Stephen Downey
So who are you then and what do you do?
I’m Stephen Downey, and I’m a comicbook artist
What have you done that we might recognize?
Not too much yet to be honest, but everyone will be talking about “Cancertown” very soon…
What have you done that we might not know about?
I’ve illustrated a few short stories in Small Axe issues 2 – 4, a little Belfast based anthology that was mostly distributed around Ireland.
What are you working on now that we should look out for?
I’ve working on the graphic novel “Cancertown”, written by Cy Dethan, pencils/inks by me, colours by Mel Cook, lettered up by Nic Wilkinson and published by Insomnia Publications. I think you may find a few of those guys living in your forums.
What piece of work are you most proud of and why?
“Cancertown” most definitely, Mel covered up all my mistakes really well
If I could buy only one thing you have worked on what should it be?
See above.
What book would you have been proud to have worked on and why?
Wow, anything with a good story. The reason I enjoy any book though is the unique chemistry between the writing and art, so I wouldn’t have had the chance to experience that comicbook the same way If I’d had drawn it. In saying that though, I actually wish I had drawn some of Christopher Priests Black Panther series.
If you could work on any book / character in comics what would it be and why?
Oh tough one. I’m a bit of a Marvel Zombie, so maybe Daredevil or X-men… though I have this thing for Black Panther. I’m enjoying this creator owned thing at the minute though. It’s great having the freedom to draw mostly what you want.
Who would you most like to collaborate with on an original story with and why?
I’m doing exactly that with Cy and I’m having a ball.
If you were allowed only five comics (does not have to be single issues a run counts as one) on a desert island (like Lost) what would they be?
This week I’d bring Priest’s Black Panther, Sandman, Daredevil, Ed Brubaker’s Criminal, and probably some Bristol boards and pencils so I could create my own series and have lots done by the time I’m rescued (I don’t believe in wasting all that time).
Do you have a website / blog where we can find out more?
or
Check out too for updating sketching and such
If you were a sandwich what would your filling be?
Steak and Guinness Pie (that’s right, cut up a slice and put it between two piece of buttered pan bread…. Drooooolll…..
Chocolate or Chips?
Chocolate
Judge Dredd or Batman?
Daredevil
What word do you think is underused
Monotonous… the syllables all drone along perfectly…
If you could be granted one superpower which would you chose?
Time control, 24 pages in a week made easy-peasy
Save the world or rule the galaxy?
Rule the galaxy under a false name and image, then lead the resistance against myself and be elected leader of the free galaxy. I’m the ruler and everyone loves me.
What is your ultimate “who’d win” in comics?
Phoenix vs Galactus
If you could be involved in telling a story featuring any two characters who would they be?
Dr. Doom and Black Panther: War of the Nations
What is the best and worst thing about working in comics?
What? Its Comics, there is no bad thing… I expect you’ll hear something different in a few years time.
Will you forward this to someone you know who works in comics. And who if so who is it likely to be?
I’ll forward this on to a friend of mine who is talking with Insomnia about drawing one of their comics so you may hear more about that soon…
Any words of wisdom before you go?
Buy Cancertown… if you don’t, it will swallow you whole…
Thank you and good night.
