Billy the cross-dresser?

When you hear Billy Tucci’s, name you think of his super-smash comic book Shi. When I hear Billy’s name, I smile and ask, “What’s that freak up to now?” I say this lovingly, because Billy is one of my closest friends (who doesn’t owe me money). He still amazes me with the barrage of insane ideas he comes up with. The funny thing is that out of all those ideas comes one or two that can actually work! His brain is constantly working on his next scheme, whether it be a convention on the aircraft carrier Intrepid in New York Harbor or starting a nature park for American buffalo.

The thing I admire most is the love and energy he puts into everything he does, no matter how insane it may be. You’ve got to give him credit—in the past year he published a bunch of creator-owned black-and-white titles, launched new characters in his company cross­overs, and he’s the only guy I know who can wear a fringe leather jacket and not get the crap beat out of him. This interview should give you some insight into what Billy’s about…or not!

JIMMY PALMIOTTI: When I first met you, you were this hyperactive, adrenaline-filled nutjob who was going to launch this title called Shi all by yourself. Now it’s a couple of years later and you’re enjoying all this success, but things have changed in a big way. What part do you miss from the days when you first started out?

BILLY TUCCI: I guess all of that. It’s almost as if you’re all ready to fight a war, but after a while reality hits. The battles harden you, but you always have to hold on to the reason why you fight. You get a little lost along the way, and sometimes you wonder what it’s all about. It was always to create, to better yourself, and to share all those crazy ideas you have in your head. I guess it’s a fire…I just had to put some more wood on it.

JP: I know you’re going to Japan next month. Is it for chicks or the food?

BT: What’s the difference? It’s all sushi, right?

JP: How many people work for you?

BT: Not including freelancers, I guess eight.

JP: Your mother is a key part in your success. Is she on the books?

BT: She writes out the checks. She used to be a bookie, so she’s a natural at it. She works out of her house, you know, because of that beeper thing.

JP: Is it true you’re colorblind?

BT: What the hell is that supposed to mean…I’m not a racist.

JP: Other than your mom and Nanci Dakesian, what other women do you fear?

BT: Her name is Lauren Steffans, and she’s pretty sore at me now.

JP: Have you ever kissed Demi Moore?

BT: Yes…hugged her, too.

JP: Bruce Willis?

BT: Not yet, but I’d probably trade stories with him about her…

JP: What happens after Shi #12—back to one or what?

BT: Yes. Shi: Heaven and Earth, a whole new mini-series, three issues, bimonthly, and on time! All drawn by me! Really!

JP: You have a large collection of motorcycles. Did you ever wipe out on one?

BT: Plenty, but not in a long time. Usually smashing into trees and running over small, furry animals.

JP: Why do you think your books sell?

BT: I’ve often asked myself that, but when I go back and read the first issue I think I know. Combining two very different cultures, almost clashing with one another, a believable character you can feel for. Being in the right place at the right time…and also because so many retailers under-ordered Lady Death #1 and they didn’t want to make the same mistake twice.

JP: What tips do you have for people who are starting publishing right now?

BT: Take a good look in the mirror, then take a close look at pictures of me, you, Brian Pulido, and Jeff Smith before we started, and then in the few years after publishing comics.

JP: Why do you think people want your autograph over Jack Kirby’s?

BT: Insanity.

JP: Do you feel guilty?

BT: No comment.

JP: What does Jim Lee have that you don’t?

BT: Feet.

JP: What do you think your biggest flaw is?

BT: My annoying, high-pitched cackle and my feet, or lack thereof.

JP: If you were in a band, what instrument would you play?

BT: The backup bongos and the telephone.

JP: What’s your least favorite food?

BT: Cooked asparagus.

JP: What’s your favorite thing about men?

BT: That there are so many of them.

JP: Have you ever played with a beach ball?

BT: I’ve played with two.

JP: What’s your favorite micro­wave food?

BT: Kitten Pot Pie.

JP: Where do you vacation?

BT: At Palmiotti’s playground.

JP: Is it true about you and all those little Catholic school girls?

BT: Which Catholic school? Our Lady of Tucci? Yes.

JP: Is it true your mom writes and draws your books?

BT: Who told you that?

JP: Do you like women who smoke?

BT: Lit­erally? No, I like women who smoke cigars.

JP: What’s your favorite sport?

BT: Hockey.

JP: Do you ever go in your garage and sit on your motorcycle while it’s doing nothing just for fun?

BT: Every morning. It helps the creative juices flow.

JP: Do you wear women’s underwear because it’s fun or because it’s practical?

BT: It’s practical. When I run out of mine, I have to borrow from my mom.

JP: What’s your favorite kind of person to abuse?

BT: Fanboy.

