Originally posted on the now defunct TheComicFanatic.com [Sep 03rd, 2003] – Archived via WayBackMachine
Rising Star Over Eternia: An Interview With MVCreations’ Editor Leanne Shaw!
She has “The Power” over He-Man…editorial power, that is!
But Leanne Shaw is more than just MVCreations’ Editor! Shaw is a very talented artist who is set tomake an impact on the comic book industry! See for yourself why Shaw is a rising star as The Fan Man goes one on one with MVCreations Editor Leanne Shaw!
The Fan Man: First off, thanks for taking the time to talk to The ComicFanatic.Com! As MVCreations’ editor, I imagine you have a busy schedule.
Leanne Shaw: Thank you, Heath! It’s a pleasure to talk with you. I do have a busy schedule, but I can always make time for TheComicFanatic.com!
The Fan Man: Rumor has it that your nickname around the MVCreations’ studio is “The Dictator”! Do you run a pretty tight ship?!
Leanne Shaw: LOL Not really. The nickname started out as a joke, because when I first started here I was new to everything and not used to getting after artists or creators when they missed a deadline! So it was a completely new experience for me. Val (Staples) told me I needed to act like the studio’s dictator – and the nickname kind of stuck. I don’t really live up to the name, but I do try. 😉
The Fan Man: How did you snag such an incredible job?
Leanne Shaw: By pure luck. I had known Val Staples and Matt Tyree for years, and in November 2002 I made a visit out to Lynchburg, Virginia to visit them and check out the new MV studio. I think I made a comment -half jokingly – about Val hiring me to do the grunt work around the studio. But I shrugged it off and didn’t think much of it until one day I was sitting at my desk at my previous job and got a call from Val, asking me to be his editor! It wasn’t long after that I was packing my bags and moving down to Lynchburg.
The Fan Man: What exactly does the editor of MVCreations do?
Leanne Shaw: A little bit of everything, really! All of our artists, writers and letterers send their work to me to check over and send out for approval (whether it’s to toy company Mattel, Don Bluth Studios, or musician Rob Zombie!). I also take care of the scheduling for all of the people involved in working on our books, and right now I’m also the one who packages up any orders we receive from our online store. Another big part of my job is interacting with the fans of our comics. I check out the message boards on He-Man.org regularly, and am also one of three moderators on the largest Masters of the Universe mailing list online – the Guardians of Grayskull. I listen to everything fans have to say, and try to please everyone as much as possible with what we produce.
The Fan Man: Describe a “typical” work day for Leanne Shaw.
Leanne Shaw: A typical work day for me begins with checking e-mails and going through my list of things I have to get done for the day. I usually have pages to check over – whether it’s art or lettering or colors for one of our titles – and I make sure that everyone is on time with their work. We try to stick to our schedules as much as humanly possible, and I’m there to make sure that everyone does what they’re supposed to do. I take a phone call here and there, too.
The Fan Man: What’s the best part of your job?
Leanne Shaw: Pretty much all of it! Just the fact that I’m involved in comics in some way is still mind-boggling! And that I’m involved in the creative process for Masters of the Universe is just incredible – it’s a dream come true for me. I’ve also really enjoyed talking to some of the creators and artists I’ve come to admire over the years. Again, it’s a dream come true.
The Fan Man: Worst part?
Leanne Shaw: I really don’t dislike anything I do here. But I will be glad when we get an intern in here to help out with packaging the orders!
The Fan Man: What’s it like to work with a talented crew like Emiliano Santalucia, Enza Fontana, Matt Tyree and Val Staples?
Leanne Shaw: It’s incredible, really. I’ve admired Emiliano’s work over the years, and every time he and Enza turn in something new, I’m just awed by it. I’ve also learned a lot about art through watching Matt Tyree here in the studio – this guy’s one of the best there is! And Val continues to shine as a writer – it’s been a pleasure watching him progress both as a colorist and a writer. I’ve learned so much about the comic industry since I’ve been here. And about Masters of the Universe – I don’t know who knows more about the original Filmation series, Val or Emiliano. I’d love to see them pitted against each other in some sort of trivia contest.The wealth of things they know about the show and characters is just unearthly!
