Bill Galvan Talks Scrapyard Detectives & Archie Comics!

Bill Galvan: The Scrapyard Detectives is a comic book series published by a non profit that teaches children that being different is okay. Each book has a positive message about diversity and teamwork and we are currently on our third issue. The detectives solve mysteries in their community, and learn a message about diversity and teamwork along the way.

DK: Bill, who or what is the inspiration behind the lead characters in Scrapyard Detectives?

BG: The Scrapyard Detectives are made up of three members, Raymond, Robert and Jinn. Raymond is an adventurous and impulsive kid who is always getting into some kind of trouble. Robert is the brains and leader of the outfit. His dad owns the scrapyard and Robert makes inventions and gadgets from junk found in the scrapyard. Jinn is the real detective of the group, finding clues and examining things from different angles.

BG: As for the inspiration, I’ve always been a fan of Scooby-Doo, since I was a kid, so that definitely worked itself in. I also read Encyclopedia Brown, and liked the way the character would treat each case, with a real methodology to finding out what happened.

DK: How did Scrapyard Detectives come to life, what inspired its creation?

BG: Back in 2003, Dr. Dan Fischer, the founder of the Diversity Foundation, wanted a way to reach children and teach them the value of diversity. I suggested a comic book series that would entertain kids with mystery and action/adventure, but at the same time deliver a message about teamwork and diversity.

DK: Who else is involved with the production of the series?

BG: We’ve had a lot of talented people involved with the production of the books. Chad Denton wrote the first story, Scrapyard Detectives #1 which has more to do with a misunderstanding, then an actual hate crime.

Scrapyard Detectives #2 was written by my old friend Nathan Shumate. The main story was about a case of arson that destroyed the local community center, with Raymond and Jinn barely escaping with their lives. The story deals with themes of patriotism as well.

DK: I think Scrapyard Detectives is exciting and carries a great message, what do you hope readers will gain from reading the series?

BG: I hope that readers will like the interaction of the characters and find them relatable to themselves. They don’t have any super powers, they are just normal kids who are smart and brave. Overall, I hope that readers will also see that being different is okay, and that everyone has strengths and traits to contribute.

DK: Speaking of exciting, I understand Jesse Leon McCann writer of DC Comics Krypto wrote issue #3 of Scrapyard Detectives and legendary artist Batton Lash did a variant cover for the San Diego Comicon. How did you get the two on board for issue #3?

BG: Yeah, these two creators have been great to work with. I met Jesse McCann at the San Diego 2005 Comic Con International and told him about the books. He really liked the idea and the premise, and came on board with a wealth of ideas for issue #3. He brought in a complex mystery, and really added a lot of characterization to the story. Batton Lash is another professional that we are lucky to have work on the series, I met him at a signing at the SLC Library and contacted him to do the cover. He has a real great style, reminiscent of the late Will Eisner’s, and created a great looking “spooky cover”. Batton has now written an 11 page origin story for the detectives that is funny, cool and hip that will be featured in our collected volume this year.