Back cover image from Krazybov issue 3
Did you know that I have a super power? Yes me! Apparently I have the power of a huge magnet that can attract and manipulate huge objects at will. You’ve never guessed how telekinetic I am, have you? Well to be truthful, it’s not me but a Marvel comic book character also called Deborah Fields (Debrii) who was part of the New Warriors. Oh but to have the power…
But as I muse to myself, it seems like an apt time to introduce Bov, the creator of the Krazybov comic books and website. Bov, who I’ve known for years, sent me his latest issue packed with a mix of chilling stories like Die Kinder von Rungholt by Seb Kempke and Dirk M Juergens, Grey Days by Nik and the amusing The Story of Fluff by Elvis Brillotto. This was the first time I’d seen his publication in print. This year he’s decided to experiment a little and print Krazybov and distribute it free to fans old and new. I am amazed at how his single-minded desire to fuel and promote comic book art is taking off. So I thought I would introduce you to the man with a mission to revive appreciation of comics to their heydays in the 20th Century.
London-based Bov hosts the work of comic book artists on his website, all with distinctive styles of illustrations and themes. They send him their artwork from around the world to include in his mag which is read by men and women who loved comics as children. The astounding number of big screen takes on comic book heroes reflects the love people have for the genre though you don’t see comics on the High Street like you used to. We decided to have a chat about his dedication to all thing comic.
DF: Bov when did you start Krazybov?
Bov: I started the website in 2000 and released issue one in 2001, issue two in 2002. After a very long hiatus I decided to start it going again but this time with strips from different artists and have it professionally printed.
DF: What gave you the inspiration to do it?
Bov: There wasn’t one event that I remember inspiring me but I do remember seeing some strips in print and thinking “I can do better than that”. Couple that with a boring 9 to 5 and access to a photocopier and I put together the first issue.
DF: How did you get into drawing comics?
Bov: Wow! Standard answer from artists is “I started drawing very early” and I’m no different. Everybody draws stuff as a kid – it’s just that artists don’t stop as they get older. When I was young I would copy any artwork that was around me and once my friend introduced me to comics I had pages and pages of great pictures that I could copy. Eventually you want to create your own work.
DF: What would you like to achieve for the comic artists you feature in Krazybov?
Bov: There’s an amazing amount of talented artists and writers out there whose strips will never see print. I want to give those guys and girls a platform to showcase their great work. Maybe it will end up in the hands of someone who loves their work and is willing to give them a go.
DF: What was your favourite comic when you were a child and what sort of stuff do you read now?
Bov: My favourite? That’s difficult – I only ever bought Marvel and I remember my next door neighbour gave me a massive stack of 2000 AD. Now I will read anything that lands in my hands. I love reading indie comics and stuff from other countries: manga, manhua, manwha (look ’em up). Without a lottery win it’s hard to keep track of all the superhero events that go on, so I don’t bother.
DF: What’s next for Krazybov?
Bov: Issue four 🙂
You can find out more about Krazybov at www.krazybov.com
Cherrydial 