This interview was conducted by Chris Doucher, Editor-in-Chief, Writer and Comic Panel Moderator for GeekNerdNet. (Image credits to: Tom Grummett and GeekNerdNet) - *If you would like to use any clips, screenshots, or images from the interview and/or written post below, you must have permission from GeekNerdNet.com to do so.
Artist, Tom Grummett, at the 2022 Edmonton Expo (image credit: Chris Doucher/GeekNerdNet)
I first spoke with legendary Canadian comic artist, Tom Grummett at the Calgary Expo in spring 2022, in part one of our interview series. Fast forward to fall 2022, I sat down with Grummett again. This time, at the 2022 Edmonton Expo, making its triumphant return—since the last show was held in 2019.
Grummett and I start talking about his early convention days and the interactions with mentors (like JACK KIRBY—ahem) to him at the time, and legends to many of us today. The trip Grummett takes us on of conventions, he of course starts talking about how San Diego Comic Con was THE show to go to and it was ALL about comics and “…everybody was there.”He rhymes off a list of legends that will make any comic book-loving fan giddy at the thought of being in the same room Grummett was in with these folks. Oh, that list…here it is:
Jack Kirby
Joe Kubert
Will Eisner
Moebius (Jean Giraud)
Harvey Kurtzman
Len Wein
Even Grummett talks about being a collector, where he almost bought a nude oil painting by Carl Barks (Donald Duck artist) and how cool it would be to own something so weird.
The story of his first interaction with Jack Kirby Grummett says, at hearing his voice:
“All the hair on my arms stand up…I have to speak with this man…my name’s Tom Grummett, it’s an honour to meet you. I’ve been a fan of yours since I started drawing…I just wanted to shake your hand for all the years of great entertainment.”
Kirby replies: “So you’re at DC? That’s a good outfit.”
When it comes to modern shows, he gives his thoughts on being happy about how they’re put together because there’s something for everyone. And it draws families and is welcoming and opening to all fans. He refers to them as a much better atmosphere over all.
When it comes to SUPERMAN, Grummett talks about how Christopher Reeve did a brilliant job of being Superman. And when it came to the Superman comics creative team, himself included, they saw themselves as custodians of the character and to honour what the character means. He calls it a responsibility that goes along with being connected to Superman. He shares what that means as it relates to the DEATH OF SUPERMAN story/event. At the time, Hurricane Andrew had hit Miami, so DC flew the creative teams on Death of Superman to do signings at comic shops destroyed. My words will not to this story justice, so I’ll stop here and let you listen to yet another great conversation with Tom Grummett. Hit play below.