Shakespeare’s Tragedy’s Infamous Notorious Lover has several different views Romeo and Juliet. But this month Gem Publishing Pulitzer Prize-winning writer is being released Anthony Dell and artists Stefan Tosheff Star lover version Romeo and Juliet: Killing Shakespeare’s adventure.
The book marks the well-received return of Del Col Kill Shakespeare Series, a new mix of fantasy, adventure and stories about taboo and disputed families. This installment features letters Becca Carey and cover Richard Isanove.
Beat chats with Del Col and Tosheff about upcoming graphic novels.
Deanna Destito: How did the world of Shakespeare come about?
Anthony del Col: Many people used to brainstorm Conor McCreeryWe’re talking about Tarantino movies Kill Bill. We started joking about what other Bills (Clinton…Cosby…etc) would look like, and I said “Bill Shakespeare” and then said it would be an action story where all his characters were trying to hunt him down and kill him. I was lucky in my life that a moment when the light bulb suddenly went out and I realized that a good idea had come to life and that was one of them.
Then Conor and I started doing some research and realized that no one had actually done this story before. So we are sure we will be the ones who do it. So we sat on the course of months (how many years?) and summed up different versions of the story in different formats.
Then, in February 2009, we went to New York Comics to push it to publishers, holding promotional documents, business cards and some hope. By the end of the weekend we had three quotes and we were in the competition.
Now, fifteen years later, we have released five books, a board game, a stage show (more than 30 cities around the world) and an audio drama. The project has been in trouble for years (the novel I won’t get into…we’re just saying lawyers are involved), but in 2023 we’re able to restore all rights and start working with Gemstone Publishing to reissue previous (and unmarked) new works.
Destito: What prompted you to focus on Romeo and Juliet in this issue?
Del Col: As I mentioned above, Kill Shakespeare Being in trouble, during that time, I started thinking about the stories I wanted to know (when!) that we were able to restore rights. As I thought, Romeo and Juliet’s images confronted each other in my noon style of Western showdown. I mentioned the “bulb moment” above and that’s one of them.
Then, the story immediately appeared with me – it would be a “Shakespeare West” and Juliet was “Rent Sword” with a mission to protect the border town from temporary forces led by Romeo. It all will reach its peak at the showdown between two lovers (like many stories). I think there are more elements of the story that enriches (Nunnery, their hidden magic, which characters (village, hockey, etc.) will make up the “magnificent Shakespeare Seven” and so on.
As Conor and I wrote Kill ShakespeareJuliet slowly became the most interesting character on the “Hero” side of the spreadsheet, and this story takes her story to another level. It’s also great because this story is a “ramp” for those who have never read any earlier stories of murder Shakespeare, and everyone knows the story of Juliet and Romeo.
Destito: How to work with this creative team?
Del Col: I know I want to work with an artist who can capture the action of the story but more importantly emotions. I started looking around, my good friends (and incredible art scouts) Keith Morris Say: “I have a perfect artist for you…and he is Canadian.
Stefan Tosheff: Thanks, Anthony! I’m really happy. At first, the project felt very mysterious – very quiet about what it actually means. But when I found out that this was a rebooted series, I was really excited!
Del Col: Stefan ended up being the perfect collaborator for this and brought some good ideas for it. His action scenes are so active, but what I like most are the quiet moments of emotion, especially as we watch Juliet struggle with her emotions and past. My favorite art is at the end. I don’t want to spoil anything, but the scene of Juliet’s reaction and the torrent of her emotions are breathtaking on her during her encounter with Romeo. I’m glad Stefan participated in this project.
(I would rather not mention that his Othello boxing scene is… The chef’s kiss)
DESTITO: How did you develop character designs for these familiar characters?
Tosheff: Well, I got a tip from Anthony’s suggestion. We want to bring Western elements, and some Squat tiger, hidden dragon– Style design really expands the palette we can use, you know? Basically, I just tried to make everyone look sexy and cool.
Destito: Why does this comic attract different fan bases?
Del Col: I created Romeo and Juliet Attract anyone who likes romantic adventure stories.
For those who are already fans Kill Shakespeare: I know it’s been a while, but…we’re back (better than ever)! I think this is probably our best complete story and will be weaving from past stories and bringing some cool new elements.
For Shakespeare fans (but haven’t read it yet Kill Shakespeare): This is the ultimate remix of two Star Lovers (and other characters from the Bard). If Juliet and Romeo survive, where will they be in seven years? What would happen if they ended on the opposite side of the future battle of the nuns of the border town and were determined to move onto their own path?
For those who are not Shakespeare fans: You have heard of Romeo and Juliet. You know their story. But you’ve never heard of how they fight against each other and become the worst enemies. How poetic is that?
Tosheff: It also has a lot of western elements, so if you like Deadwood Or classic, I think you really like it too.
DESTITO: Any other plan Kill Shakespeare Book?
Del Col: Connor and I have drawn the rest Kill Shakespeare Take risks if we can do more. We love this world and go back to this world (for me) so natural. Kill Shakespeare It was the first comic series for both of us and I was so happy to play in the sandbox again.
Tosheff: I’m so glad to meet these characters again.
DESTITO: What else do you want to wear?
Del Col: I’m a big fan of Jane Austen and her work, and I’d love to create a mix project (similar to Kill Shakespeare) fuse her characters together and test the relationships built in the original books. I’ve been biting on the outline for a while, but…hey! Why do I want to share this information with people? ? ?
I really like playing mature characters (like Nancy Drew, like everyone else), doing unique spins on them. I have some ideas and project kicks so we’ll see…
Tosheff: Someone, anyone – let me draw X-MenI want to make one, too She wrote, Comics…didn’t this market say it’s huge… right?
Del Col: If I don’t allow one She wrote, Comics, I’ll kill anyone…!
Romeo vs. Juliet: The first appearance of the Kill Shakespeare Adventure on April 22, 2025 is just in time for this year’s World Shakespeare Day on April 23. Del Col will be located at:
319 University Street, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
