The Creator Taking Risks and Redefining Comics
By August Tales Comics
Welcome back to Comic Conversations. This week we are spotlighting Dave Baker. Baker has emerged as one of the most daring voices in the comic industry, constantly pushing creative boundaries. With his bold narratives and a willingness to explore unconventional themes, Baker is a creator who thrives on risk. His latest work, Mary Tyler Mohawk, is a prime example of his ambition, blending dystopia, satire, and meta-commentary on fandom. I sat down with the Eisner-nominated comic creator to dive deeper into his creative process and what drives his passion for storytelling.
From Tucson to Comics: The Early Journey of Dave Baker
Baker’s love for comics began at an early age. “I grew up in Tucson, Arizona,” he shared, “and was obsessed with Nancy Drew, The Hardy Boys, and Tintin. By the time I was three or four, I knew I wanted to make comics.” That dream led him on a journey through self-publishing, working with indie publishers, and eventually collaborating with larger companies.
Despite his growing success, Baker is candid about the financial challenges of the industry. “Comics aren’t exactly lucrative,” he admitted. Yet, his dedication to the craft remains unwavering, with a clear focus on creating compelling stories that resonate with readers.
Breaking Ground with F*ck Off Squad
For many fans, Baker’s breakout moment came with F*ck Off Squad, a coming-of-age comic about skater kids navigating love and life. “It resonated because it was different,” Baker explained. “It had that Gen-X slacker vibe, but it also had a lot of heart.” The title, which stands out for its boldness, quickly attracted attention at conventions. “People would walk by, see the title, and pick it up. The name was catchy, but the emotional core kept them reading,” he said.
Though F*ck Off Squad wasn’t the work that earned Baker his Eisner nomination, it firmly established his reputation as a creator to watch. Its raw take on youth culture and relationships connected with readers in a way that few comics had done at the time.
Transitioning to Everyone’s Tulip: A New Creative Challenge
After F*ck Off Squad, Baker took a significant creative leap with Everyone’s Tulip. This story explores the intersections of social media, identity, and the blurred lines between online personas and reality. “We wanted to focus on the characters and use a nine-panel grid to create a rhythm that built up to a crescendo,” Baker shared.
This shift in storytelling style was deliberate. Baker aimed to craft a different emotional experience, one that would challenge readers in new ways. The result was a deeply layered narrative that earned him and collaborator Nicole Goux an Eisner nomination.
Collaboration has always been central to Baker’s process, particularly with Goux. “Every book we do together is different,” he said. “With Fck Off Squad*, Nicole was just sketching at a skate park, and I knew it was a story. Everyone’s Tulip grew out of our conversations about surreal influencer videos we’d seen on Instagram.”
Tackling Iconic Characters: Star Trek: Voyager – Seven’s Reckoning
Beyond his original works, Baker has also taken on licensed properties. One notable project is Star Trek: Voyager – Seven’s Reckoning. “I’m a huge Star Trek fan, so it was a dream project,” Baker revealed. “I included references to specific episodes, like Janeway’s haircut in Year of Hell. I treated it like it might be the last time I ever get to write Star Trek, so I put everything into it.”
Despite the shift from his usual independent fare, Baker brought the same care and creativity to Star Trek as he does to his original work. His respect for the franchise’s legacy is evident, and his contributions to Voyager were celebrated by fans.
Bold Political Commentary in Night Hunters
Baker is no stranger to exploring deeper political themes in his work, as seen in his dystopian comic Night Hunters. Illustrated by Alexis Ziritt, the series dives into a futuristic world with heavy political overtones. “Alexis had this idea for a cyberpunk story set in Venezuela, and I knew I had to match his gritty, intense art style with a narrative that did it justice,” Baker explained.
Night Hunters delves into how laws and societal pressures force individuals into roles they never wanted. It’s a dark, intense exploration of power, corruption, and survival in a dystopian world. This stark departure from Baker’s other work highlights his versatility and fearlessness as a storyteller.
Mary Tyler Mohawk: Baker’s Most Ambitious Work Yet
Baker’s latest project, Mary Tyler Mohawk, is perhaps his most ambitious work to date. “I wanted to make something you couldn’t just breeze through in 15 minutes,” Baker said. The comic combines dystopia, satire, and fandom commentary, resulting in a narrative that’s both thought-provoking and deeply engaging. “I fell in love with the characters and decided to expand it,” he shared. “It’s definitely my most ambitious work, and I wanted it to reflect everything I care about as a creator.”
Baker’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of comic storytelling is evident in Mary Tyler Mohawk. He continues to experiment with genre and form, crafting stories that challenge readers to think beyond traditional narratives.
The Future of Comics and Dave Baker’s Role
As digital platforms like Webtoon gain popularity, Baker remains open to experimenting with new formats. “I’ve done webcomics before, and I’m open to it,” he said. “But there’s something about holding a physical book that’s deeply rewarding.” However, Baker isn’t afraid to explore new possibilities, and his versatility ensures that whatever direction the industry takes, he will be at the forefront.
Baker’s work stands out for its willingness to challenge norms. From the intimate character study in Everyone’s Tulip to the dystopian grit of Night Hunters, he continuously pushes the envelope. His dedication to taking risks and experimenting with structure makes him one of the most exciting creators in comics today.
Dave Baker is a creator who thrives on innovation, and his future in comics looks bright. Whether crafting original narratives or working on iconic franchises, he’s a storyteller with a unique voice and an unstoppable drive.
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