PopCultHQ

Comics full of action and intense plots is something that Zenescope Entertainment is well known for. Any book picked up from their line is sure to entertain readers endlessly. Which is why the next chapter in the adventures of Robyn Hood, ROBYN HOOD: THE CURSE, is certain to be quite the thrill-fest.

Written by comics legend Chuck Dixon (Airboy, Punisher, Batman) is stepping up to plate to pen this new series, slated for a January release, so mark your calendars and make sure to get a copy of issue #1!

PopCultHQ had the honor of interviewing about this upcoming project. Take a look at the covers and synposis for the book, hear Chuck talk about some highlights from his comics writing career, his plans for writing ‘The Curse’, what fans can expect throughout, plus his thoughts on the rest of the team, artist Julius Abrera and colorist Robby Bevard.

ROBYN HOOD: THE CURSE #1

After a daring and dangerous escape from a sadistic super-max prison, Robyn is finally back home where she belongs. But as she re-acclimates to her “normal” life in New York City, Robyn gets a long distance call from her best friend, Marian Quin. A new evil has been released and Marian needs Robyn’s help to send it back from where it came… But this battle is about to get more personal than either of these friends could have imagined, and nothing will ever be the same!

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PopCultHQ Creator Spotlight:
Chuck Dixon of Zenescope’s ROBYN HOOD: THE CURSE

PopCultHQ: This year marked the 31^st anniversary that your first issue of Airboy was published by Eclipse Comics in 1986. What are your thoughts on the character and the overall series you put so much time and dedication into?

Chuck Dixon: It doesn’t seem that long ago! Airboy was a forgotten golden age comic by the time I got my hands on it. But I was familiar with the character because his old comics were some of the cheapest golden age books you could buy. Those fifty issues were written on 100% enthusiasm. My first regular gig in comics and I poured my heart into it.

PopCultHQ: Working on both the Punisher and Batman for Marvel and DC saw a major output from you. Are there any standout moments from that time for you?

Chuck Dixon: Mostly I remember the great editors I had at the time. Don Daley on Punisher was always a trip. A unique guy who would challenge me to make the wackiest ideas work. I mean, can you imagine Marvel publishing the Punisher Back-To-School Special today? Tim Tuohy was encouraging as well and a consummate pro. Over at DC I had Denny O’Neil and Archie Goodwin as editors. Comic book heaven, right? Two fine gentlemen and comic book legends. And the rest of their team was a knowledgeable and hardworking bunch. Scott Peterson, Jordan Gorfinkel and Darren Vincenzo.

These are the guys who guided me through the most productive period of my career. They had faith in me and faith is everything to a creator.

PopCultHQ: You’ve been working in comics since the early 80’s, all of which have been massively successful in their own way thanks to your writing style. How are you planning to bring the “Chuck Dixon” flair to this latest Robyn Hood series?

Chuck Dixon: I told the folks at Zenescope that this six-issue story was going to be multi-layered like the scripts I wrote for the Batman books. The mini I did for Van Helsing was more of an action romp; my homage to the Hammer/Shaw kung-fu vampire movies of the 70s. Nothing wrong with that. But the Robyn Hood books have more complex relationships between the characters and I wanted to dig into that. But there’ll be plenty of action too!

PopCultHQ: A follow up question, what are you hoping Robyn Hood fans will get from ‘The Curse,’ not to mention people who have been following your work over the years?

Chuck Dixon: I’m shooting for a horror/action epic. This story has BIG events, BIG monsters and lots of twists and turns. And I get to write a character who’s a wicked talented archer again!

PopCultHQ: Have there been challenges in taking an established character like Robyn and writing the next chapter in her adventures?

Chuck Dixon: Not really. The characters have been so clearly defined prior to me taking part. I’m not changing or re-booting anything. My job is to continue their saga. The Zenescope folks know what they expect from the series. I’m going to deliver all that and a few surprises.

PopCultHQ: Is there anything in particular you are looking forward to with writing ‘The Curse’?

Chuck Dixon: It’s always exciting to tackle a new cast of characters. I love a challenge. I’ve written two issues already and I’m enjoying guiding these ladies through their adventures. I hope the readers have as much fun as I’m having.

And bow action is always a blast to write.

PopCultHQ: You’ve got a great creative team working with you for the series. What have you enjoyed most about working with Julius Abrera and Robby Bevard?

Chuck Dixon: I haven’t seen any art yet. But I’ve seen what they can do on other books. I like to write to the skill set of any artist I’m working with. These guys have the tools to let me go wild!

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Big thanks to Chuck Dixon for taking time to be interviewed by PopCultHQ. 

Be sure to follow Chuck and Zenescope Entertainment online to stay updated on all the latest Robyn Hood news and make sure to pick up the first issue on Wednesday, January 10th at your local comic shop and online retailers!

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