JP: What could you improve about Crusade Comics?

BT: Books out more frequently.

JP: What’s the best part about White Castle burgers?

BT: The ride home.

JP: Why does Ian Feller hate you so much?

BT: Because he was born on the same day as me, but no one knows his birthday.

JP: Have you ever been caught fondling hot dogs at the supermarket?

BT: No.

JP: What’s the worst part about being a millionaire?

BT: I don’t know. You tell me.

JP: Lack of cash and these interviews. Why do you live in Queens?

BT: The thought of someone stealing my car keeps me on edge 24 hours a day.

JP: Have you ever gone to jail?

BT: Yes.

JP: Why?

BT: Field trip in the 11th grade.

JP: What comics do you read?

BT: Ash, Gen¹³, Witchblade. Anything by Geof Darrow, Frank Miller, or Dave Stevens. And Lone Wolf & Cub.

JP: Who’s the best-looking man in comics?

BT: Joe Jusko.

JP: Why?

BT: I feel all mushy when I’m around him.

JP: Have you ever slapped a fan?

BT: Would you consider my girlfriend a fan?

JP: Depends how you met her. What’s your real hair color?

BT: This is my real hair color.

JP: Who does your nails?

BT: My teeth.

JP: Do you sell your original artwork?

BT: No.

JP: Why?

BT: Because I don’t have to!

JP: What’s the most evil thing you’ve ever done?

BT: This interview.

JP: How many women have you dated at once?

BT: I guess three, if that includes taking my mom to dinner; I’m pretty monogamous with men.

JP: Is it true you’re putting out the Sea Monkey comic?

BT: No, but I think Extreme’s doing that.

JP: Carvel Comics?

BT: Again, Extreme probably.

JP: What’s the worst/dumbest thing you’ve ever said to a professional?

BT: Every time I meet someone I admire, I usually wind up saying something stupid.

JP: Did you sleep your way to the top?

BT: You tell me.

JP: Yes. Is it true you’ve slept with all the Friends of Lulu?

BT: Yes, but not the men.

JP: Have you ever dealt with reality?

BT: Is-sn’t th-this r-r-reality?

JP: What’s the worst part about getting old?

BT: When you’re invisible to teenage girls—you have to learn other methods to get their attention.

JP: Besides your mom, has anyone worked for you for more than two weeks?

BT: No.

JP: Have you ever killed anyone?

BT: I’d rather not say.

JP: Besides broken hearts, what else do you collect?

BT: Laserdiscs, motorcycles, guns, and Star Wars toys.

JP: How do you really feel about our president?

BT: I think everybody was high on dope to vote for that guy.

JP: Is it true about you and the incident at ASPCA?

BT: It was a rooster show, not a cock fight. Jeez…

JP: What do you and Elvis have in common?

BT: Both our mommas have big boils on the backs of their necks.

JP: Where did you get the nickname “Rooster Boy” and what does it mean?

BT: Ask Amanda Conner, that little minx.

JP: Who is your dream woman?

BT: Christy Turlington.

JP: Have you ever used one of your guns in your vast collection on someone who works for you?

BT: Not yet.

JP: Do you eat meat?

BT: Every day.

JP: Coke or Pepsi?

BT: Diet Pepsi.

JP: What’s the coolest thing you own?

BT: God…I guess the Harley.

JP: Is it true the only person you trust is Gypsy?

BT: Damn right. Well, she’s a person to me, you know. Yeah, my dog is my best friend.

JP: Why does she walk funny?

BT: That’s really messed up. She’s got a herniated disk in her neck.

JP: What was that thing with the watermelons?

BT: Remember, Jimmy, I want to run for office in the future. What are you trying to do to me?

JP: Do you carry a megaphone to bed? [Note: He always has it at conventions.]

BT: No, but I do use it in other people’s beds.

JP: Does your brother the cop ever bring home prisoners for you to slap around?

BT: That’s a really good idea. I’ll ask him (he’ll do it), and I’ll call you so we can film it.

JP: What’s your favorite reference book?

BT: Comics Joe Quesada penciled.

JP: Whom do you look up to in this industry?

BT: Lots. Mike Richard­son, Marc Silvestri, and anyone else over 5‘9“.

JP: Why the fruity fringe jacket?

BT: I knew that I should never have bought it. I guess I was feeling like Elvis-meets-Johnny Bravo.

JP: Have you ever performed a sexual act on a retailer?

BT: I know I’ve been accused of screwing a few of them.

JP: Tell us one thing we should know about Billy Tucci.

BT: That I love Elvis and Sinatra, scream throughout Brave­heart, and cry at the end of Break­fast at Tiffany’s—and Jimmy Pal­miotti is one of my best friends.