Posted in: Comics | Tagged: Bettie Page, Comics, Dave Stevens, dynamite, entertainment, terry dodson

Terry Dodson Talks Bettie Page, His Comic Cover, and the Statue

Published Thu, 15 Mar 2018 17:30:02 -0500

Dynamite Entertainment has recently unveiled a new Kickstarter campaign for a statue based on the iconic '50s pin-up model Bettie Page. The company began publishing a Bettie Page comic series last July that was being written by David Avallone and drawn by Colton Worley. The first issue of the series had a variety of covers including one by fan-favorite artist Terry Dodson. The cover was an homage to The Rocketeer artist Dave Stevens who used Page as the inspiration for The Rocketeer's girlfriend Bettie. Its this same cover that Dynamite had Rvckvs International turn into the statue.

I had the opportunity earlier today to speak briefly with Dodson about the Bettie Page, the cover and the statue.

DAN WICKLINE: Bettie Page was the quintessential pin-up model of the '50s and then had a major resurgence in the '80s that seems to still be going. When did you first discover her, and what did you think?

TERRY DODSON: 1985-ish — through the pop culture world of comics and magazines — mostly because of Dave Stevens and the Rocketeer.

DW: What is it about Bette Page that has made her stand out among the plethora of attractive models over the years? Do you think it's her look or something else that attract fans to this day?

TD: Bettie definitely has a distinct look with that haircut and the attitude she would display in her photos really set her apart.

DW: How did you end up doing a cover for the first issue of the new Dynamite Series? How did you go about choosing to do an homage? And how long does a cover like that take you?

TD: I was offered the cover but didn't have any ideas, as I had no interest in just drawing from photos of Bettie as I prefer composing straight out of my head. So the lightning bolt went off with the idea of the classic reveal of Betty from the Rocketeer, and boom!

Pencils, inks, and colors… four days.

DW: Your cover is an homage to the late Dave Stevens. Can I assume that you are a fan of his work? And if so, what is it about his style that made him stand out to you and to his fans?

TD: Dave Stevens is one of my favorite artists and persons. This first thing I noticed and bought was a Sheena drawing done for a 3-D reprint comic. It was so well done, and think at the same time the Rocketeer had launched as a back up, but it was coming out so rarely that it took a few years for me to even find the story (remember that this was a time when the comic news would come out monthly in magazines). Dave also Rachel's main influence on his inks. His work has such lush, beautiful rendering with so much character and humor and heart!

DW: When did you find out that they were going to do a statue based on your cover? How does it feel to know that your work is being adapted in such a way?

TD: Let's see — August 2017. I thought it was pretty cool, because I think it works well as a three-dimensional object, and as it's homage to one of my favorite pieces of art, I'm pleased to work of all the artist's represented in it. And if you are a fan of Bettie or good girl art, this is a fine example.