The Fan Man: How did you meet MVCreations President Val Staples?
Leanne Shaw: I first met Val online on the Guardians of Grayskull mailing list back in 1997. From there we talked via AOL Instant Messenger a lot and kept in contact throughout the years, meeting up on occasion. I met Matt through Val, and we’ve all since become very good friends.
The Fan Man: Since an editor is more or less quality control, what do youexpect from a project from
MVCreations?
Leanne Shaw: We strive to make every project our best. We’re constantly trying to better ourselves and the quality of the projects we produce. Basically, when you get a book with our name on it, you can expect quality art and a great story. Something that will definitely keep you entertained, and we hope you’ll come back for more!
The Fan Man: What’s it like being a woman in He-Man’s world? Ever stop and think that it’s ironic that a woman has “The Power” over He-Man?!
Leanne Shaw: Heh heh. Well, I don’t have too much power over He-Man. I’m just part of one big team who loves the product and helps bring it to fans in the best way possible. Everyone else here at MV, the guys from Mattel and Mike Young Productions. We’re all just one big team. No one person holds “The Power.”
The Fan Man: Did you ever imagine when growing up that you would beworking in the comic book industry?
Leanne Shaw: I did imagine it, a lot. I didn’t know if I’d ever make it, but I knew I’d give it my best shot! I’ve wanted to work in comics since I was 12-years-old in seventh grade. Since then, that’s all I’ve been working towards.
The Fan Man: Did you read comic books as a kid?
Leanne Shaw: All the time! I got my first comic book from my fourth grade teacher who’d seen me drawing pictures of superheroes in class. It was an issue of Batman, and I still have it at home. I never looked back after that. I’ve been collecting and reading comics ever since.
The Fan Man: Which comic books did you read as a child?
Leanne Shaw: I read a lot of Batman when I was younger. I was also really big into the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles cartoon, so I read a lot of the Archie TMNT comics that came out in the late 80s/early 90s. But my main love was for superhero comics. I was (and still am) a DC junkie at heart, so I read a lot of DC stuff – Green Lantern, Superman, Batman, Flash, Justice League… things like that.
The Fan Man: As a girl reading comic books, did that make you a “cool chick” or were labeled as a “tomboy”?
Leanne Shaw: I was labeled both throughout the years. Some people thought it was cool that I was into comic books, but then there were those kids who picked on me and called me a “tomboy” because I had different interests than they did and they thought it was strange. It’s probably one of the reasons I kind of grimace whenever I hear the word “tomboy.” But hey, it was those experiences, both good and bad, that shaped the way I am today, so I can’t really complain.
The Fan Man: Barbie dolls or Masters of the Universe action figures?
Leanne Shaw: Masters figures, of course! I did play with Barbies when I was little, but most of the time they became casualties in my Masters of the Universe or G.I. Joe battles. They were quite useful for that purpose!
The Fan Man: Do you still collect the Masters of the Universe figures?
Leanne Shaw: I do! I try to collect every figure in the new line, but I’m pretty picky about which variant figures I buy. A few years ago I got into buying a lot of the original MotU figures, but I never got a complete collection. Still, it’s enough to keep me happy!
The Fan Man: Got any favorites from then and now?
Leanne Shaw: Stratos! He was always my favorite figure and MotU character back then, and he still is.
The Fan Man: Obviously, as indicated from the art throughout this interview, there is much more to Leanne Shaw than editorial skills. When did you first notice that you had artistic talent?
Leanne Shaw: I’ve been drawing for as long as I can remember. I started creating my own superheroes and (badly drawn) comics when I was in fifth grade. Those are always fun to look back on.
The Fan Man: Did art always come natural to you, or was this something that you had to work at?
Leanne Shaw: I guess it came naturally, but I also took classes to further my art along over the years. And I practiced. A lot.
The Fan Man: Was this something you pursued in college?
