EACH MONTH SHOT IN THE DARK COMICS FOCUSES A SPOTLIGHT ON ONE OF OUR MARKSMEN.

So, you’re working on Shot in the Dark Comics, Element. What can you tell us about it, without spoiling anything of course, and what part do you play with the production of the book?

Well, Element is my baby. Its a project that I've been working on for years now. So, apart from being the creator, I write the story. I wish I could draw, but that's why we have Jeff (Toliver).

Much of what Element is, is a re-imagining of Greek mythology. It’s the story of a guy by the name of Joe Travis, who lives in Sausalito, just north of San Francisco.  His entire life has led to one moment, which I won't mention here. But as soon as that moment hits, the entire path of fate has changed - not just for Joe, but for all existence.  When he does become Element, he is given the power to control the four traditional elements (fire, earth, air, water).  He'll come to learn how to control this power with help from the “gods” of Greek myth. I say “gods” because there were never Greek gods.  They were men and women of tremendous power, granted to them from the 'Chaos Force'.

And if you wanna know what that is, just keep reading the book.

As the creator, where did the idea or inspiration for Element come from?

Obviously, as a kid who was raised on Marvel comics who wanted to create his own superhero, my first inclination was to create a Marvel character.  I always loved the idea of elemental powers, so I thought I'll make him a mutant. First time around, he never even “earthed up”.  He just wore the X-suit.

But, time went on, and I got bored with that idea.  So, I took another love of mine-Greek mythology- and began to play around with that.  So I made Element a product of Greek myth, and began putting those Gods and Titans into the modern day, playing around with em'. 

Well, then came time to pitch it to Gene Tipton, co-founder of Shot in the Dark Comics.  With a little help from him, Element became what it is today- OUR -envisioning of Greek mythology.  The character and story are so incredibly different than what I first had in mind.  But what I have now is, dare I risk arrogance, some really fantastic stuff that I hope readers really come to love.

What were your non-comic influences for your writing style?

As far as non-comic influences, I'd have to go with the greatest writers I've ever read.  Kurt Vonnegut, Michael Crichton and Stephen King. Everything I've read by those three has completely changed my views on literature.  The Stand, Jurassic Park, and Slaughterhouse Five are the three books I've read many times over, that literally have changed my life.  The whole theme of Slaughterhouse Five, the ideas of determinism and simultaneous time...it blew my mind.

Musically, there have been some significant influences.  Judas Priest, Iron Maiden and Metallica- All have some pretty epic themes in their songs.  Priest's newest album, Nostradamus, is an album I listen to every time I work on Element.

And of course, I wouldn't be where I am today without my Dad.  Both my parents always supported my imagination and creativity.  My Dad raised me on two things - Baseball, and Comic books.  He was an avid reader, from books to comics to anything at all, and I just wanted to be like him.  It’s really cause of him and my attempt at emulation that I am who I am today, going into the business that I love.

How about your comic based influences?

O boy...well...here goes.

First and foremost is Stan Lee.  The man created almost every character I grew up reading.  I buy all those “Essentials”, the ones that have the collection of twenty some issues each.  Love, no matter how campy they are today, LOVE the old Avengers and Daredevil.  The 1960's Uncanny X-Men were the first comics I ever read, and they just solidified my comic book love.

Alan Moore- How can you read and love comics, and not appreciate everything this man is? Watchmen completely blew my mind.  It is the single greatest comic book story ever told, least in my opinion.  Just love how those superheroes were so incredibly flawed.  If I were a superhero, I'd be Nite Owl...or Daredevil.  Just those kinds of mentalities.

Peter David- For two reasons.  One, everything of his that I have read has been pure gold.  His writing for comics book gave me so much help.  And that is the second reason.  I e-mailed him shortly after reading it, and he actually responded with his “good luck in your writing career” response.  I doubt he remembers me or anything, but just having that man respond to me, an overly optimistic kid...I don't think I can ever thank him enough.

