Interview: Jordan Gunderson Executive Assistant: Assassins Artist

Earlier this week we talked with Alex Lei who is the other half of the upcoming Executive Extintion Crossover coming from Aspen this December. So without further ado here is Jordan Gunderson, current artist of Executive Assistant: Assassins' interview and an exclusive look at his art for the crossover!

CB)         What are you most excited about for the Executive Extinction crossover?

JG)         The most exciting prospect for me, when I first got word of the "Executive Extinction crossover", was being able to draw more Executive Assistants. I really loved the designs and assassin suits created for the previous Executive Assistant event and couldn't wait to start drawing them myself.

CB)         How does working on a crossover affect your art style? Do you stay true to your own artistic voice or have you and Alex found a middle ground to meet on?

JG)          I would say I remain very true to my artistic voice throughout the series. The only real "restraints" on me are the previously created character designs that I need to adhere to. But like I said before, I love the designs so I'm not really feeling that they hamper my art in any way.

CB)         What’s been you’re favorite part of working on Executive Assistant Assassins thus far?

JG)         My favorite part of working on Executive Assistant Assassins has been the subject matter. Strong female characters, interesting locales and dramatic story-lines make for a great experience for me as the artist and give me lots of artistic opportunities.

CB)         Which of the E.A.’s is your favorite from the series and will they be appearing in the crossover?

JG)          Definitely Rose. She has it all; the suit, the haircut, the personality and throwing daggers! She will be making herself known in the crossover for sure.

CB)         Can you tell us a little bit about the next issue of Assassins?

JG)         Following the death of Tarver at the end of issue #3, Lily is yet again on the target list. So beginning in issue #6, Lily decides to make the hunter become the hunted and sets her sights on Lilac. Fans can also expect to see some other Executive Assistant's emerging in the storyline as well.

CB)         As for your art background, are you self-taught with tons of practice or did you go to school to continue your development?

JG)          From a very young age, when I first started reading comics, all I wanted to do was draw them. So in that aspect, I have had lots of practice. That being said, I don't think I would be where I am today without my continued education. In college I earned a BFA in Multimedia Design, which strengthened my portfolio immensely. Not only was I taking life drawing courses, but I had graphic design, 3D Modeling and photography thrown in there as well. I was well rounded upon graduation and believe I gained a leg up when I decided to illustrate comics professionally.

CB)         If Iris comes up to you and tells you she’s pregnant and it’s your kid; do you keep it or give up for adoption knowing that her life is pretty crazy?

JG)         Well, my girlfriend might have something to say about this whole debacle, depending how it all plays out on Maury Povich. In the end I would have to say I would keep the child. I definitely don't like the idea of a child with the blood of an assassin growing up angry and wanting to come find her Father to question his thoughts on adoption.

We'd like to thank Jordan for taking the time to talk with us and wish him and Aspen the best of luck on the Executive Extinction crossover available in December!