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Sentences by Percey Carey, the Interview

posted by Matt Knicl at 6:00 am.

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From Rags To Riches, From Riches To Rags

One of the exciting things about the comic book industry boom of late is the ability publishers are having to tread new waters. Ideas and concepts that wouldn’t have been marketable in the medium years ago are now given the shot to reach a wide audience.

Comic books are not just for comic book nerds anymore.

I am not a listener of Rap or Hip-Hop. Given the choice I’d rather listen to suburban white kids screaming in the background of complaints about how their parents aren’t “fair” - but that’s just me. When I came across Sentences: The Life of M.F. Grimm I was skeptical. How could I enjoy a book about a subculture I knew nothing about?

What I found, however, was that Sentences was a very accessible story. While not knowing much about that scene, this graphic novel touches on universal themes and is a cautionary tale. Percy Carey grew up in Manhattan as a child and worked as an extra on Sesame Street. He would later become an integral part in the booming Hip-Hop business and survived a murder attempt.

There is more to the tale, but that is covered in the book. I did get a chance to talk to Mr. Carey about the graphic novel, to help shed some light on these events and the project in general.

Matt Knicl: According to the novel your editor said you have a story to tell. I agree, but why did you choose to tell it as a comic book?

Percy Carey aka M.F. Grimm: Because it was never done before.

Matt: Are you a fan of comic books? What comics have you read? What would you consider your favorites if so?

Percy: Yes, too many to mention. Batman, Superman, the Hulk… Iron man. The Hulk is my all time favorite.

Matt: For the novel, what is your target reader?

Percy: I have no target reader, I made it for everyone.

Matt: One of the major aspects of mainstream comics is the idea of alternate realities. Are there points in your life that you think were defining choices, more so than others, that would have led to an alternate life where some of these bad choices hadn’t happened?

Percy: No, I think my choices were destined and that’s why I’m who I am today because of those poor choices at the time. I was blessed to have a seat and contemplate on them and find solutions.

Matt: How did you find yourself involved with gangs? Was it different in New York than in Hollywood?

Percy: Not gangs…crews, friends, fam. Yes the life style of New York and California are different.

Matt: What was your creative process for preparing to write this book? Is it the same as when you work on songs or was this a new obstacle for you?

Percy: It was new territory for me. I had to learn the medium. I was fortunate to be around great writers and editors.

Matt: The book is published by DC Comics’ Vertigo imprint. Was there any particular reason as to why you choose this publisher over others?

Percy: It’s DC Comics… that speaks for itself.

Matt: If you had one thing you could tell Sesame Street Percy, what would it be?

Percy: I am Sesame street Percy. There’s no separation, I Am who I Am.

Matt’s Last Word: I think we stand at a crossroad in comic history. While comic book readers tend to stay at the same number, newer, non-cape-and-cowl series and graphic novels are bringing fresh blood into the market. It is essential for comics to survive, and as much as it may pain me to admit it, Manga and underground comix are helping in these regards. To hook new readers, publishers like DC and Marvel have to step outside their comfort zone and look to new properties like Sentences.

And to you regular super hero comic readers - read a book like Sentences or Persepolis. It won’t kill you. Supporting these unique titles supports the publishers’ quests for new readers and stories. If you’re not reading comics like this, it might be that one day you won’t be reading any comics at all.

Media Credit: DC Comics and Day By Day Entertainment, Inc.

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