Ed Brubaker- His runs on Captain America and Daredevil have only solidified them as my favorite characters.  He killed off Steve, which still bothers me (laughs), but he did the story justice.  Having it be an assassination, rather than dying during the Civil War, was great storytelling and the mark of great writer.  And to me, the greatest thing about his work on Daredevil has been the focus he put on Matt Murdock.  Sometimes you get issues that don't have DD in em' at all- and they're still fantastic.

You’re working on additional books for Shot, that don’t have a release date yet, is that right?

You are correct.  Currently, I am working on 2 concepts, one of my own design, another of Gene's (Tipton).

What can you tell me about those, without spoiling anything?

Well, with the concept that I'm working with Gene on, I can't divulge too much.  Its still in a very early stage, and to be honest, the least of our worries-at the moment.  You CAN expect that to be out there soon enough though.

The one of my own design, The Unforgiven. In simplest terms, its a modern day Benedict Arnold story.  I am a huge history buff, especially of the colonial period, and the story of Benedict Arnold, the greatest traitor in American history, has always fascinated me.  This may raise some controversy (laughs) but I personally think he was a great man.

The Unforgiven is the story of Benjamin Breeg. My girlfriend loves this one a lot, and has been really getting on me to work harder.  She's my biggest help, always the first one to read anything I write.  She'll always be my favorite fan-girl.  

And really, that is all I can tell ya right now...  Other than, of course, that I'm working hard on it with Gene to get it ready for a penciler.  So, if you're a penciler interested in working with a very dark story, with realistic art of the McNiven, Tan or Yu style-please, let me know.

During the creation stage of the artwork, how much did you oversee the project? Like, did you and the artist work closely together to create the look of the characters in Element or did you just let the artist interpret your descriptions?

Character development was some of the most fun I've had working on this book, and also some of the most stressful.  I only say stressful, cause I was CONSTANTLY checking my e-mail to see if Jeff had sent me more.  Really though, I sent him my character descriptions, detailed as I possibly could.  And Jeff came back with some really, really stunning art.  His take on Element himself was the very first (after years of trying to get someone) I ever saw-and I was blown away. 

Jeff was very, very good at drawing exactly what I wanted, and then adding his own touch to the characters.  Truth be told, I was really nervous about meeting him-it was intimidating.  I'm still worried I didn't make the best first impression (laughs). 

If you could write for any other title or character out there, which one would you choose? Why?

Captain America and Daredevil.  They're my favorites, and I feel like I've got some stories I could tell with them.  They would just be so much fun.  The ideals Cap holds are really close to how I feel about a lot of things, and the stories would be great fun.

Daredevil because Murdock would be great to lead a story.  He's such a great character, in and out of costume.

I would also love to write a Magneto limited series, or even an ongoing one.  I love Magneto. 

Oh, and of course Dr. Strange.  Cause no one does Strange anymore, that would be a lot of fun.

As for another Shot character...maybe somewhere down the line, if he lets me, I'd like to do some work on Gene's In the Eyes of the Father.  That concept gives me chills, and from everything I've read of it, I love it.

Will you be attending any conventions and doing any signings this year?

I will be at the Baltimore Comic-Con this coming October to support the release of the first issue of Element.  I will sign anyone's copy at any time anywhere, no matter what.  Unfortunately, I don't have any scheduled signings.  I'd like to get in at any local shops, or any shop for that matter, and hang out for a day or two, to meet anyone who's picking up the book.  Fan support is one of my biggest concerns, second only to producing one kick-ass story.  I'm more than willing, more than willing to respond to any mail, snail or digital, ASAP.  I'm on MySpace, Facebook and I'll have my own site up and running before too long. 

There you have it - Kyle Raios, talented new comer to the comic industry, I'm sure we'll see much more of him as time goes on. Come back next month as we get in depth and personal with Kevin Jones, the penciler for Raphael.

This has been the Sniper Spotlight.