Robert Bienvenu

Robert Bienvenu is originally from Lafayette, Louisiana. He grew up watching too much television and reading too many comics. He and his unbelievably intelligent wife (who proves her intelligence daily by laughing at all of Robert's jokes) and their two talented children live in Baton Rouge, where he is the Promotions Director for a broadcast television group. Robert watches too much television and reads too many comics.

SPX 2004 focused on the topic of war: Tell us about your comic.

RB: My comic is a short story about a father's love for his son, his hope that his son will grow to be a good man, and what can happen when a good man is called to war. It's only four pages, so I'd rather not give away too many details.

What's your opinion on the US / coalition forces' military presence in Iraq?

RB: I personally don't care what cartoonists think about religion or politics (unless they express it in the form of a comic), but if you really want to know...

No one, including the president, wants us to be there as an occupation force. No matter who is in the White House next year, it's going to be a long, drawn out withdrawal. While I hate that we're still over there, I'm glad that a ruthless dictator was removed and I'm proud of the women and men that have served there. The absence of WMD's is the most painful lesson that we've had to learn since September 11th. I really think that the White House saw what they wanted to see, while the intelligence community focused on building a case when they should've been gathering information. It really sucks that we've had to live through Vietnam, Watergate, and now this. At least the Cold War resulted in great movies like Rocky IV.

Is there such a thing as a just war? Whether you answer yes or no, please explain.

RB: Of course there are just wars. How just they actually were may change with the passage of time, but right here and now you can look back and point to a great number of just wars. Just a couple of examples: there's no grey area when it comes to World War II and I don't think that anyone is still going around saying, "Yeah, those Native Americans really had it coming to them."

When we spoke last year, you were working on a few new projects: Give us an update on how those projects turned out for you.

RB: We're still working on our second local anthology. I debuted my mini Young Geeks in Love at last year's SPX and another mini Doublewide Degas at MoCCA. I've got a busy schedule, but I try to have something new at any comic show that we attend.

How goes the comic shop business?

RB: Due to added responsibilities with my other job, I had to close the shop. It was a tough decision, but I just didn't have enough free time to devote to the store.

What can retailers do to support independent and small press comics creators?

RB: Other than carrying their comics? You recommend indies to your customers. You post positive reviews where customers can see them. When a customer buys a Marvel comic by an Evan Dorkin or a Dean Haspiel, you point out their creator owned titles as well. I got a big response from the small flyers and cards that I brought back from SPX. Just putting up those little pieces of art can draw a lot of interest.

Why do you think some retailers don't carry small press / independent comics?

RB: From personal experience I can tell you that it's the mainstream comics that pay the bills. You have to really love small press comics to invest the tiny profit that most shops have towards stocking indies. When I spoke to various shop owners before opening my own store, they each had their own horror story about investing in some independent title that went nowhere ("I've still got a whole long box full of Fish Police! No more black and white comics!"). Even though it's a small investment, they're hesitant to throw any money towards the small press creators.

Is there anything small press / independent comic creators can do to get their books into comic shops?

RB: Send free samples. Even if it's a cheap ashcan version. Not a preview, but a full story (something that they can actually sell). If you luck out and that free comic sells immediately, you stand a good chance of getting an actual order. Send a small poster or flyer as well. I say small because you'll have a better chance of getting that posted on a bulletin board or wall. If enough customers laugh or comment about your flyer, the owner might actually order your books. And it may seem like a no-brainer, but don't be afraid to ask. Don't assume that the superhero shop won't carry your book and don't assume that the sweet little old man that sold you Archie's when you were a kid will automatically buy your comic. Ask everybody.

When we spoke last you were a member of the Baton Rouge Cartoonist Society. Tell us a bit about that organization. How and why was it created and what does it hope to accomplish?

RB: The Baton Rouge Cartoonist Society was formed four years ago by local artist Erik Van Buren for the simple purpose of promoting cartooning. As for accomplishments, we just try to bring together artists and those who enjoy comic and cartoon art. We've published an anthology, conducted workshops and promoted cartooning through any means possible (book signings, interviews, etc). I think that the most important function that we serve is to keep each other drawing. You can check us out at www.thebrcs.com

What projects are you currently working on?

RB: We're still working on our second anthology, plus another smaller anthology. I also just completed my art for Chris Radtke's Everyday, an anthology that will be coming out early next year. Chris has lined up a fantastic group of artists (some of the biggest names in independent publishing) so I'm really excited about being included.

What have you learned about yourself as a comics creator since we spoke in 2003?

RB: I found that I get better results when I write/draw about something personal. My mini for SPX last year was a pretty much a love letter to my wife, and I've gotten more compliments on that story than anything else that I've ever done. I'm sure that everybody else figured this out when they were kids, but I'm a slow learner.

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