FCBD Interview: Jay Fosgitt Creates The Not So Scary Bodie Troll

Bodie, the world's "fiercest" troll, is about to meet his match with Charlotte, a teapot-wielding tot who's about to turn his work-related excursion into a root beer-fueled adventure! Prepare for an all-ages tale that is as sweet as it is silly with Bodie Troll! 

Free Comic Book Day talked with comic creator Jay Fosgitt about Bodie Troll, Red 5 Comics' 2015 Free Comic Book Day offering.

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Free Comic Book Day: For those who might be new to your comic book, give a quick rundown. What can we expect to see in terms of story and art?

Jay Fosgitt: Bodie Troll is about a fairytale monster from the village of Hagadorn that wants to be big and scary, but he's too cute and cuddly to be taken seriously. In this story, he gets pulled into a tea party with a little girl named Charlotte, with disastrous results. As with all Bodie stories, this one is a very silly adventure with a lot of heart beneath the gags. I'm extremely influenced by animation, and Bodie Troll is reflective of that in its character designs and comic pacing.

Free Comic Book Day: What has been your favorite part of the book or character to tackle?

Jay Fosgitt: Drawing is always the most fun part of creating Bodie comics for me. In this case, drawing the little girl Charlotte in this story was particularly special for me, because she's based on the daughter of my friends Kelly and Steve Nemzek (they're also in the comic)!

Free Comic Book Day: Tell FCBD fans why they should pick your book first on Free Comic Book Day!

Jay Fosgitt: Bodie Troll stands apart from other comics—it isn't a superhero book, it isn't based on an existing property, and despite all the magic, adventure and silliness, Bodie's stories are always rooted in situations that everyone can relate to—trying to be what you want to be rather than what society tells you you have to be, finding unique solutions to sticky problems, and always rediscovering the power of friendship.  

Free Comic Book Day: What are you most looking forward to for Free Comic Book Day?

Jay Fosgitt: I really look forward to bringing my best "Bodie" story (so far!) to my current fans and, just as much, introducing brand new readers to Bodie!

Free Comic Book Day: What other titles would you associate with your FCBD book? “If a comic reader likes _______ , they should pick up my title"?

Jay Fosgitt: The humor and heart and fantasy of My Little Pony is very in sync with Bodie Troll. Hero Bear and The Kid is also a great visual counterpart to the lively artwork I try to infuse Bodie with.

Free Comic Book Day: What do you think is the best part about Free Comic Book Day?

Jay Fosgitt: Creating new comic readers out of people who may not have read them before. Comics are such a wide and vibrant art form, and there's something for anyone who'll take a chance to discover them!

Free Comic Book Day: What’s your favorite thing about working in comics?

Jay Fosgitt: Making a comic is like directing a movie, and in the case of Bodie Troll, because I write, draw, letter and color everything myself, it's like I control my own one man movie studio! I love that! 

Free Comic Book Day: Many newcomers will pick up comics for the first time on FCBD—what was the first comic you remember reading?

Jay Fosgitt: The first comic I read was Captain Carrot and his Amazing Zoo Crew #8, by Roy Thomas and Scott Shaw, and published by DC Comics. It kind of sparked my appreciation for funny animal superheroes!

Free Comic Book Day: Where will you be for this year’s FCBD? Do you have any annual FCBD traditions?

Jay Fosgitt: For the third year running, I'm happy to be a guest at Green Brain Comics in Dearborn, Michigan! Dan and Katie Merritt run a wonderful comic shop, and they're great friends and supporters of my work, so I'm thrilled to be returning!

Free Comic Book Day: Looking to the future of the book, is there anything you can tease about what's upcoming?

Jay Fosgitt: Bodie may think he's the fiercest character in Hagadorn, but he's about to meet a monster hunter that will give him a run for his money! Check it out in issue #1 of his new mini series, "BODIE TROLL: FUZZY MEMORIES!"

Free Comic Book Day: Tell us why everyone should read comic books?

Jay Fosgitt: Comics are still the most vibrant, compact, and accessible form of storytelling available to anybody. They have a long, proud history, and its important to introduce them to new generations to keep them relevant and prominent for years to come.  

Find a comic shop near you at Comic Shop Locator.com to celebrate Free Comic Book Day 2015!