Orlando Harding: creating tales of superheros in Oakland, CA

Revolution Comics: Dyana and Pookie. By David Miller Courtesy Orlando Harding 

Orlando Harding, an Arizona resident with roots in the Bay Area, took a love and passion for comics and turned it into inspiration to form his own comic book company and published it’s flagship title “Pariah” back in March of 2006. The title told the story of a fallen angel named David Howard who is banished from heaven and cast to Earth to wander the streets of Oakland, CA. Finding that he has incredible powers, he soon becomes a pawn in the battle between good and evil with the fate of the world in the balance based on the choices he makes. The initial title caught the attention of not just local fans, but also that of the comic community worldwide. “How does an individual and company match or even surpass the success of their first title?” one might ask. Well, I recently had the opportunity to catch up with Orlando Harding and ask him a few questions about the future for Revolution Comics, thoughts on web comics versus the printed medium and what it takes to put together an issue of a comic book. So sit back and enjoy this brief interview with one of the industries favorites who is helping to put Oakland on the comic community map.
 

MT: Having completed your initial run on "Pariah", what is currently in the works for Revolution Comics?
 

OH: We are taking the demon Dyana from Pariah and giving her a book. We anticipate that it will be a trade book and the story will be at least 60 pages. We are looking to unite with a larger company. Self publishing a book is very expensive. I will send some pictures of some of the artwork form the book. This story will give some of Dyana’s origins and explain what she went through and how she trained before encountering Pariah. We will also introduce two key characters that will draw a lot of attention and really add some interesting twists to her story. The entire story will take place in the bay area and I will be approaching a NFL team rooted in the bay area to see if they would like to do a special version of the book that would appeal to the footballs fans as well.I would like this book to be given away at a game for the first 10,000 fans. I think this would be great for the city and the fans would go nuts for the cover art with the teams emblem spread across the front cover.

Lastly, a Pariah movie script has been completed and I am trying to get a Pariah live action movie made in the bay area. I have found representation for the book and movie script. The script will be hitting Hollywood this month. I have found interest from some Hollywood people but no deals have been struck yet. If there are any established producer/directors that might be interested in taking a look at the property and the script I welcome them to contact me and my representation. The bay area needs a hero! I would love if someone with roots in the bay would get involved but would welcome anyone from an established house. Just go to www.thepariah.com and we can take it from there.
 

MT: That sounds really exciting. I’m glad that the momentum behind “Pariah” was strong enough to let you explore Dyana’s character. She is indeed interesting. So who exactly makes up Revolution Comics?
 

OH: Myself, the very talented David Miller who pencils and inks and an unknown to date. Yes, we are adding a new team member. I am actively looking for a new colorist for our new book to be released in 2010. I was at the SD Con this past week interviewing colorist but I regret to say that no one really stood out. I continue the search.
 

MT: You had mentioned that you had made it to San Diego Comic-Con this year. How was it?
 

OH: Best Con I ever attended-and the most crowded. The con seems to be more about movies than comics now but I met a lot of great people and made some very important contacts. There is nothing like the Comic Con!
 

MT: Well, here’s a question for you. What are your feelings on Digital comics?
 

OH: I am not used to digital comics and would actually prefer printed vs digital for one simple reason-the chase. As a kid and as an adult I sometimes look all over town for a book. I remember when Witchblade came out, I was looking all over town for a mint copy of Witchblade #1. There was nothing like the reward of finding the illusive book in good condition. With digital books this will all end and I do not think that there will be anything unique about them that sets one digital book apart from another one. They will be clones and we will miss out on the one with printing errors that potentially make some books more interesting-and valuable. I looked for a Spawn black and white #1 for a year before I found one and I have to admit that I enjoy holding a book and feeling and then turning the pages without the use of a computer.
 

MT: Digital comics are a useful tool, but I think I tend to agree with you. There is nothing like holding that actual book in your hands. You really appreciate what went into it when you can hold it. Speaking of which, fans tend to have a good grasp on how much work goes into creating one issue of a title. However, for the laymen who might take a trip into their local comic shop and see a ton of titles put out by the larger companies, they may think it is a fairly simple process due to the sheer volume they see in front of them. For you (Revolution Comics), typically how long does the creative process take from idea to the printed product?
 

OH: For us it takes about sixty days. The art work takes the longest because each page is drawn by hand and David Miller can complete about a page per day. Next, each page has to be colored and then lettered. Once that happens it has to be proofed by new eyes-meaning someone that has not read it because they are more likely to catch mistakes/typos. Once that it is done it is sent to print. Once the proofs of the book are approved a printing schedule is created and you know what day the book will be printed and shipped out and then into stores. It is a long process and you really have to appreciate what it takes to go into simple 24 page comic book.
 

MT: Most definitely. Having enlightened us on that aspect of the industry, do you have any advice for aspiring creators?
 

OH: I would say to do research and make the story unique, compelling and interesting. Next, get a team together and understand the financial strain that it will take to complete a book. Lastly, do not expect to sell thousands upon thousands of copies-it’s tough for a new book to break in and unfortunately many comic stores will not give independent titles a chance to grace their shelves. Marketing is very important to let people know that the book is out there. Go to the small conventions where you can sit and speak with people and tell them why your book is a good read and why they should spend their money on it. I love speaking with fans!

MT: Lastly, care to share any titles that you might be following or books that you find are having an influence on you and your work right now?
 

OH: No doubt –My largest influence has been George Lucas the creator of Star Wars. I just can't say enough about his influence and how his creation changed my life and gave me the drive and determination to become a creator and create cool stuff. The books that now inspire me are Spawn, Moonknight, Preacher and Black Jesus.

MT: Thank you Mr. Harding for sharing with us! I know I’m not the only one looking forward to seeing what you and all of the talent at Revolution Comics has in store for Oakland and the incredible characters you have created.
 

Check out Revolution Comics website to find back issues of “Pariah” and keep up to date on all thats happening with this incredible indie venture.
 

For more info: Revolution Comics