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RUNTON FAVORITE BIRD, OWLY
by Jennifer Contino (Pulse)
The critically-acclaimed owl is back and we've got some details from creator Andy Runton about Flying Lessons, the third volume of his successful Owly series.
For those of you who have yet to try a volume of this all-ages friendly series, the story centers on a benevolent owl and his good pal, a tiny worm. Owly and Wormy are the epitome of the adage "do unto others" and try to live their life being as kind as possible to those around them. Each volume is very thoughtful and poignant and Runton expresses so much with only a handful of words (if that many) per issue.
Each volume, Runton has provided more character development and dimensions to his cast. He said the third volume, Flying Lessons, is about several things. Runton said, "First of all, there's a new little animal that Owly and Wormy try to befriend, a little Flying Squirrel. But this time only one of them is successful and this causes problems for Owly and his best friend Wormy. Coupled with that struggle, Owly has to deal with some painful memories. Fortunately he gets a little help from an unlikely source."
"[Since the first volume, Owly's] made more friends and I think he's definitely learned a lot, but he hasn't necessarily grown in leaps and bounds," he continued. "In the newest book, you will see a definite change but I'd still say that it's all about gradual growth. Slow and steady. The neat thing about it is that with every story I learn a little more about Owly too."
Along with the new character, Flying Squirrel, Owly, and Wormy, Runton said Mr. Raccoon and Flutter the butterfly return in this volume as well. Runton told THE PULSE he enjoys working with all these characters. He said the break he took between volumes made him realize how much he missed his creations. "When I sat down to draw this story, I realized that I had been away too long," Runton said. "I missed Owly and Wormy and everybody else. I missed my friends."
His "friends" have struck a chord with comic fans as well. Runton said it's "overwhelming" the way readers have responded to these characters. "I honestly can't begin to describe it," he said. "I never imagined anyone would care about this little vegetarian owl and his friends. The responses never cease to amaze me, they're all so personal and heartfelt. I'm so grateful for the ability to continue to do this."
" I'm honestly not sure [why Owly has affected people this way]," he continued. "Maybe it's because he's just trying to get by ... making new friends and reacting to what happens around him. I definitely try to put a lot of emotional emphasis on the stories and I think that helps people relate to him more. Maybe they can see a bit of themselves in him."
After Flying Lessons which should be in stores now or shortly, Runton is busy at work on another Owly story for Top Shelf's upcoming Free Comic Book Day 2006 offering. "Top Shelf has decided to do another Owly comic, so I can't let 'em down," Runton said. "I just finished the cover artwork and soon I'll start drawing the story itself. After that, it's just on to more things Owly."
More things Owly that include the anticipated stuffed Owly doll that Runton said is in its "final safety approvals" right now. "We should definitely have them in time for the 2006 convention season."
You can read more about Owly in these PULSE pieces
http://www.comicon.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic&f=36&t=002665
http://www.comicon.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic&f=36&t=003514
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