QJ: I'd say it's that this series is everything I ever wanted in a comic book. It's got incredibly cool fight scenes and action. It keeps that sense of wonder about people with superpowers, unlike some comic book universes where superheroes are everywhere and the norm. And it's got deep character development, with characters I love because I've hung out with them for so long. The protagonists are truly valiant good guys who are striving, despite their own imperfections, to use what they've been given to help people. The book gets into some pretty dark territory due to the caliber of villains they come up against, but it never loses its theme that the world is a good place and worth fighting for. I guess I sound like I'm heaping praise on myself, but in reality I experience the series like an outside fan and it gets me really excited, if that makes any sense!

QJ: The pros are definitely that because of our partnership with Ape Entertainment, we completely retain ownership of the characters. It's our baby and always will be; Ape gives great advice and suggestions to make the story stronger, but we never have to worry about losing our creation to someone else. The cons are that while I love and respect Marvel and DC, the reality is that they pretty much own the comics industry, so it's very difficult for an independent book to compete with their exposure and sales. It's an uphill battle, but I totally believe in what we have and think it's just a matter of time before "Elders of the RuneStone" becomes a big hit! Oh yeah, and because it takes time for an independent book like ours to make a substantial amount of money back, production and marketing is very expensive and very, very time-consuming. But it's an investment that's definitely worth the sacrifices!

QJ: The first highlight was to see Robert's awesome artwork of the characters that I created as a kid and to have it hit me, "Holy cow! This looks like a real comic book!" And then to get published by Ape Entertainment and see our first Free Comic Book Day story come out nationwide and to hold it in my hands, it again hit me, "Holy cow! This IS a real comic book!" To see your lifelong dream become a physical reality, and to see other people picking it up for the first time and getting excited about like I've been, is an experience I can't describe!

QJ: One of the coolest parts of the series is the foes who the heroes must battle, including the hulking, psychopathic killer Smiley, and the deadly Vegaz gang that infests Darkhan City. But even these guys are nothing compared to the true villains of the story. Though I'd say the book is PG-13 in content, there is some pretty scary stuff. These are some truly evil bad guys. One thing they all have in common, besides being incredibly deadly, is that they think nothing of killing anyone who stands in their way, teenagers or not. This is no cheesy Saturday morning cartoon. Get ready for a truly intense story!

QJ: Right now my full focus is on the production and distribution of "Elders of the RuneStone." We're in the thick of production, and though it's a stretch goal, are working hard to have Issue #1 in some form or another ready to show off at the San Diego Comic-Con this year! I'm still revising the script for the later issues, which is an awesome experience. I'm also looking into talking to some of the folks at San Diego and seeing if I can get involved in writing scripts for their books. "Hellboy" would be way cool, but I'm not going to bite off more than I can chew just yet.

QJ: Right now we are working with Ape Entertainment to hammer out our actual release schedule, but if all goes according to plan, we'll have the first issue in print by January 2010, with a possible electronic release before that, in the next few months. For up-to-date information, you can always check out our official website http://runestonecomic.com , and I highly encourage one and all to subscribe to our weekly podcast, The Darkhan City Times Awesome Things Podcast! (http://runestonecomic.com/podcast ) It's a great way to stay on top of the newest news with "Elders of the RuneStone" and also hear our tips for breaking into the industry, reviews on comics, movies and video games, and also to hear our slew of terrible jokes.

QJ: The single biggest thing that has developed my skills was going to the Savannah College of Art and Design, where I graduated in the Sequential Art major. The entire course of study is built around honing your skills in comic book storytelling, including art, writing, conceptual illustration, and more. The professors are professionals in the industry and are fantastic. In addition to just the classes and assignments teaching me volumes, I also became close friends with many amazingly talented individuals who I have networked with over the years, leading to many opportunities and experiences I never would have had otherwise. Other than that, being partners on "Elders of the RuneStone" with Robert Atkins and learning from him has taught me so much about the comics industry. Lastly, I've learned a ton simply by working my tail off and following my dream; when it comes down to it, only hard experience can teach you all you need to know, and I'm still learning all the time. It's never-ending!

QJ: My work ethic is that I know what I want; I know my dream and I put in the time to get done what needs doing. That includes spending my nights after work at my full-time job and my days off working on scripts, honing our website, writing on our blog, writing outlines for and recording our weekly podcast, having conference calls and meetings with my creative team, Ape Entertainment, and my legal representatives on the business side of the series, etc. I guess that makes it sound like I never have time for anything else in life, but that's not true; in fact, it's Robert who never sleeps as he grinds out page after page! And the fact that I love working on the series makes it not seem much like work at all. Although it is a LOT of work.

DK

QJ: Oh man, I would love to work with Peter Laird, Stephen Murphy and the other fantastic folks in Mirage Studios' "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" camp again. I'd also like to work with "Usagi Yojimbo"'s Stan Sakai in some capacity, as well as Mike Mignola on "Hellboy" or "B.P.R.D." I'd also welcome the chance to work on something with Doug TenNapel of "Earthworm Jim" and "Sockbaby" fame.

QJ: Just a few thoughts. Work your hardest to hone your skills and make your chosen project as good as it can be; look at setbacks, challenges and failures as opportunities to learn and do better the next time. Realize that breaking in takes time and money; see your dream as an investment, and be willing to do what it takes to make it a reality. Success doesn't always mean getting rich, it is also measured in happiness and helping other people. Never, never, never give up on a dream that is worthwhile. And most importantly, involve God in your cause. I know from personal experience that He cares about what you care about, and if your goal is good and you're doing all you can, He will make miracles happen in your endeavors.

QJ: Hmm. Well, how about more self-promotion? Check out our "Elders of the RuneStone" Facebook group, our movie trailer on YouTube, and again, our podcast on http://runestonecomic.com/podcast/ . And of course, buy lots and lots of comics from Dragon's Keep! Those guys are extremely awesome! Thanks for the interview, it's been a blast!