Hashman follows a criminal-turned-psychologist who becomes a central figure in the cannabis legalization scene. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?

My best friend, Josh Berman had noticed my recent graphic novel, Journey Into Mexico (2021) and asked how I’d feel if I looked over some interviews, and interviewed the subject, his father to give him a similar treatment. It turned into an obsessive quest to review outside materials, more interviews, newspaper articles and court documents to get the story straight. Josh and I really enjoyed doing the research and developing this world, and working with the artist to create what we felt was the best graphic novel possible. It was also a thrill co-writing this with Josh and learn about the Cannabis culture in which his business is based. 

Joey Berkowitz is an interesting character I enjoyed following. What were some driving ideals behind your character’s development?

Well, he’s my best friend’s dad, and what started out as a simple quest to learn more about him as an adult because a long series of questions and answers to get to the bottom of his psychological dilemmas, which became a real pleasure to explore and depict, while staying as close to the truth as the various sources would provide. The main idea was that greed can destroy one’s family, but also exploring the various causes of that greed.

What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?

The main theme is that massive need for security that is rooted in a childhood trauma,  can mix with an obsession for vice, and eventually lead to ones own personal destruction. 

What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available?

My next book, Understanding Superhero Comic Books comes out later this year published by McFarland and Co, which describes a narrative history of Superhero Comic books, their secret origins in other media, and various legal, business, and creator decisions that caused them to develop over time into what they are now. 

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