Eddie deAngelini – Writer/Artist of the comic strip Collectors & owner of Hi De Ho Comics in Santa Monica, CA.

What is the best thing that I love about my work?

I love my work best when it’s done. When I finish a printed volume of my comic strip Collectors and hold it in my hands, the sense of accomplishment I feel is pure joy. Like any drug, that joy pushes you on to your next project to chase that feeling all over again.

What is my idea of perfect happiness?

Perfect happiness is a quiet day with no responsibilities or commitments except drawing and creating.

What is my greatest fear?

Dying without telling all the stories I want to tell.

What is the trait that I most deplore in myself?

My stubbornness to learn new things that I know will help me be more successful, like marketing or accounting. I constantly force myself to tackle these unfamiliar areas.

Which living persons in my profession do I most admire?

Those that can work smart rather than work harder. We are always told that the key to success is to work harder and longer than the other guy, but this is a recipe for burnout. I greatly admire those that are able to do more in less time and enjoy life.

What is my greatest extravagance?

I’m not a person of extravagance. I live simply and probably always will. My one weakness is comic book collecting. I don’t have a large collection, but the books I do have are nice gold, silver and bronze age books of value. Most collectors have a larger collection than I do, but I’m about quality over quantity.

On what occasion would I lie?

I love cheese, especially anything Italian and imported. Even though I’ll buy some for both my wife and I, I can’t stop myself once I start. A week later, my wife will notice it’s all gone and ask if I ate it all. “Nope.”

What is the thing that I dislike the most in my work?

I wish I was a better inker. I wish I wrote funnier jokes. I wish I could think up my comic strips easier and faster. Any artist is always his/her worst critic and will always find faults in their work. I’m no different.

When and where was I the happiest, in my work?

Anytime someone tells me that they love my comic strip and my books, I feel like I’m doing something of value to others.

If I could, what would I change about myself?

I always wish I had started my creative journey earlier. I grew up with immigrant parents who placed importance on more practical careers. Art was something frivolous to them, something that’s a nice hobby but not anything you make a living from. If I hadn’t been swayed by their thinking, I might have started at a younger age and maybe been farther along now. Woulda, coulda, shoulda. Ultimately, I guess the best time to follow your dream is when you’re not dead.

What is my greatest achievement in work?

Since starting my comic strip, I’ve made numerous friends in the comic industry. Many have become close friends. Because of Collectors, I have more good friends now than I’ve ever had at any point in my life. This has also led to opportunities like being on television and being a guest at comic book conventions.

What do the words ‘The Financial Freedom to Create’ mean to me?

Rent and bills are paid. The fridge is stocked with food. I can write and draw without any worries. That’s financial freedom to me.

Where would I most like to live?

Right now, I’m happy right where I’m at in Los Angeles. I can be happy anywhere as long as I’m with my wife and we’re doing what we love.

What is my most treasured possession?

My comic book collection. I would say my wife, but she’s not a possession.

What is my most marked characteristic?

My work ethic, pounded into me by my parents.

What is my most inspirational location, in my city?

My office and my art table. For me, Inspiration comes from within and not from without.

What is my favourite place to eat and drink, in my city?

I live walking distance from about half a dozen small and amazing beer breweries. I do love a good porter or stout.

What books influenced my life and how?

As a comic book creator and a comic book retailer, the books that have had the biggest impact on me are classic comic books from the sixties and seventies. Legendary comic book creators like Jack Kirby, Stan Lee, Steve Ditko and John Romita are pop culture gods to me.

Who are my favorite writers?

George Orwell, Ray Bradbury, Mark Waid, Ed Brubaker, Will Eisner

You Only Die Once. What music would I listen to on my last day?

Joey Ramone’s version of What a Wonderful World

Who is my hero or heroine in fiction?

I’ve always identified with the life struggles of Peter Parker and I probably always will.

Who are my heroes and heroines in real life?

My hero since the age of sixteen has always been Joe Strummer. His music and life were about his passion for all people, their various cultures and their need for social justice. His ideals helped to shape my views and opinions.

Which movie would I recommend to see once in a lifetime?

Movie tastes are so subjective. If I must recommend a movie, I’m going to make it a good documentary so at least the viewer will learn something regardless if they like it or not. Dark Days is a good one that had a lasting effect on me. Maybe it’ll do the same for others.

What role does art play in my life and work?

A very large role. Every week I write and draw a new comic strip. I create it, I appreciate it and many of my good friends are also artists. It’s all around me.

Who is my greatest fan, sponsor, partner in crime?

My wife, easily. I wouldn’t be doing all I do if it wasn’t for her.

Whom would I like to work with in 2019?

I don’t want to jinx anything, but I want animation to be a part of what I do with my comic strip.

Which people in my profession would I love to meet in 2019?

That’s a tough question, because the comic industry is such a close knit community. It’s not that difficult to run into and/or meet other creators in the field, both big and small.

What project, in 2019, am I looking forward to work on?

A new year means starting to work on a new printed collection of Collectors

Where can you see me or my work?

You can read my weekly comic strip Collectors at www.CollectorsComic.com and:

www.facebook.com/CollectorsComic

www.instagram.com/collectorscomic/

What do the words “Passion Never Retires” mean to me?

Creating never stops. Even if you retire, ideas don’t stop coming. Once an artist, always an artist.

Which creative heroes should Peter invite to tell their story?

Russell Nohelty, Darin Henry

How can you contact me?

eddie@collectorscomic.com