Matt Richtel responds to possible character death
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Earlier this month we discussed the news that a Rudy Park character might die, or not, depending on reader response. The conversation devolved and eventually was shutdown. Matt Richtel (who pens the strip under the name Theron Heir) has sent me a response to the issue. I think his point of trying to adapt one’s strip to a new consumer era that expects to be able to participate, comment, evangelize, or become a community (my description of today’s world, not his) is one I wish had come up in the original thread. I post his comment in hopes of re-engaging in a civil discussion about their experiment.
Darrin and I have been experimenting with ways to connect with our audience. but we have done so always with a bedrock commitment to staying true to the character, spirit and tone of the strip. Our story lines come always from a visceral understanding of who our characters are, and what our universe is about — understanding we’ve developed over a decade of living with Rudy Park. The plot is, in this respect, totally organic and does not, and never has, started with the concept: can we do something conceptual out of synch with the spirit of the strip? I would consider it an intense personal betrayal to “use” my characters in a way not consistent with who they are.
Truth be told, we had no intention of killing of Sadie — or little expectation we would (you never know what muse will wind up striking). But we did like the idea of connecting to readers, hearing their voices. In a much more meager way, we were doing what Springsteen does when he gets on stage before a concert and screams “is anyone out there ALIVE tonight?”
I think the digital era avails us of all kinds of new ways of interacting with readers, and I think that rolling with the technology is just a part of the evolution of art. As creators, we are following where medium and story-line and passion and muse intersect. What is art? To me, it is a heartfelt and bare expression of emotion and passion. If we’ve found a way to be true to ourselves and move and inspire readers — which, incidentally, we very much did as evidenced by the strong outpouring of letters — than I’d call that a good day of creating.
When it comes to artistic integrity — and personal integrity — I know of no one more principled than Darrin. Period. I hope he would feel the same way about me. We’ve tried to create in Rudy Park a strip that speaks to who we are, and how a fictional world that has become very real to us has evolved. We’ve long since understood we can’t control nor can be largely motivated by the commercial implications.
Finally, as to the commentor who asked why I use my pen name, “Theron Heir,” as opposed to my real name, “Matt Richtel,” I’d just say that my pen name is essential a vestigial one. It was borne for a reason, and served a purpose at that time (to keep different parts of my life separate). I see no harm in continuing its existence, and it is neither here nor there from my perspective.
Thanks for listening.
Theron/Matt
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