We’re onto Part 3 of our feature of the webcomic, Stranger Danger by Tavis Maiden (Twitter, Google+, Facebook)! Check out parts One and Two!

This will likely be more about Tavis himself vs. Stranger Danger, but it’s worth it because in the interview portion, we talk about heroes. While I didn’t know much about Tavis before Strip Search, I have since become a rabid fan. One of the things that impresses me the most is that he’s doing what I hope to do with The Underfold. He’s running multiple comics projects under the roof of his Thunderskull Press label.

Successfully.

I’ve been working on a blog post about overcoming discouragement, and let me tell you, following along with someone who is actualizing the goals you hope to get to is definitely one way. In Tavis and his many projects, I find real hope. In all his updates, he seems genuinely vested in his fans, he’s a great dad, and he’s got a webcomics empire underway.

Stranger Danger is just one of a four-pronged approach to Thunderskull Press. Check out The Konamis, Major Tom Jr (PG-13), and the upcoming Tenko King!

Tavis Maiden Interview: Part 3

What’s the one thing you would say to a person wanting to make comics too?

“What we obtain too cheap, we esteem too lightly” — This is a partial quote by Thomas Paine that I have above my desk. Having a career in comics requires persistence, presence, and hard work. Being successful in comics requires all of those things, and luck. Also, take some business classes. It’s important.

Who is your hero, and why?

I don’t know that I have one. I respect a lot of people in my field, and admire what they’ve accomplished. There are so many different artist whose style and work ethic just blow me away. Not just in terms of art style, but also their business acumen. It keeps me motivated and pushes me to step up my game.