Johnny Zito and Tony Trov are two young comic writers that have taken full advantage of DC Comics' Zuda imprint. Their first entrant, Black Cherry Bombshells, won the competition and has been a Zuda mainstay for some time now. Their most recent entry, LaMorte Sisters, was an instant winner. And really, how could it not be? Mixing nuns with vampires is a recipe for success in anyone's book.
The writing duo took the time to talk with me about their work, donating their entire comic book collection, digital comics, and a whole lot more. You can reader LaMorte Sisters here and Black Cherry Bombshells here. The pair also have a comic called Moon Girl available on ComiXology.
CraveOnline: First, thanks for taking the time to talk with us. I want to start out with something I really admired from reading your blog. Donating both of your comic book collections to Reading is Fundamental. What inspired it?
Johnny Zito: The whole medium is going digital and we're that committed to the revolution. Tony Trov: And it's a great way to get kids into comics.
Johnny Zito: We ended up amassing over 10,000 comics. People can still donate through the school year. Send your books to:
Beth Pettit
RiF Comic Book Donation Drive
St. Aloysius Education Clinic
219 West 132nd Street
New York, NY 10027
Tony Trov: You'd be surprised how heavy 10,000 comics can weigh...
CraveOnline: That's a pretty hardcore decision, but for a good cause. Are there any particular issues you find yourself missing?
Tony Trov: The Jaime Lyn Spears fold in will be missed. But I did take some pictures of my favorites before they went. Is that creepy?
CraveOnline: At least you prepared. So within that digital arena, you've obviously found a good amount of success. Was getting started in online comics always the plan?
Johnny Zito: Tony and I were making short films in college, which became web shorts which became web comics.
Tony Trov: We really just enjoy creating in different mediums too. John and I were in a band that performed rock operas too. I played electric bass and accordion.
Johnny Zito: I played the washboard and bass vocals.
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TT: We also love macaroni art.
JZ: It had "tribal" qualities.
TT: We met in high school but didn't go to the same high school.
JZ: We grew up in South Philly just a few blocks from one another.
TT: But we both attended Temple University and took a few classes together.
JZ: Now we live together with a bunch of other kids we grew up with. And a cowardly dog.
JZ: And Intermediate Penmanship.
JZ: Absolutely. We were tossing around the Black Cherry Bombshells idea when the opportunity presented itself.
TT: And we think Zuda is so awesome that we have two titles with them now.
JZ: It's a growing community of fantastic new creators. We've jumped in with both feet.
JZ: We feel extremely lucky to be a part of the action. We worked really hard to make sure we got tell both stories. Zuda editorial was instrumental in making it happen.
CraveOnline: Obviously you want people to read your work, but with LaMorte Sisters being an instant winner, did you find yourself doing the same amount of self promotion and media rounds knowing that you didn't have to get people to vote for you?
TT: It was easier getting the word out because we weren't new kids on the block this time. Like having the right stuff. oh oh ohhh oh oh.
JZ: And the mechanics of spreading the word are different only a year later.
CraveOnline: NKOTB are hitting up Atlantic City soon, will you be in the front row?
JZ: He'll be back stage.
CraveOnline: Even better!
TT: [laughs] But yeah, it was a different animal. We were the first to have titles on Zuda at one time.
CraveOnline: What's the writing process like for you now, having to keep up both comics?
JZ: We're actually writing a few titles around town. But we write in "chapter" - pass the script back and forth and then hand it off to one of our amazing artists.
TT: LaMorte Sisters was completed for a while now though. It was a screenplay we wrote back in December of '08.
JZ: And Black Cherry Bombshells is something we're still working on to the very last pages.
CraveOnline: Can you tell us about how long each will wind up being?
JZ: Black Cherry Bombshells completes it's third season at the end of 2010. It'll go on to print sometime after that. TT: But that's 180 pages of zombies, girl gangs and a female cross dressing Elvis. LaMorte Sisters on the other hand wraps up it's first season at 60 pages but in the end be just as long.
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CraveOnline: You mentioned your other comics - you've also got Moon Girl on Comixology. Was that an easier project to get off the ground because of your success with Zuda?
TT: Absolutely. Zuda is making waves and people are noticing.
JZ: It's great to branch out on other platforms. With Moon Girl we're on iPhones, and soon, iPads.
CraveOnline: It's interesting, a lot of industry people have high hopes for comics on the iPad - if it proves successful, do you think it's going to provide that extra push for digital comics becoming the norm?
TT: It really seems that the line between analog comics and cyber comics has been erased.
JZ: Forbes announced iPads will feature "Comics & Graphic Novels" among its 20 categories.
CraveOnline: I saw that, that's a hell of a sign. Last year, you documented your road trip out to the San Diego Comic-Con. Are you heading out there again this year?
JZ: That's the plan but we are busy as heck. Wouldn't mind a change in weather.
TT: I did just register my pass the other day. They always ask for a nickname you go prefer to go by.
CraveOnline: And what did you say?
TT: Last year was International Playboy, but I went with Thunderlips this time.
JZ: Upgrade!
CraveOnline: [laughs] Was that your first convention as creators, last year?
JZ: 2008 was our first time out to SDCC. Ever.
TT: I barely remember it.
JZ: If you remember it, you weren't there.
TT: It was like Studio 54 but with better costumes.
CraveOnline: Well, you are both obviously loaded with projects, but anything new on the horizon?
TT: We are working a few secret projects at the moment. But you know, loose lips sink ships.
CraveOnline: True point. Any particular favorites in the current Zuda competition?
JZ: All look good. Great art this month. A few really drop down exciting competitions lately. I'm a fan of the horse race.
TT: It's still early in the month so things are about to get intense.
JZ: I find week three to be full of the most twists and turns.
CraveOnline: Last month had an epic last minute shakeup.
JZ: People can follow the action on the new Zuda Blog.
TT: The last few months were really crazy. The competition is not for the faint of heart.
JZ: And dude, 80 pages of free, original, comic book every month with the built in drama and excitement of the Olympics! Find that deal anywhere.
TT: An 80 page monthly anthology if you really look at it that way.
CraveOnline: It really is, it's a great concept and really a breeding ground for new talent. We wish you guys the best of luck with everything, is there anything else you want to add?
JZ: Haters wanna hate, players go to space.
TT: It's nice to be important but it's important to be nice.
JZ: Thanks, Joey. Much appreciated.
