Interview: TwoMorrow’s John Morrow
Once upon a time, these would have been faznines produced using Xerox machines or newfangled offset presses. But, today, Alter Ego, Back Issue, Write Now!, Draw! and the Jack Kirby Collector are all legitimate magaines from TwoMorrows. The company has expanded to include books such as their Modern Masters series along with their welcome Companion books exploring facets of DC Comics history. We sat with founder with John Morrow to see what was new.
ComicMix: Did you ever imagine this being a fulltime gig?
John Morrow: Initially, no; furthest thing from my mind. Back in 1994, my wife and I were in the early stages of building our graphic design business, and had just gotten over those first few years where you’re killing yourself pulling all-nighters to service your clients. Just as things slowed down to a reasonable level, Jack Kirby died. I’d been out of comics for several years, but I felt compelled to produce a (albeit fairly slick) fanzine about Kirby, just to re-experience what drew me to his work originally. This led to lots more all-nighters getting the Jack Kirby Collector off the ground, but I envisioned it lasting no more than maybe six or seven issues, having some fun, then calling it a day.
CMix: What has surprised you the most about running TwoMorrows?
JM: Other than the fact that we’ve been at it for 15 years, it’d have to be the staying power of Kirby’s work and influence. I was really naïve to have ever thought Jack’s hold on the industry would wane over time; if anything, it’s probably as strong now as it ever was, with all the reissues of his work, and revamps of his characters. I don’t think I could still be doing an ongoing magazine about anyone else in comics, 50-plus issues and 15 years later.