Welcome Stephan Pastis:
We’re joined on the Starline by an award winning cartoonist. From UCLA Law to Pearls Before Swine to now drawing his 1st graphic novel “Trubble Town” we welcome Stephan Pastis.
Stephan, let’s go Beyond the Mic you’ve been a litigator, a cartoonist and now author of the graphic novel “Trubble Town”. Did you believe growing up in California that you would be where you are today?
You loved Peanuts so much and you met Charles Schultz and he thought you were a process server.
How did that made you feel, having that honor?
Cartoonist Stephan Pastis from Pearls Before Swine and a new graphic novel joins us Beyond the Mic. What makes “Trubble Town” perfect book for these times?
How did the law help you as you practice your craft today?
You’ve noted in other interviews that you’ve been influence by Peanuts as we’ve mentioned before, Calvin & Hobbes, Bloom County and many others? How did these cultural pieces or art change the way you draw and change you?
Speaking of breaking taboos, breaking the 4th wall is forbidden but you seem to do it with such unadulterated joy. You’re like a kid in a candy store with mom’s credit card. What makes breaking the 4th wall so funny for you?
Punny:
Cartoonist Stephan Pastis from Pearls Before Swine and a new graphic novel ”Trubble Town” joins us Beyond the Mic. You take your readers through dark times with your own twist, from using masks to hide from social media to making some of the most awful puns ever. ‘Roxanne, you don’t have to putt on the red light’. How do you find balance in your work?
Well, Timmy Failure was your first book and it was turned into a movie for Disney +, will there be a Timmy Failure 2?
Why is Timmy so endearing to kids?
The Rockin’ 8:
It’s time for the Rockin’ 8, 8 random questions; answer with the first thing that comes to your mind. There is no Pressure.
1. Favorite album of all time?
2. Best place to think in San Marino?
3. Has Staci ever looked at a strip and said “I don’t get it…”
4. When you lose touch what grounds you?
5. 3 best writers of all time are…
6. What’s the one thing you do that makes your kids laugh?
7. If you could change 1 thing in your life what would it be?
We talked in the pre interview about your joy of travelling, last question of the Rockin’ 8. Favorite place you have visited?
The Back Half with Stephan Pastis:
When did you think you found success?
Is there someone you’d like to help like Scott Adams helped you?
What makes mom & pop book stores the best?
Did you ever draw a strip and think, nah, I crossed the line?
Cartoonist Stephan Pastis joins us Beyond the Mic, so which comics do you miss that aren’t out there anymore?
What does it take to be a good cartoonist?
Why will “Trubble Town” resonate with kids?
How many times have you gotten in trouble for something you’ve drawn? Either from your wife or your boss?
Do you know how many taboos have you broken in your strips?
How has social media changed the way people see comic strips and not dying like newspapers?
Rat was the first character you came up with for Pearls Before Swine, Some people hate the alligators, goat and pig and rat but which is your favorite?
I think the recent strip where you characters broke the 4th wall with the balloon and “I can do that?”
How do you handle rejection? You had years of it… do you feel like you grew as a person from those times?
Why are you proud to be a Greek-American?
One Big Question with Stephan Pastis
How has your creations filled your heart with happiness and what do you want people to remember you for?
The Wrap:
He draws to entertain himself, influenced by Letterman and want you to buy his books including “Trubble Town” at a local bookstore.
We thank cartoonist Stephan Pastis for taking the time to talk with us today.
And that my friends is Beyond the Mic.
Buy Stephan Pastis latest graphic novel “Trubble Town” at a LOCAL BOOKSTORE!
Check out his website here.
Listen to other episodes with authors here.
