Interview with Judson Cooper of Midnite Comics

Midnite comics is an independant comic book company working on it's own titles. Here is an interview with one of the co-founders.

1. First and foremost what is Midnite Comics?
We are a small independent online comic publishing company, founded by Oscar Cavazos, and myself and staffed by some very talented guys. Originally Oscar had contracted me to work as the illustrator on what is now "The Project" which was going to be submitted to another online comics website... I won't mention the name. After we started working on the project we both found that our real goal and ambition was to have total control over our work. Both of us had taken a stab at online publishing and what we knew was that, in order for this to work, a team had to be formed. To run a successful publishing company is way too much work for just one person! So we came up with the idea for Midnite Comics. All of the work we do, collaborations, team meetings and production, is handled over the Internet and everyone has their 'day jobs'. This is where our name comes from... we all work on this after hours into the wee hours of the morning, the 'Midnite' shift. We believe we are working on a groundbreaking project here, because our creative team is spread across three continents, 5 countries and time zones spanning 13 ½ hours. All of us are dedicated to this project and each have a unique skill that we bring to the table.

2. What do you do for the company?
I try to do as little as possible.... Just kidding. Right now my focus is on Website development & marketing. I run a small website design & development company so I have experience with that aspect and I am also working on obtaining a degree in Marketing, so this will give me some hands on experience in that area. I am also Midnite's Art Director and the creator and writer for "Desperado". I have also colored & designed a few covers and done some logo design. At some point I will hopefully be able to contribute more artistically to the comics, but for now... my place is getting readers to the site.

3. What are the launch titles for your website?
Currently we are working on 4 recurring titles, which include. "Dead Simple", which is about two hitmen, but with a twist! Which is currently on the site, "Dark Destiny" "The Project" and "Desperado", will be released in the next month or two. We are also featuring short, one-time or mini series, comics that we call "Midnite Minis". Those titles include "Vengeance Is Mine", "Immortality" and "Harold's Picture". Future titles include "Final Conquest", "The House", "Long Vigil" and "Dead Man's Chest". We have tons of stories and ideas that we are working to develop and are always looking into more...

4. Are the creative teams all new comers or are some of the member's names we should know?
We have a general mix of team members who are new to comics and some that have prior experience. The members include Oscar Cavazos, Harsho Chattoraj, David Berner, Charles Swinford, Ulises Curiel, Monk King, David Vazquez and myself.

Monk King's designs have been published in BullFrog Comics, Nquit Records, he has worked on the HorrorDance Film Festival, Big10 Productions, Calico Inc., Matrix Art Tour, Ultimate Graphic, StarShip Graphics.

Harsho Chattaroj has worked on many titles, including "Superdude", "SOS", "The Camera Flash", "The Fearsome Foursome", "Gun Metal Blues" and many more.

We have several guys that are trying to "break into" the comic industry including Ulises Curiel and David Vazquez from Mexico, Charles Swinford from Virginia and David A.J. Berner, our senior editor, from the UK.

5. How can I get some Midnite Comics?
Right now, all of our comics are distributed online. So you can go to www.midnitecomics.com and preview all of our current titles. To read the entire comic, you must subscribe, and then you have free reign to everything Midnite. A few titles will allow a full preview. We are working on plans to offer printed copies online and eventually to start distributing to comic shops, but for now in order to keep operating cost down and to keep the subscription fees low, all Midnite titles are available exclusively through the website.

6. Do you accept submissions? If so then how can people make submissions?
Absolutely, we are always looking for fresh new talent to add to our creative team. Submissions are handled through the website and right now the "Join The Team" button is at the top of the website, but we are still working on the layout so that could change. Once a submission is made, we will review it and let the person submitting know what we have decided. All written work is subject to the scrutiny of our Senior Editor, David, and Oscar. All of the artistic submissions must pass the strict standards of Oscar and myself. With the launch date on December 8^th and all the chaos of trying to get the comics and website ready, some submissions may take awhile to get to, and honestly we were buried under so many submissions, some may have gotten overlooked.

7. Will Midnite Comics cure cancer, make me taller, or create world peace?
Hmmm... Although we think highly of our comics Eric, it is very unlikely that our comics will affect anyone's life that profoundly. It may instill readers with a higher self-esteem or cause them to loose sleep. If our readership grows enough, we do plan on world domination and will implement a "World Peace Plan", but until then, just expect a general feeling of well-being and try and get along with everyone!

8. What comics are you currently reading?
Astonishing X-Men by Joss Whedon. Walking Dead by Robert Kirkman and Ultimate Fantastic Four is really good by Warren Ellis

9. What is your favorite comic ever?
I have always like the X-Men comics. Growing up I collected the Classic X-Men and Uncanny X-Men series. There was something that set the characters apart from your typical superheroes.10. Anything else you would like to add?
I would like to thank you for the opportunity to spread the word about Midnite Comics and we invite everyone to stop by and check out the website.