Ron Garney currently works on Captain America with Mark Waid and soon will be involved with the second Cap series. He drew issues #296 and #304 of Daredevil, along with Annual #6. Here he talks about his DD issues and what's ahead with the new Cap series.

Kuljit Mithra: How did you get your start in comics, and when did you get interested in drawing for a living?

Ron Garney: Hmm. Got my start in 1989--worked up some samples and went into Marvel and got a job that day. I made the promise to myself to be honest about them and go in when I knew I was ready. I had been drawing since I was very young, but didn't make the decision about comics til well after college.

Mithra: While you are well known for your work on Captain America and Silver Surfer, you have also worked on Daredevil (issues #296 and #304). How did these assignments come about for you?

Garney: Phone calls from the editor at the time which happened to be Ralph Macchio. He needed the help and knew I liked the character. I was also a little quicker back then so....

Mithra: The writer on both your issues was D.G. Chichester. What was he like to work with?

Garney: The plots were clear and concise and expertly detailed. Not to mention that the stories were real interesting. He has a keen sense of drama and that always helps.

Mithra: Which issue did you enjoy drawing the most? #296 was more action oriented and #304 was a 'Day in the Life' story.

Garney: Probably 296 because it was my first shot at the mainstream DD,and I knew I'd be working with the great Al Williamson.I had done the DD annual ( #6) that year as well and worked with Greg Wright--also an enjoyable experience. The 'Day in the Life' story I thought was one of Dans best, simple stories.

Mithra: Looking back, what do you think of your art for the issues? Your art style (to my eyes) has changed since those issues.

Garney: Yes and deliberately so. I'm always experimenting and so my style does variate more so than some others out there. For myself, it helps keep me fresh and enthusiastic. My style on Surfer was deliberately different than that on Cap, which was different than DD. Back when I did DD I was also pencilling Moon Knight --and it was the beginning of my career as a comic artist, so there was a real growing process taking place then.

Mithra: What do you think of the Daredevil character? Why do you think he doesn't have the same popularity as some of the other Marvel characters?

Garney: Well, in some ways I think hes been more popular at least in the early to mid eighties. Sort of a cult thing with Frank Miller. If he hasn't been its probably because DDs not quite as flamboyant visually or even in his personality as some of the others. Its not HULK SMASH, or I SAY THEE NAY, or he's not verbally jousting with opponents in the middle of the fight etc. He's more subtle , and thats what I like about him.

Mithra: What do you think of the Event Comics deal with Marvel?

Garney: Well I see a real experimentation going on with Marvel and these situations.But it's nothing that hasn't come before. Marvel knows a good promotion when they see it and these are guys who've worked for and produced some great stuff there, so it's not unfamiliar territory or anything. I'm sure they'll be quite successful.

Mithra: When you think of Daredevil, which artist do you think best defines him?

Garney: Miller and John Romita Jr.. I think visually Lee Weeks had a great handle on the character. And John SR. and the late great Wally Wood , etc. etc.

Mithra: You're going to be working with Mark Waid on a new Captain America series. Can you explain the premise of it?

Garney: It's Cap not bound by the restrictions of mainstream continuity --so it can be happening anytime, anywhere, which for my money has more potential for adventure and upping the mystique surrounding Cap than the regular title. It's also a chance for me to tell some of my own tales as well which I'm really looking forward to.

Mithra: Do you think there is enough fanbase to support another Captain America series?

Garney: Mmm--if the the stories and art are good --they will come...

Mithra: Are there any other projects that you are working on besides Captain America? Are you going to be co-writing the new series as well?

Garney: Have a few things that are still in the talking stage-- nothing really defined as of yet though--and yes I'll be writing stories as well as helping Co-plot as much as possible.