|
|
 |
| |
Brodie and Tomokai in scene from Brodie’s Law: Project Jameson |
Crimebuster takes on Hollywood
Sara Newman meets Camden market trader David Bircham, whose graphic novel Brodie’s Law is about to be turned into a major film starring Samuel L Jackson
IN the world of the graphic novel, swarthy crimebusters root out evil wherever it appears and justice always prevails.
For David Bircham, the creator of Brodie’s Law who sells his comic-books at Camden Market Hall, convincing Hollywood producers to adapt his creation into a film must seem like one of his drawings come to life.
Starring Samuel L Jackson and directed by one of Hollywood’s most prominent directors, Renny Harlin (Cliffhanger, Die Hard 2, The Long Kiss Goodnight and Deep Blue Sea), the film is due to start shooting in January.
Tackling similar inner- city terrain to the Lycra-clad vigilante heroes who have already reached the silver screen, the lead in Brodie’s Law is a small-time thief who chooses leather rather than Lycra.
This sci-fi extravaganza is set in London and traces the footsteps of Jack Brodie, a petty criminal framed for a murder he did not commit, who is on a mission to save his kidnapped son.
In the course of his adventure he acquires an addictive formula that can steal a person’s thoughts and identity, a drug that compels him to commit morally heinous acts.
Startling and bold, Bircham’s art is sumptuous and beautiful no matter how gritty the tale.
He admires Jim Lee, the creator of the 1980s X-Men and cites Boris Vallejo’s sexy warrior women as a major influence for his own female characters.
But, he said, “I don’t want to copy them I want to be as good as them. The feeling I get when see Vallejo’s art – it’s amazing. His knowledge of anatomy is perfect. The figures look so real.
“It’s very sexy. I know we don’t like to talk about sexual things but there is sensuality in the human form and it’s very vibrant. A lot of the men I draw, women love, and plenty of gay guys like to buy my stuff.”
Although he does not attempt to emulate Leonardo Da Vinci and Raphael, it is significant that where Renaissance artists challenged the church in their art, Bircham hints towards Christian morality in his.
As a teenager his burning desire to draw was channeled into his belief in God and he began to draw biblical images. At one stage he even wanted to become a preacher but in the end he turned his back on the church.
He said: “I love the idea that the Kingdom of God is right but what kind of life would it be if you just wanted to die?”
Bircham knows that without US backing, hopes to make his venture a success will fail but he is determined to bring it back to the UK.
He said: “It’s something that rings inside of me. I’m not happy with the way we have no influence in the world. My parents were from Jamaica but I’m British and it should come from someone like me.”
He added: “The comic book industry is not inviting new blood to come in and lead the way. We need new artists to drive the market. America is not prepared to take risks. When it comes to films and entertainment it all tends to be very drab and comic books are no exception to that.”
Bircham, who is currently living in Upper Norwood with his wife Ester and baby Jaela, was born in Yorkshire where he lived with his mother.
As a child he was convinced he was set to be an artist, often visiting parks with his friend Chi where he would stand directly in front of his appointed subject and then, without asking, start to draw.
To the chagrin of Bircham’s mother, who wanted her son to become a lawyer and make a decent living, Chi convinced his best friend to pursue a career in art.
Ironically Chi is now a computer programmer with his own successful business.
Although Bircham completed a foundation course at Central St Martins in Farringdon they “turned their noses up” at Bircham’s passion for comics. “I didn’t mind,” he said. “I had a naive impression that I was going to earn thousands of pounds with a major publisher.”
At 22 he landed a position at 200ad drawing Sinister Dexter and Judge Dredd. But after five years, Bircham became frustrated and took out a £10,000 bank loan to set up a new media business with Brodie co-creator Daley Osiyemi, making advertisements for Nokia and Telewest.
Since then Bircham, in true action hero-style, has not looked back.
He works out every day and catches four hours sleep a night. He said: “It’s a journey not a destination and I’m still on that road.”
|
|
|
|
|
|
