DIY History | Transcribe | Hevelin Fanzines | Ad Astra, v. 1, issue 2, July 1939

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Ad Astra, v. 1, issue 2, July 1939

Page 11

What we want is something personal --- something that's not generally known."

   "Let's star from the beginning, I suggested. "You were born ----"

   "In Poland, January 7, 1913," Julian supplied.

   "Fine, keep it up," Reinsberg applauded.

   "Well," Krupa continued, settling back in his swivel chair, "I might be called a "born" artist, as I've been interested in illustrating since I can remember. Got my first start with the birth of my strip, "The Adventures of Richard Arnold"." Julian slid open one shelve of his file and unearthed a large stack of drawings, the entire "Richard Arnold" strip. These we scanned eagerly, viewing a series of excellent drawings, rendered understandible by graphic illustrating even though the script was in Polish.

   Krupa spoke: "It was an instantaneous success and I had a lot of fun doing it --- even though there were times when I got ruts that tested my enthusiasm to the breaking point. No, I never ruined a single drawing in its composition, and there was always something happening."

   "Just how did you finally get into illustrating Amazing?"

   "On a bet," Krupa replied, "I was arguing with a fellow down in the layout room of the newspaper. During the heat of the battle, he wagered that I couldn't get a job on a professional magazine. That burned me up, and when he put ten dollars down I accepted the challenge. I had heard of Amazing, and went there first. Saw Bollin, the art director, who immediately took me in. I won the ten dollars and since then --- But you know the rest."

   "Well, say Julian, science fiction isn't your only interest? What are your hobbies?" I asked, breaking the silence.

   "Oh, I've always wanted to organize an orchestra of science fiction fans. But seriously, I am greatly interested in good music -- I play several instruments myself. Then, of course, photography --- amateur movies; some day I'm going to shoot a real s-f movie -- when I get time. I'm a licensed operator and own a regular rig -- sound equipment and all."

  "But getting back to science fiction," Reinsberg said, "do you intend to follow up your present work or have you other plans?"

   "Confidentially, I have several ideas in mind under the category of cartoon work, that if I ever get around to, would be almost as enjoyable as s-f art. I discontinued my original cartoon when I started working for Amazing. I also have a few good plots in case I ever get around to writing. I imagine I could take some of the ideas from "Richard Arnold" and evolve a darn good tale, also. You know, I wrote my strip too."

   "A darn swell job too," I commented.

   "Plenty of action if that's what you mean." Krupa laughed.

   "Wish I could read Polish," Mark lamented, observing a particularly exciting episode.

   "I'm getting to the end of the page," I remarked finally, "so how about a nice juicy item to close this interview up -- you know, a bit of news?"

   Julian pondered, then his face brightened. "Oh, yes, "The Adventures of Richard Arnold" are to reappear. Just sold the entire strip to a South American Syndicate -- to be reprinted."

Saving...

What we want is something personal --- something that's not generally known." "Let's star from the beginning, I suggested. "You were born ----" "In Poland, January 7, 1913," Julian supplied. "Fine, keep it up," Reinsberg applauded. "Well," Krupa continued, settling back in his swivel chair, "I might be called a "born" artist, as I've been interested in illustrating since I can remember. Got my first start with the birth of my strip, "The Adventures of Richard Arnold"." Julian slid open one shelve of his file and unearthed a large stack of drawings, the entire "Richard Arnold" strip. These we scanned eagerly, viewing a series of excellent drawings, rendered understandible by graphic illustrating even though the script was in Polish. Krupa spoke: "It was an instantaneous success and I had a lot of fun doing it --- even though there were times when I got ruts that tested my enthusiasm to the breaking point. No, I never ruined a single drawing in its composition, and there was always something happening." "Just how did you finally get into illustrating Amazing?" "On a bet," Krupa replied, "I was arguing with a fellow down in the layout room of the newspaper. During the heat of the battle, he wagered that I couldn't get a job on a professional magazine. That burned me up, and when he put ten dollars down I accepted the challenge. I had heard of Amazing, and went there first. Saw Bollin, the art director, who immediately took me in. I won the ten dollars and since then --- But you know the rest." "Well, say Julian, science fiction isn't your only interest? What are your hobbies?" I asked, breaking the silence. "Oh, I've always wanted to organize an orchestra of science fiction fans. But seriously, I am greatly interested in good music -- I play several instruments myself. Then, of course, photography --- amateur movies; some day I'm going to shoot a real s-f movie -- when I get time. I'm a licensed operator and own a regular rig -- sound equipment and all." "But getting back to science fiction," Reinsberg said, "do you intend to follow up your present work or have you other plans?" "Confidentially, I have several ideas in mind under the category of cartoon work, that if I ever get around to, would be almost as enjoyable as s-f art. I discontinued my original cartoon when I started working for Amazing. I also have a few good plots in case I ever get around to writing. I imagine I could take some of the ideas from "Richard Arnold" and evolve a darn good tale, also. You know, I wrote my strip too." "A darn swell job too," I commented. "Plenty of action if that's what you mean." Krupa laughed. "Wish I could read Polish," Mark lamented, observing a particularly exciting episode. "I'm getting to the end of the page," I remarked finally, "so how about a nice juicy item to close this interview up -- you know, a bit of news?" Julian pondered, then his face brightened. "Oh, yes, "The Adventures of Richard Arnold" are to reappear. Just sold the entire strip to a South American Syndicate -- to be reprinted."