Comic Book Creator features a career-spanning and downright philosophical discussion with Steve 'The Dude' Rude, the Eisner Award-winning artist who got his start back in 1981 as co-creator of intergalactic executioner Nexus. The 'eternal art student' (heavily influenced by Jack Kirby, Alex Toth, Russ Manning, and legendary art instructor Andrew Loomis) shares his real-life psychological struggles, the challenges of freelance subsistence, and his creative aspirations. Also: The jungle art of Neal Adams (whose artistry has graced many a Tarzan cover). Cartoonist Mary Fleener talks about her forthcoming graphic novel Billie the Bee and her comix career. Part Three of Michael Aushenker's enormous Rich Buckler interview.