Archie: When did you first discover Archie Comics?
Mike Pellowski: I first started reading Archie Comics in the late 50's and early 60's. Bob Bollings Little Archie was my favorite. I began writing Archie stories around 1985. I first worked on the newspaper strip and penned some comics. I began to do more Archie titles and Archie's commercial comics soon after. Archie: You were a professional football player, how did that lead to writing comics?
Mike Pellowski: I always wanted to be two things--a pro athlete and most of all a writer. After being captain of the Rutgers football team, I had pro trials with the New England Patriots (NFL) and the Montreal Alouettes (CFL). I played for a semi-pro team connected with the Patriots. After two years of pro and semi-pro football, I began writing and published my first comic boo story in 1974. Back then I wrote mystery, sci-fi, war and adventure comics. Archie: You have been able to add sports themes to many of your stories. Was the emphasis on sports your idea or was it an editorial idea?
Mike Pellowski: Many of my stories deal with sports, friendship and family values. I base many of my stories on personal experiences from my past as a player/coach, fan and spectator. I also have children, 3 boys and 1 girl, all of whom played sports, including soccer, cross country, cheerleading, baseball, football, basketball, track and other sports. I was also a High School coach and local cable TV. sportscaster. I've also written many sports books for youngsters. Archie: What values do sports teach young people?
Mike Pellowski: Sports teach youngsters self-discipline, teamwork, respect, patience and a sense of fair play, at least I hope they do. Archie: What type of reaction did you get from fans when your story “Fast Track to Success” was publicized in NASCAR Illustrated?
Mike Pellowski: Actually, since I'm seldom on the internet, I'm not sure what the reaction to the story was. I hope it was positive. I thought it was a great vehicle for Betty, no pun intended. Archie: You have been a very prolific writer. What are the elements of a good story?
Mike Pellowski: I've done over 500 Archie stories, 1,000 stories, articles and scripts and around 250 published books. I follow a simple formula. Start with a solid plot. A good story has a beginning, a middle and an end that makes sense and is the culmination of events leading up to the point. The rest is fleshing out with snappy dialogue, jokes, etc. Archie: You have written Archie stories for 5 pages to full length; which do you prefer?
Mike Pellowski: I enjoy doing 5 pagers and full length stories depending on the plot. Some silly classic Archie style stories fit the 5-6 page format best. However, I guess I like full length stories most. It's better for story development. Archie: You storyboard your stories, how close is the finished comic to the story board?
Mike Pellowski: Usually the finished art is very close to the storyboards depending on who the penciller is. Sometimes the perspective of the panels changes. I did spend some years doing cartoons and I have illustrated a few of my trade joke books. Archie: What make the Archie characters appealing to you?
Mike Pellowski: Archie and the Gang are the greatest. The things I admire most in real people I find in the Archie characters...honesty, loyalty, true friendship, family values, respect for others and the environment. Each character is well defined and funny and attractive in his or her own way. I wish I could live in Riverdale. If Coach Kleets or Coach Clayton ever retire, I'm applying for the job.
Archie: What exciting things do you have lined up for fans in 2008?
Mike Pellowski: I think the Archie characters are going to stay true and lovable while managing to change with the hectic times we live in. I have a daughter who is very much like Betty--strong, confident, athletic, intelligent and determined. Betty may become an astronaut. Ron might too if she could find a designer astronaut outfit. (P.S. Just keep Archie away from the launch button. No accidents, please!
ARCHIE’S DOUBLE DIGEST #186
