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Get Graphic: Under The (Artistic) Influence with Stefano Simeone

Interview by Troy-Jeffrey Allen

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A teenage sociopath, Paul Kozac, has accidentally created an internet cult called The Hot Dog Party. When an online prank turns deadly, the F.B.I. sends in an undercover agent to investigate and infiltrate the pranksters: a teenage sociopath and his internet cult called "The Hot Dog Party."

In the following interview, artist Stefano Simeone tells us all about his new Mad Cave mini-series, Under the Influence

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Firstly, who are you and where do hail from?

I’m a comic book artist from Rome. I’ve been working several years in Italy and in the U.S., for publishers such as Disney, Pixar, Image Comics, Dark Horse, and Boom! Studios, on titles such Black Hammer, Star Wars, Megaman, Star Trek, Radiant Black, Transformers, and much more.

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How did you get into comic books as a fan?

I’ve been reading comics before I could really read at all. So I think comics are a big part of who I am. So when I think of how to tell a story, it simply comes to my mind in panels. The other part of the history, it’s all hard work and getting better every page.

What can you tell us about the story behind Under The Influence?

I really enjoyed the experience. Eliot is a great writer, and with Chas and Frank, the team was so perfect. Basically, on my end, I focused on bringing movement to the pages. It’s a novel about social media so another big goal was to deeply focus on the reaction of the characters. I hope I succeeded in a little part.

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How did you go about designing the look of Cara Cole and Paul Kozac?

I just designed what I like, following the suggestions by Eliot and Chas. I wanted to give them some “contrast” inside of them that would reflect on their exterior side. So Cara is an agent but still very careful about her look. On the opposite, Paul, a social media star, seems to be wearing random t-shirts like he just jumped into his closet without looking.

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How did you get into art as a professional? 

With a lot of work - day and nights [Laughs]. I think mine is a privileged work, so I’ll not start talking about what doesn’t work in the industry - which is a lot.  Let me be clear about this. But with time, work, and luck...here I am.

I’ve done so much work for so many different publishers. Starting with writing and drawing my own books here in Italy. Then I colored a lot and, in the meantime, I started drawing for the U.S. When I reached the goal to color my own work, my workflow totally changed and I felt a lot better about the process, because I think coloring is a very personal thing. So in my process, it often happens at the same time as the inks.

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What tools do you use to draw?

I’ve used a lot of tools, but all my work is made by an Ipad pro, using Clip Studio Paint.

What’s next for you?

I’m working on a new Image Series to be announced. [Also,] some covers in the meantime. [Then] another project to be announced.

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For more from Stefano Simeone, be sure to check out his Instagram and Twitter.

Under The Influence is available now at your local comic shop. Reserve your copy now using PREVIEWSworld Pullbox! Look for them at your local comic shop. More below.

Keep an eye on PREVIEWSworld.com's TwitterFacebookYouTube, or Instagram for more. 

MAD CAVE STUDIOS
UNDER THE INFLUENCE #1 (OF 5)
(W) Eliot Rahal (A/CA) Stefano Simeone
(New Series) A teenage sociopath, Paul Kozac, has accidentally created an internet cult called The Hot Dog Party. When a prank turns deadly, the F.B.I. sends in an undercover agent, Cara Cole, to investigate and infiltrate their ranks. Now Cara battles against real stakes, fake news, and memes in a character-driven story about power structures and the communities you build. This is a story about "Click to follow" cultism during the age of social media
In Shops: Jul 05, 2023
SRP: $4.99
PREVIEWS Page #354

MAD CAVE STUDIOS
UNDER THE INFLUENCE #2 (OF 5)
(W) Eliot Rahal (A/CA) Stefano Simeone
That's not ketchup. That's blood. Cara's investigation into the Hot Dog Party is at risk of being compromised. How does the internet-meme-turned-cult-leader, Paul Kozac, already know who she is? How can she keep her F.B.I. cover as a teacher's assistant intact now that a college student is dying in a hospital because of her? Like and subscribe to find out!
In Shops: Aug 16, 2023
SRP: $4.99
PREVIEWS Page #379

MAD CAVE STUDIOS
UNDER THE INFLUENCE #4 (OF 5)
(W) Eliot Rahal (A/CA) Stefano Simeone
A college student is dead, and so is the Deputy Director of the F.B.I.'s son--two young men radicalized by the insidious Hot Dog Party cult. It seems a revolution is at hand, but will Cara be able to save the day? Will Paul be able to stop the violence?
In Shops: Oct 25, 2023
SRP: $4.99
PREVIEWS Page #370

MAD CAVE STUDIOS
UNDER THE INFLUENCE #3 (OF 5)
(W) Eliot Rahal (A/CA) Stefano Simeone
BANG. Even after a student gets shot, the F.B.I. and Cara believe their investigation can still move forward. However, what they don't realize is that this Hot Dog Party... is just getting started.
In Shops: Sep 20, 2023
SRP: $4.99
PREVIEWS Page #389

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Troy-Jeffrey Allen is the Consumer Marketing Manager for Diamond Comics Distributors, Editor of PREVIEWSworld.com, and the producer/co-host of PREVIEWSworld Weekly. His published work includes MF DOOM: All Caps, Public Enemy's Apocalypse '91BamnFight of the Century, the Harvey Award-nominated District Comics, and the Ringo Awards-nominated Magic Bullet.
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