Inside the Mind of Todd Abbot

Special to DTA Online
By Rhonda Bowlden

Hey fans! Here's a rare glimpse of how "Captain Nepto Prime" May was developed. DFG Icon Todd Abbot generously gave us a scan of the earliest breakdowns of that issue for you to see. Todd documented for us that he was having a phone conversation with DFG Co-Publisher Darryl Andrews in which Darryl was describing the basic plot for the first issue and Todd grabbed a pencil and started immediately flushing out the breakdowns for the issue. This is the result, a rare look into the basic foundation of a DFG comic- book!!

Principle Breakdowns/Pencils Completed on "Prime June"

Special to DTA Online
By Rhonda Bowlden

DFG Icon Todd Abbot has finished the principle breakdowns and pencils for "Captain Nepto Prime" June. Mr. Abbot was gracious enough to answer a few questions about the issue.

RB: Feedback has been very positive about the new series. The fans agree that the flavour of the series has been recaptured even though it's 25 years later. What is your reaction to that?
TA: I could play down my enthusiasm and try to be cool, but I'll leave that for Darryl and his comments. I'm thrilled by the finished product. Everyone at DFG is putting a lot of heart into the project and realizes just how special this year has and will be for the legacy of DFG.

RB: "Spy Comics Presents" after a few stops and starts has gained speed and has scheduled releases every month planned to coincide with the "Prime" series; has there ever been a more productive time at DFG that you can remember?
TA: The early years of the company were heavy, very productive...it was the base of all that we have to work with now. I'd agree that today mirrors that time and all the stuff in the middle doesn't touch what we're all doing now.

RB: What is your favourite sequence in "Prime" June?
TA: I like the whole issue...it's very simple, straight forward....like the original series..., but then again, when I break it down I realize it introduces the secret cavern, the return of the lighthouse, the Nepto Sub and the super scientific ray gun that will have long lasting impact on the DFG Universe...hmmm, I guess it's a pretty significant issue after all...

RB: What can you tell me about the July issue? Is it still going to feature the Man-Hunter and a rather large Art Collection theft?
TA: Believe it or not, Darryl, Dan & I have every intention of following the initial schedule even though we've come up with many, many more ideas of stories and characters to introduce.

RB: New characters? Can you tell us about some?
TA: New arch nemesis labelled "Sista Sinna", who is highly spiritual, dangerous and full of poison...that's all I can tell you...oh, and Nepto will be poisoned...

RB: When can we expect her debut?
TA: "Captain Nepto Prime" August 'nuff said!!

For Flora

Prime Debuts on Official Captain Nepto Website!!

Interview with Todd Abbot

Special to DTA Online
By Rhonda Bowlden

With "Captain Nepto Prime" only days away from release I had a chance to interview Todd Abbot at his new condo.

RB: How was the process of working with Darryl [Andrews] and Dan [Graves] again?
TA: It was a really good experience. After all the corporate battles we were all able to sit at the table and move forward to publish a great book for the fans.
RB: Would you agree that both sides seemed to be flexible to allow for the book to go forward?
TA: Yes, that was key. The book's direction incorporates both ideas that were being discussed at the time. I was very happy we went back to the beginning of the Nepto adventures instead of skipping ahead to series two. All the more reason that now we have the option of doing that in the future.
RB: Has that been discussed?
TA: I don't want to get too far ahead at this point since #1 is just being released next week, but Darryl and I have had conversations about creating updated stories for every timeline established in the former books.
RB: That would be a very exciting prospect!
TA: It's a long-term ambition shared by myself and everyone at DFG. Collectively, we'll work towards that, but there's always the possibility of another layoff.
RB: Even so, this period of DFG has netted some highly creative results.
TA: Yes, it's a very exciting time for everyone.
RB: Financially things appear to be better for you.
TA: I didn't come back for drill. I made sure my deal with DFG was really solid.
RB: What can you tell the fans about issue 2?
TA: Nepto Sub -- need I say anything more?

Sneak Peak Captain Nepto Prime

Earliest look at raw images from Captain Nepto Prime #1 before lettering & colouring.

D.F.G. Gives Up

Special to DTA Online
By Jim Boss

DTA Comics C.E.O. Todd Abbot was elated after meeting with DFG Vice-President Darryl Andrews and coming to terms over the rights of character Captain Nepto. In a DTA office circulation, the document stated that DFG comics does acknowledge that Mr. Abbot was in fact a part of the early creative Captain Nepto series. Where Mr. Abbot has been an uncredited creator for years within the DFG hierarchy, he will now be credited for his input and involvement. It has also been confirmed that Mr. Abbot is in charge of the pencilling duties for the new Captain Nepto Prime series debuting in May 2008.