Christopher Priest is perhaps best known as the writer who made Black Panther cool for a new generation. His addition to the mythos includes the Dora Milaje, the Jabari Tribe, and Agent Everett K. Ross — all of whom are integral features of the 2018 blockbuster hit.
But Priest (née Jim Owsley) was a legend long before 1998’s Marvel Knights: Black Panther run. As the first Black man through the door at both Marvel and DC Comics, he’s seen a lot in his 45 year career. And in our exclusive 3-hour interview, the writer of Dynamite’s upcoming Vampirella #666 talked about it all.
Part One of our conversation (presented in its entirety for YouTube Channel Members) centers on the early years of Priest’s career. What it felt like working for Larry Hama and Jim Shooter. Meeting his idol in Denny O’Neil. And just how cool it was to have the keys to Marvel Comics Headquarters at 17. We also talk about the darker side of a career in comics, like how inspiration often strikes at the most inopportune time.
Listen to Episode 12 of Comics Are Dope (The Podcast) below, and stay tuned for parts 2 and 3 in the weeks to come.