Leanne Shaw: Yes, it was. I graduated from Towson University in 2002 with a degree in Illustration. The head of the Illustration department at my college wasn’t too thrilled with the idea of comic art, but I wouldn’t budge from changing what career I wanted to pursue. I’ve never really understood why some art teachers and professors (particularly on the college level) look down on comic art. When I was in eleventh grade in high school, a representative from the Philadelphia Institute College of Art came to give a presentation to my art class. One of the things the speaker said was: “You’ll never get anywhere in life if you draw comics.” He proceeded to tell us that being in the comic book field was a waste of time and a waste of talent. Needless to say, I never forgot what he said and what college he represented. When it was time to decide which college to go to, the Philadelphia Institute College of Art was the first one I turned down. I guess I have to give that representative some thanks, though, because his words only inspired me to work harder and prove him wrong.
The Fan Man: On the recent Masters of the Universe Volume 2 #4 you illustrated an incredible Stratos on the back cover. Was this your first published work?
Leanne Shaw: Yes! And it was an incredible feeling to see it in print for the first time. I’m very thankful to Val for giving me the opportunity.
The Fan Man: Stratos holds a special place in your heart, right?
Leanne Shaw: He does indeed! He’s always been a favorite character of mine, and I don’t feel he was represented very well in the original Filmation cartoon. He wasn’t explored or fleshed out enough. So I kind of made a pest of myself last year at the San Diego Comic Con when I talked with some of the people from Mike Young Productions and Mattel, showing some support for the guy. I just wanted to make sure they gave Stratos more attention this time! And they have. MYP has really started to flesh him out in the cartoon, which I was thrilled to see. Val still hasn’t listened to my suggestion that the Masters comic be renamed “Stratos and the Forces of Avion,” but just give it time. I’ll convince him!
The Fan Man: You’ve got something of a dream come true coming up,and what many would consider to be your big break. What can you tellus about your upcoming Stratos one-shot from MVCreations?
Leanne Shaw: Yes, this is definitely a dream come true. I’ll be penciling a Stratos one-shot that will be similar to our recent Icons of Evil one-shot issues. Val will be writing the story, and readers will get to see a glimpse into Stratos’ past. The basic idea behind the comic will be how a young Stratos came to be the leader of his people in Avion. We’re still not sure when it’ll be released, but I’m very excited about this project!
The Fan Man: Judging by your artwork, Val should have you on a monthly title! Where do you hope to go from the Stratos one-shot?
Leanne Shaw: You’re far too kind, Heath! After the Stratos one-shot, I’d love to take a shot at drawing something else. I haven’t really had the time to draw much lately, because my editing chores tend to get in the way. But I’m hoping to find time for both in the near future.
The Fan Man: Have you ever considered trying your hand at writing? Or are you content with the editorial and artistic duties?
Leanne Shaw: No, I think I’d be a horrible writer! I have ideas, but I have a hard time writing them out in a coherent fashion. I leave all the writing to my boyfriend and partner Rod Hannah. We plan to work on a few comic (and non-comic) projects in the near future.
The Fan Man: Aside from Stratos, who are some of your other favoriteMasters of the Universe heroes? Villains?
Leanne Shaw: I never really had another favorite heroic character from the Masters original series. In the new line, though, I’m really digging the new Zodak. I think MYP and Mattel have done an excellent job with him. As for villains, my favorite was always Tri-Klops. But if I had to pick a character from the new series that was my favorite, it’d be Keldor. I think the guy is so interesting, and I’m really big on learning the history of Eternia and its characters, particularly Keldor. Mattel, Val and writer Robert Kirkman have done a great job of exploring Keldor, and I hope we see more of it in the future.
The Fan Man: As a proud child of the 80s, your fandom isn’t limited tojust the Masters of the Universe. I’ve heard you are quite the fan of Cobra Commander.
Leanne Shaw: Oh yeah. I’m a huge Cobra Commander fan, though I prefer the version from Marvel’s original comic books and the original Sunbow cartoon series. He’s such a great villain, and Christopher Latta’s voice was perfect for him in the cartoon. The character gets ragged on a lot by some fans, so I’m pretty protective of him. I have a strong disliking for Serpentor and Dr. Mindbender because of the ‘Arise! Serpentor! Arise!’ cartoon miniseries, which I try not to watch too much,if at all. And don’t get me started about G.I. Joe: The Movie! It’s all about standing up for the Commander!
