Tripwire Talks To British Comic Artist John McCrea

Inside The Mind Of John McCrea

Tripwire’s contributing writer Paul N Neal just spoke to British comic artist John McCrea about a long career in comics and what he is up to currently…

During July of 2021 I was fortunate enough to conduct a brief and informative online interview with the incredible comic artist John McCrea. The legendary 2000AD artist who defined DC’s Hitman was generous with his valuable time and his memories of a career spanning many years of enormous success. 

In the interest of full disclosure, this interview took place shortly before the publication of a fun four page story I was fortunate enough to write for the fine gentleman that is now published in the pages of issue six of The ’77. I may be incredibly biased, but I recommend it to anyone that loves great British comics.

TRIPWIRE: John, what was the first comic you bought? What was it that first inspired you to illustrate comics?

JOHN MCCREA: My mum and dad bought me a copy of Avengers issue eight, the UK reprint, when I was about. I was always drawing, and they thought this would interest me- I fell in love immediately.

TW: How did you feel after your very first published artwork? I’m sure it must have been exciting.

JM: A mixed bag of emotions, my first work was the Centurions for London Editions, and they pasted on model faces over the top of my faces… so I was pleased to be paid for my art but pissed off by their treatment of it. It was certainly a lesson about the realities of working in a commercial art field. I never saw the comic in a shop (apart from my own comic shop that I owned in Belfast) so I did not get the excitement of seeing it on the shelves either.

TW: Your early works with Garth Ennis are very fondly remembered. Do have any memories to share?

JM: Sitting in a pub in London cackling about what we had planned- Garth writes his notes in a little black policeman’s notebook, and he was leafing through that as we discussed ideas…inevitably we ended up a bit drunk…

TW: Do you recall the pitch for Hitman for DC? Do you ever hope for a continuation?

JM: I do, Garth had loosely mapped out a number of storylines, some of which never happened, some of which appeared slightly changed, and some pretty much as he intended…. I still have a copy of the fax of Garth’s notes filed away for posterity… and I do miss Hitman, but I think it ended so well that it would be a crime to reboot it…

Paul: Could you give any background on how Dead Eyes came to be created and where you hopefully see it going in the future?

John: Jerry and I had been discussing working with each other. He sent me some different concepts and the one about the masked bank robber really clicked with me. Jerry had a structure figured out and we worked collaboratively – I made some suggestions as to the way the story would go. As far as the visuals would go Jerry suggested a suit, a mask, and a flat cap. I wanted to keep the design as sleek and simple as possible, so after a few initial passes, we both agreed on the two red x’es for eyes.

Paul: Do you have any memories of the first conventions you attended and what it was like meeting fans. What is it like to be famous?

John: The first convention I attended, in the mid-eighties, was getting the ferry from Belfast through Scotland to England, to UKCAC in London, a full day’s travel. I was an aspiring comic artist at the time, and I arrived at about six in the morning, and was around sixth in line for the show. It featured such guests as Dave Gibbons, Alan Moore and Barry Windsor-Smith, which was a big deal for a young punk from Belfast like me. The next year I attended my first convention as a “professional”. I had drawn one story for Centurions (London Editions) and a few stories for small press publishers. I did a lot of sketches for people who probably didn’t know who I was, at a table next to Brian Hitch, who was drawing Action Force at the time – we all have to start somewhere. 

John: There used to be after-convention meals, and I was sat at a table with Neil Gaiman and Dave McKean, and I was sitting opposite Kevin Maguire. I was slightly overwhelmed and in awe. I doubt any of those guys will remember me or even the meal, but I remember it vividly. As for fame in comics, the attention you get is really enjoyable, where you don’t get recognised anywhere, except at conventions, where people line up to see you, and then after it’s all over, you get to go home. In all my time attending conventions, I don’t think I’ve ever had a bad experience with a fan. They’re always polite, courteous and friendly. A terrific bunch.

Paul: You mentioned owning a comic shop. Did that experience give you a different perspective upon the comic industry? Do you have any thought about the retail side of the comic industry at all?

John: Yup, retail was hard when I was doing it, and it’s much harder now- I have the utmost respect for comic shop owners ‘cause they are doing a tough job. And we need them so everyone support your LCS and don’t buy from ama**n.

Paul: What’s your dream project? For example, what would you love to be drawing in five years’ time?

John: I have so many, mainly revolving around b-grade Marvel characters- I have such a desire to draw marvel horror characters at the moment, Werewolf by night, Manthing, Morbius etc… We shall see! Plus, more Dead Eyes with Gerry Duggan.

Paul: Do you have any final thoughts or anything you are keen to promote currently?

John: Well, my new book Soul Plumber from the new DC Horror line is out this October. It’s rude, crude and horrific- check it out!