Trixie Dynamite Origins

Definitely not what it started out being

Trixie Dynamite, the heroine of Sacramentropolis, is back! Webcomics have been posted, two new stories are being colored, and a third script is in the hands of a penciler. Plus, more scripts are in the works! What better time to talk about the wacky Miss Dynamite and where she started?

I had to sit and think for a bit as to exactly how she came to be. It isn’t as clear-cut as Continuum Universe, which I had been working on a version of since I was a kid. I love classic pulp. Sci-fi is my favorite genre. I grew up on Looney Tunes. Comedy like Monty Python’s social commentary always killed me. Trixie Dynamite turned out to be a mixture of all these.

I didn’t sit down to create a character like her. I didn’t decide to do comedy and then work to come up with someone to fill the spot. Out of nowhere, she was my obsession, and just as quickly, she was on paper in a script. That script, however, was not the Trixie Dynamite we all know and love today.

The element not mentioned above was my love of European comics and Heavy Metal in particular. The initial draft of my fearless heroine was essentially the same character but with mature content. Nothing crazy, just language, situations, and subject matter. I found an artist I knew would be able to bring her to life, and we entered a couple of comic contests. Does anyone remember Platinum Studios and Zuda?

Not winning, I set about to self-publish. Thankfully before I started, a friend said, "Trixie Dynamite is so fun. Why did you make her top shelf when so many more could enjoy her if you took out just a few things?" I went back and looked at what I had already written and the stories I had planned. He was right. Not a single thing that made it top shelf was necessary. Their removal in the future wouldn’t change any of the plans I had.

Now we have Trixie Dynamite as she was meant to be. Once her book became all-ages, there was no stopping her. I didn’t have to work to get her stores out. I didn’t need to worry about what she would say. Eight pages can be short when you are telling a story, but she always knows how to pace herself and where to end.

I say she knows, because that is exactly what it feels like. There are no extensive notes, no drafts and redrafting, no worrying about how the story will end. When I start a Trixie Dynamite story, she takes charge. I am just along for the ride. There is always an initial idea, but I never know what she is going to do or how my plans will be derailed.

Writing the savior of Sacramentropolis is always a pleasure. I smile, giggle, and often cringe at what Trixie Dynamite ends up doing. I hope you have enjoyed her adventures because there is plenty to come. Shenanigan monkeys, Sacramento Roller Derby, traffic tickets, visits to the ER, Asgardian guests, Good Day Sacramento’s Cody Stark, and more are coming your way very soon. Don’t ask me, I’m just writing what she tells me to.