The Fan Man: What other classic 80s cartoons do you like?
Leanne Shaw: I like quite a few. One of my favorite cartoon series from the 1980s is Sunbow’s short-lived Visionaries. Such a great show with great characterization, writing and voice acting. But almost no one remembers it. It only had 13 episodes, but those episodes are some of the greatest pieces of animation to come out of the ’80s. Other cartoons I like are G.I. Joe, ThunderCats, Inhumanoids, The Real Ghostbusters, Gatchaman, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, She-Ra and, of course, He-Man and the Masters of the Universe.
The Fan Man: You’re also quite the fan of the classic ElfQuest. You even have a
website devoted to your favorite character.
Leanne Shaw: ElfQuest is definitely another one of my favorite comic series of all time. Wendy and Richard Pini spin such wonderful tales and make you really care about the characters in their stories. Back in 2000,I created a website devoted to my favorite ElfQuest character, One-Eye. One-Eye had been killed off in 1983, with very little known about his history. So I felt a website was warranted. I pulled together every scrap of information about One-Eye and his past I could find and put everything online. Since then, some flashback stories have been released and a bit more light has been shed on certain aspects of his life-which is awesome – but I’d still love to see more stories about the guy. Something I’ve always wanted to do is work with the Pinis on a story about One-Eye. A one-shot or miniseries or something. He deserves it!
The Fan Man: On the topic of websites, you have your own site that showcases a vast array of your artwork.
Leanne Shaw: I put my first artwork website online back in 1997 when I got my first scanner, and it’s gone through several changes since then.It’s in great need of revamping (as with most of my sites these days!), but I’m also looking into getting my own domain name for the thing.
The Fan Man: Let’s talk about the name Stratosmacca. I get the Stratos part, but what the heck is a “macca”?!
Leanne Shaw: “Macca” is Paul McCartney’s nickname. The screen name Iuse most of the time online – Stratosmacca – is basically just a combination of my favorite musician and my favorite MotU character.
The Fan Man: Are you just a Beatles fan, or are you also a fan of the FabFour’s solo work and McCartney’s Wings?
Leanne Shaw: I’m predominantly a Beatles fan, but I also collect a lot of Paul McCartney and John Lennon’s solo work. And over the past couple of years I’ve gotten more into George Harrison’s early solo work, as well.The only Beatle solo stuff I haven’t really checked out is Ringo Starr’s. But I plan to.
The Fan Man: What is some of the other music we might find in Leanne Shaw’s CD player?
Leanne Shaw: Well, I don’t really listen to any new music these days, unless it’s a band or musician that I already really like and want to checkout. I can’t stand most of the boy groups or “bands” that come out these days. They all sound the same to me. But other then the Fab Four and their solo work, you can usually always find me listening to Rammstein, Queen, Nirvana, Tadpole, Paradise Lost, Amorphis, the Vines… My interests in music are pretty diverse.
The Fan Man: I just have to say this: Your Freddie Mercury artwork is one of the most incredible, lifelike illustrations I have ever seen! Alex Ross has nothing on you! When Comic Fanatics see this, they will be clamoring for Val to put you on a monthly series!
Leanne Shaw: Thanks for such kind words about my work, Heath, I really appreciate it! It’s nice to know that others are enjoying the stuff I do. The Freddie piece was done as a project for my Illustration II class in college. We were supposed to design a postage stamp, and I wanted to do something that would keep me interested in the project. I used to do this a lot in college because most of the projects we were assigned were pretty dull. I’d usually pick a favorite comic book element or favorite musician and incorporate their image into my work. just to liven things up a bit. The Freddie Mercury painting there was all done with inks and water colors.
The Fan Man: If you could work on any character in comics, which character would it be?
Leanne Shaw: It would definitely be Robin. Or One-Eye from ElfQuest.
The Fan Man: Who is your favorite comic book superhero?
