DAN PARENT TALKS VERONICA #196

Writer/artist Dan Parent talks about Archie Comics' Veronica #196, due in stores on Sept. 2 and guest-starring pop singer Colbie Caillat.

Question: Colbie Caillat is taking a copy of Veronica #196 on A&E's Private Sessions and The Tonight Show with Conan O'Brien this week. What's it like to have your work get that much exposure?

Parent: It's awesome! As an artist, you always want as many people as possible to see your work.

Question: You have been on TV yourself a few times too?

Parent: Yeah, I've been on some shows like Extra and the CBS Morning Show, as well as a couple of game show appearances, namely Weakest Link and Who Wants to be a Millionaire. That's my 15 minutes of fame!

Question: The Beatles have appeared in Archie Comics and both the Archies and Josie & the Pussycats cross over in the the world of music. Why does music fit so well into the Riverdale Universe?

Parent: Pop culture is pop culture. Whether it's movies, TV, comics, or music, they all fall under that "pop culture" banner. And you can't get more "pop" than Archie Comics.

Question: When you wrote the story with Colbie Caillat, how do you make sure the character talks like Colbie does?

Parent: Well, you have to sort of wing that, and hope it works out. I'd seen interviews with her and heard her speak, so I had a rough idea of her demeanor.

Question: Does Colbie have to approve the script?

Parent: Yes, she has to approve the script, as well as the likenesses of her character in the artwork. Fortunately, she liked both!

Question: You personally interact with the fans a lot. How many conventions and store signings do you attend in an an average year?

Parent: It seems like thousands! I'm just saying that since it's been a hectic summer. But I love every minute of it. I have a lot of regulars who meet me at the shows, as well as new fans coming out to see me all the time. I feel it's almost mandatory for artists and writers to connect with their fanbase. Their feedback is very important, since they have a lot of time invested in these characters. I do around six or seven conventions per year, plus store signings too.

Question: What type of feedback do get about special events like Colbie Caillat guest starring or Archie and Veronica getting married?

Parent: Any time you do something a little different, the fans love it. It's always important to shake things up, and stay on top of what's going on in the world of entertainment. It also makes these books more collectible and special. I can't tell you how many people have marked their calendars for Archie #600. And the same for Veronica #196. And we're not stopping there, since we've got some great books planned for 2010!