A lot of phans are excited by the new Defenders of the Earth comic book series being released by Mad Cave Studios. To celebrate the release of issue #1 on 14th August 2024, we have had unprecedented access to Dan DiDio and Jim Calafiore the creators of the new series.
We will be reviewing these comics on our monthly comics Podcast and YouTube channel and are planning on more access to the creators associated with this series through Mad Cave Studios. If you have a question we have missed, please email us at ChronicleChamber@gmail.com.
Chronicle Chamber: Thank you for joining us. Were you a fan of the original Defenders of the Earth TV Show? Have you found yourself going back to watch it?
Jim Calafiore: Honestly, I wasn’t aware of the original series, and had to check out some videos online. They did some interesting stuff for kids programming, like Killing off Dale Gordon.
CC: Were you a fan of the Phantom, Mandrake and or Flash?
JC: I was of course aware of Flash and Phantom; Mandrake only marginally. And I’m a big fan of the original Flash strips, all the Alex Raymond stuff.
CC: Of your previous work, is there any one example in particular you would point fans to so they can get a feel for the style you will bring to this series?
JC: All of it. I have a fairly distinct style. The only changes to it I’m making are a nod to the animated series; more open line work, and a little heavier on the line weight.
CC: What are you enjoying about working with these characters / this franchise?
JC: Any time working on classic characters is fun; honoring what’s been done in the past, but putting my own touches on them.
CC: What are you enjoying about working with Dan DiDio?
JC: Dan’s got an interesting take on this “reboot”, and is definitely not treading lightly.
CC: Will your Phantom include the striped pants like the traditional comic or will you keep them off like the TV Show? Any other tweaks to the costumes we saw in the original series?
JC: I’m keeping pretty close to the series reference, although the striped pants will make an appearance; just not in the way you might expect. The biggest tweak is to the kids, who are now young adults. They had VERY 80’s looks, so they needed to be updated.
CC: How does it feel to work on these iconic characters and what do you feel this series will bring to the modern audience (of these characters.)
JC: It’s definitely a different take, but I think that that was what the animated series tried to do. Hopefully we’re taking this a little further, and giving them personalities and issues that can relate to contemporary sensibilities. So it’s a balancing act, honoring their classic incarnations while updating them.
CC: How are you approaching these characters in a modern setting?
JC: We’re definitely not in the 40’s. But at the same time, I like doing things like having Flash always in his costume. And keeping Mandrake’s waxed mustache. I like the anachronistic feeling that any of them might be out of place in their new roles.
CC: Thank you for your time Jim and we are all eagerly awaiting reading your take on our beloved Defenders of the Earth TV Show.
You can follow Jim Calafiore on his Instagram profile @jim_calafiore
Next week we will be interviewing writer Dan DiDio. Ensure you subscribe to our website, social platforms or the X-Band: The Phantom Podcast on your favourite podcast player and or our YouTube channel so you do not miss out on more Mad Cave Studios Defenders of the Earth news and reviews.
If you have any questions you would like to see Jim Calafiore answer, email us at ChronicleChamber@gmail.com.
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