Comics2Film: Words From Here: Randy Bowen

The first time I was introduced to Randy Bowen's work was (head down) on EBay. I know, I know... if any of you know Bowen's work, you'll understand the 'head down' comment.

Bowen has been on the scene for over three years now... producing what has become a series of incredible collectors items.

Randy Bowen has been sculpting for years. His most recent agenda (recent=three years) has been to create a line of busts and full figure statues that have bowled over the comic collectible industry.

His work began with a series of busts, starting with The Incredible Hulk... a piece that, just recently, went on eBay for more than $500.00. It's original price was $42.00. The majority of his pieces are signed... all of them are numbered in a series... and highly collectible.

In fact, what started with the Hulk bust has become a trend for Bowen's first series of busts. The value of these collectibles has risen, not just because of their rarity, but in large because of the quality of work. Each sculpture is hand painted by the various artists employed by Bowen studios... and I'm sure Bowen would not have it any other way.

The work ranges from 6" busts to full 12-14" statues of some of Marvel's greatest super-heroes and villains. The majority of them are porcelain, but Bowen has also come out with very limited editions in resin and bronze... some of which was taken from characters created by favorites Frank Frazetta, Matt Wagner, Dave Stevens, H.P. Lovecraft, Mike Mignola, Mike Allred, Frank Miller, Alex Ross, Robert E. Howard and also original characters created by Bowen himself.

The fact is, in the comic industry, new collectibles are coming out all the time. What Bowen has capitalized on isn't a new fad, or something that will die out in the next year or so. The work is limited, the quality is exceptional... and Bowen is far from short of ideas.

I had the distinct pleasure to not only purchase some of Bowen's work (especially his Decapitator statue, which is one of my favorites), but I was also able to ask him a few questions about his career and his life.

John Painz (JP): Could you tell me who or what influenced you the most, to decide to get into comics/sculpture?

Randy Bowen (RB): As with most people it was not 'one' person who made an influence. When I was a child, my grandmother supplied me with plasticene clay. I high school my art teacher taught me the fundamentals of bronze sculpture and casting. After High School I met a working artist (bronze sculptor) named Ralph Crawford who had done a lot of work for Arnold Schwarzenegger and Joe Wieder. Since childhood I 've been 'into' comics. Everything from Carl Barks to Frazetta to R. Crumb. This was just a natural chain of events that lead me to my current occupation.

JP: How would you describe the direction of the industry (comic industry), as of today, and where it might be heading in the future?

RB: It seems as though comics are somewhat of a microcosm, where- now more than ever it's a case of "survival of the fittest". The market in general is not as strong now as it was ten years ago, but it continues to be fertile ground for crossovers into other mediums, i.e. film etc. Killer artists and writers will always have work. The competition from other genres (requiring less of an attention span) will continue to suck a lot of the dollars out of this industry, so that; in the end- only the people who are sincere in their love of comics will remain (in the comics industry). That's just an opinion. I'm not really qualified to answer to be honest...

RB: Real people? Most of my "heroes" are Average Joes that that have given their lives for the betterment of humanity. Inventors, soldiers, writers. It really kinda depends on who's biography I'm reading at the time.

RB: Nazi's, phone solicitors, door to door sales people (unless their with some sort of Scouting organization)

RB: That question doesn't really apply to my particular corner of the comics industry. I just think in terms of- "What would be fun?" or "What can I sculpt to make a few bucks to continue this cushy job?"

JP: What would you say to a young'un if they were interested in entering this industry?

RB: "Keep your day job until your night job pays". As a rule of thumb everyone should: try to find something that they'll enjoy doing for the rest of their lives, and find a way to make money at it. (This does however exclude picking ones nose)

RB: Every edition we release "sells out", and I do not regret it one teensy bit. My goal is (in general) is to: 1. have fun 2. try to improve my work 3. provide for my family (the order changes depending on how late my mortgage payment is)

RB: Hmmm... This could get embarrassing. 5. Soundtrack from the movie "Big Night" 4. The Best of Ray Charles 3. Remixed to Hell (AC\DC tribute) 2. Muddy Waters- I'm Ready 1. Monster Magnet-Powertrip

RB: 5. Scary Movie 4. Shaft (new version) 3. Me Myself and Irene 2. Outside Providence 1. Cast Away

RB: OOh a loaded question. Here's the short answer: I've just enjoyed drawing and sculpting since I was a kid, and I never wanted a job that required you to ask: "Paper or Plastic?"- or- "Would you like fries with that?" (Not that there's anything wrong with that mind you. I'm just not qualified)

RB: Right now I'm building a house, so I'm trying to squeeze out as many project as possible before I have to move in May 2001. Here's a sampling of what's coming:

Galactus bust in scale with the mini-bust series that we're doing (He's big I tell ya'), Power-Man, Namor, Ghost Rider, New Iron Man statue, Morbius-The Living Vampire, Juggernaut, USAgent, and many many more. Oh Yeah- I'm also building a seven foot long Nautilus submarine from the old Disney film 20,000 Leagues Beneath the Sea. When I retire I want to sculpt lot's of naked women in strange clothing.

JP: Thank you for your time Randy, and good luck with all of your future projects!

This interview was conducted late February, 2001.

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Send John e-mail at stilesjp@wordsfromhere.com.

Published by Comics2Film with permission.