Dive into the vibrant world of The77, a new comic anthology that’s capturing the spirit of classic comics, in this exclusive interview with writer Alan Holloway. As a key creator in The77 project, Holloway discusses his story “Temporal Anarchy,” his inspirations, and his hopes for this exciting new venture. For fans of retro comics and fresh, engaging storytelling, The77 promises a thrilling ride back to the golden age of comic books, with a distinctly modern edge.
What exactly is The77 Comic Book Anthology?
Alan Holloway: The77 is fundamentally a love letter to a bygone era—a time when comics were pure, unadulterated fun, and the internet was still the stuff of science fiction. It’s about recapturing the energy and excitement of classic comics for today’s readers.
How did you become part of The77 project?
Alan: I was immediately drawn to the concept when I heard about it. Seeing that The77 was becoming a reality, I pitched a few story ideas, eager to contribute to this nostalgic yet fresh anthology.
Tell us about your story in The77, “Temporal Anarchy.”
Alan: “Temporal Anarchy” is humorously introduced by The77‘s editor, Philthy Luka, a character who embodies the punk spirit and nostalgia for 1977. The story centers on a punk rocker down on his luck who discovers a magic safety pin. This isn’t just any safety pin; it grants him genuine punk musical talent. However, in true Faustian style, this gift comes with unforeseen consequences. It’s a tale that blends punk rock attitude with a supernatural twist, exploring the age-old adage that nothing in life is truly free.
Where did the inspiration for “Temporal Anarchy” come from?
Alan: The idea really sparked from just thinking about punk rock culture and its associated imagery. Often, story ideas simply coalesce in my mind as I write. It’s a process of association and letting the narrative unfold organically from initial concepts.
What are your aspirations for The77 comic anthology?
Alan: Initially, my hope was to see at least one issue of The77 come to life, and anything beyond that would be a fantastic bonus. I’m enthusiastic about continuing to contribute to The77 with more stories and ideas. Given the wealth of talent involved, I genuinely hope The77 enjoys a long run and resonates with readers.
How long have you been writing comics professionally?
Alan: I started focusing on writing seriously a couple of years ago, initially contributing to 2000AD fanzines like Zarjaz, Dogbreath, and Sector 13. This year marked a significant milestone with the release of my first original comic, Sentinel, a 64-page project with artist Ed Doyle. Sentinel has been very well-received, which is incredibly encouraging. I’m currently working on issues three and four of Sentinel, each featuring a complete, self-contained story.
Who are some of your favorite comic book writers?
Alan: In comics, I’m drawn to writers who inject fun and sharp dialogue into their work. Mark Millar, Brian Bendis, Tom King, Sean Murphy, Scott Snyder, Daniel Way, Joe Straczynski, and Garth Ennis are all writers I admire. But for me, John Wagner will always be the ultimate.
What are your all-time favorite comic books?
Alan: My go-to comics include Spider-Man, Punisher, Alias, Batman, and, depending on who’s writing, Deadpool. And of course, 2000AD is a constant source of inspiration and enjoyment.
Which writers or artists have influenced your style?
Alan: I think Millar and Bendis have probably influenced my dialogue writing the most. However, I try to draw inspiration from a wide range of sources, adapting my writing style to suit the specific needs of each story I’m telling.
Are there any comic book characters you particularly dream of writing?
Alan: Having already written some Judge Dredd stories for fanzines that I’m really proud of, my biggest ambition is to write Judge Dredd officially for 2000AD.
Which artists would you be excited to collaborate with in the future?
Alan: Honestly, there isn’t one artist in particular because there are so many talented individuals out there. Since I lack artistic skills myself, I’m consistently amazed and delighted by what artists bring to my scripts. My all-time favorite comic artist was Steve Dillon. Currently, I’m working with Ed Doyle, Paul Spence, and Ian Beadle on Sentinel, and each of them brings unique and equally impressive talents to the table. But if I had to name one dream collaboration… it would have to be Dave Gibbons!
What advice would you offer to aspiring comic book writers?
Alan: My advice to anyone wanting to break into comic writing is simple: read comics—a lot of them—and then just start writing. You absolutely must be a reader and a lover of the medium. Begin with smaller projects and gradually build up your portfolio. Save the epic 1000-page saga for when you’ve established yourself.
The77 comic anthology successfully achieved its funding goals through Kickstarter and is set to launch its first issue at the Lawless convention in May, with worldwide availability following in June.
• Stay updated with The77 on Facebook, Twitter @77Comic, and Instagram @The77.
• Explore Peter Duncan’s review of Sentinel by Alan Holloway and Ed Doyle to learn more about Alan’s previous work.
Interview courtesy of Morgan Spiceman.
