Interview with Creator of Shotgun Samurai - Donkey Madness

Indie Comics Underground had the chance to talk with Donkey Madness about his comic project - Shotgun Samurai - Now funding on Indiegogo

Your project Shotgun Samurai is currently funding on Indiegogo. What is Shotgun Samurai?
   In ancient Japan, there lives a Samurai whose weapon is foreign and misunderstood. On his quest for redemption, the enemies that refuse him his solace will pay, dearly!
   Vol 1 we follow Shotgun Samurai joined with Tofu the ninja and George the Ramen chef as they take on the mysterious Ninja with no Face! What secrets is he hiding? Why does he have no face? Can his weapon truly beat the Shotgun??

What were some of the inspirations for the story of Shotgun Samurai?
    I have many inspirations from all across different media. Manga like One Punch Man, anime like Cowboy Bebop and Samurai Champloo, classic movies like 7 Samurai, and even TV shows like Breaking Bad had a huge part in the creation of this story.

The main character is seen as a hero by the people, but also looked at differently by those who know his past. How does this affect him and his actions?
    This is a key struggle for our main character. He wants to do good, but he's still learning what that means, and there are others who won't forgive him. Does he just kill them and get it over with? Or does he try to change their mind? He is seeking redemption, so should he offer that chance to others or is there a point that someone is too far gone? These are all questions he wrestles with throughout his journey. 

Is there one main villain in the book?
    Yes there is. Right now he goes by the Ninja with No Face. We will learn his name and his backstory throughout the book. He has a personal vendetta against the Shotgun Samurai, what is the root of this resentment? Could it have something to do with his lack of face?

​As the artist on the book, what are some of your artistic influences?
    I tried to draw influences from whatever manga I was reading at the time, but the biggest I would say is One Punch man's artist. Both the original (ONE) and the remade version (Murata). The sense of motion and action ONE was able to convey blew me away. I did my best to convey that kind of energy into my fight scenes. Murata is an artist that I aspire to be like. 

This is an enormous project! Over 200 pages of material. How much of the book is complete?
   As of right now, 224 pages are finished. I am doing final revisions for the last batch of pages

You originally created Shotgun Samurai as floppies that were sold in shops in New York. What was that process like?
   That was a very valuable learning experience. At first I printed out a bunch of copies to give to my friends, then one had the inspiration to put them in shops. We didn't know how, so we just went into the shops and asked them how we can get them on the shelves. Most were very receptive and put them up that day. I would go back and collect whatever my cut of the sale was!
    The bigger shops (like Midtown) only stocked from Diamond, so that will be something to plan for in the future ;)

Why did you ultimately decide to bring Shotgun Samurai to crowdfunding?
    I've always wanted to compile the first story arc into a big book. I am almost done with the final issue, so I figured this is a great time to offer the book as it is always meant to be read, as one big experience.

After this volume, can we expect to see more Shotgun Samurai in the future?
    Yes most definitely, as long as the audience demands it. I have so many story lines planned out, I know how the entire series will end. I can't wait to get there!

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Back Shotgun Samurai on Indiegogo

Follow Donkey Madness on Twitter: @Donkey_Madness_