Leanne Shaw: Robin. When his comic series first came out in 1993, I was 13-years old. Tim Drake was my age, and his comic series (written by the amazing Chuck Dixon) really appealed to me. Here was this kid roughly around my age who was going to school like I was, experiencing the same problems – homework, fitting in at school. It really made me connect with the character, and to see him juggle two sides to his life was very cool. To me, this version of Robin changed my view of the character from some ordinary sidekick into a cool kid who was constantly growing into the superhero role.
The Fan Man: Which Robin do you prefer now: Dick Grayson, Jason Todd or Tim Drake?
Leanne Shaw: I prefer Tim Drake over the others. In a lot of ways I can still relate to the character. But I do love the entire history of the Robins.I have just about every TPB that’s Robin-related – spanning from Dick Grayson’s career all the way to Tim’s.
The Fan Man: What did you think about the last page shocker in therecent Batman #617 with Jason Todd as the possible Hush?
Leanne Shaw: Well. I wasn’t surprised. It was one of the many things running through my head that might be shown in the comic, so I wasn’t completely shocked by it. I was disappointed more than anything, really,because to me, having Jason Todd return completely ruins the entire”Death in the Family” storyline – it nullifies it. There are very few characters in comics these days who stay dead, and Jason was one who should have stayed dead. But I’ll hang in there and hope that it isn’t really Jason Todd we saw in the last page. But all of this brings up somethings about the comic industry that have bugged me for years. It’s hard to really care about characters these days – or if you DO care about a character, it’s hard to fear for them or be afraid that something’s going to happen to them. Because if they die in an issue, who cares? They’ll be brought back to life by the next issue, right? It’s one thing I really respect about Wendy and Richard Pini’s ElfQuest series, because when a character dies, they stay dead.
As much as I hated that One-Eye was killed off, the Pinis tackled the story in such a way that when One-Eye had the chance to come back to life, he chose not to. The reason? For him and the rest of his tribe, death is a final thing. There is no coming back. This made for a very heart-wrenching story that you just don’t find in comic books these days. No character should be allowed to cheat death, but this is exactly what happens time and again in comic books.
(Editor’s note: Jason Todd was revealed to be Clayface in Batman#618.)
The Fan Man: What comics do you follow on a monthly basis?
Leanne Shaw: Too many, probably. I have a long list of comics I collect,but the ones that really stand out to me nowadays are Fables, Y: The Last Man, H-E-R-O, Powers and Garth Ennis’ Punisher. And I really can’t wait
The Fan Man: Whose work do you admire in comics today?
Leanne Shaw: Art-wise, I love checking out the work of Mike Wieringo. That guy’s one of the best in the industry today. I also really admire Emiliano Santalucia, Enza Fontana, Wendy Pini, Steve Dillon, Brian Bolland, Matt Tyree, Tony Moore, EJ Su and Jim Lee.
The Fan Man: Whose work has influenced you?
Leanne Shaw: Just about all of the above, but especially Mike Wieringo, Tom Grummett and Wendy Pini.
The Fan Man: You get a lot of fan feedback, does this influence yourwork as an editor or an artist?
Leanne Shaw: It influences my work in every way. The fans over on the He-Man.org message boards are constantly keeping me on my toes, and I also receive a lot of feedback on my artwork – both good and bad -from various fans. I take it all in, because every compliment or criticism only helps me to improve myself and the work I do.
The Fan Man: The fans come out in droves to the comic cons. How was your recent trip to Chicago?
Leanne Shaw: We all had a fantastic time! The fans were great, and it was nice to finally meet so many people I’ve talked to online over the years. We also met up with the Chicago Horde, who are a great bunch of guys – I don’t know what we would have done without them! They continue to support us, and we’re all really happy to have them as fans of our work.
The Fan Man: Besides being a lefty, anything else that Comic Fanatics might find shocking about Leanne Shaw?
Leanne Shaw: Hm. Well, I have a fish named Feyd, a big interest in the American Revolutionary War, and I have more Beatles knowledge in my head than is probably healthy.
The Fan Man: Leanne, thanks for allowing me to “rope” you into this interview! You’re clearly a rising star in the industry, and it was my privilege to talk to you before you become “too big!”
Leanne Shaw: Again, you’re far too kind! Thank you, Heath! It was a pleasure!