils. He draws a webcomic called Ten Earth Shattering Blows. You can find him on every social network:
His mom calls him Tommaso.
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