Conversations with Enzo De Palma

Today we’d like to introduce you to Enzo De Palma

Hi Enzo, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I’m a writer and musician who grew up in Los Angeles. Ever since I learned how to spell, I was writing stories, many of them about superheroes, inspired by Adam West’s Batman, the Teen Titans and Justice League animated series, and VeggieTales’ Larry Boy. As I got older, at some point, I realized that I couldn’t actually grow up to be a superhero, so I settled for writing about them instead. I’m fascinated by the psychology of superheroes, the unique mix of arrogance and bravery it would take to be one, and by the political theory of superheroes and how they accumulate and project power. I studied graphic novel writing at NYU’s Gallatin School of Individualized Study under comic book writer and novelist Clay McLeod Chapman, and my first graphic novel, a sci-fi action thriller called Manhattan: Manhunt (with art by Joshua Swaby and Diego Albuquerque) came out two years ago. I’m finishing up my second book right now, and a short comic I created (with Albuquerque as artist) appeared in Oneshi Press’ latest comic anthology. In addition to comics, I write short stories, and I’m finishing up one that will appear in the online horror journal Devour.

As a musician, I started as a pianist when I was a kid, and over the years, I learned to play many different instruments in many different genres. I now play 14 instruments — and a few more not very well! I’ve played with musicians like Em Beihold, Mack Keane, Mons Vi and No Small Children. Right now, I play mandolin in a folk band called Corporate Bike Culture — whose debut album is coming out in just a few months — and keyboards in a rock band called Margo’s Bench. I’m also finishing up my debut solo album!

So to answer the question you’re probably thinking of — yes, I am very busy!

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Oh no, it has definitely not been a smooth road! Like every artist, I’ve had my fair share of struggles — and more to the point, the road is not even close to over for me! Of course, I’ve had my own personal challenges with my craft — working on music technique or tweaking stories to get a stronger emotional impact. And even on a professional level, as an artist, you get told “no” a lot! Especially when I was trying to publish my graphic novel “Manhattan: Manhunt,” I got a lot of no’s from many publishers. And you can’t take it personally. A “no” just means you’re not what they’re looking for at that specific time. And in the end, it doesn’t matter how many “nos” you get. 100 “nos” and 1 “yes” is still a yes. And sometimes you have to go and figure out how to make your own yes!

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
As a writer, there are a few things that fascinate me: science fiction/speculative fiction, superheroes, and critiques of American exceptionalism. The first two genres allow us to explore parts of the human experience that couldn’t happen in real life. For example, my graphic novel “Manhattan: Manhunt” uses sci-fi to explore questions of identity through the protagonist. I can’t get too much into it without spoilers! But the book centers around what I think is a very interesting version of identity and how the main character defines himself. “Manhattan” also serves as a takedown of popular ideas of immigration in America. The protagonist starts the story isolated by trying to fit in to the common conception of what a “good immigrant” should be. And by the end of the story, he’s realized that there is no such thing, and that his life is what he makes of it. And of course, this story involves a lot of chases and gunfights too! I love mixing action with intellectual and probing themes.

Musically, I try to mix the intellectual with fun too! That’s why I play jazz and classical as well as “simpler” genres of music like rock and folk. And I pride myself on being able to switch instruments and switch genres — or mix them all! For my solo album that I’m working on, I play 95% of the instruments on it. And it’s a mix of all the genres that have influenced me. I’m thinking about it as my musical thesis. Most of it lies at the intersection of prog rock and progressive bluegrass, but there’s folk, neo-soul, Afrobeat, classical, in there too.

If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
I create my own opportunities. I think a lot of artists are waiting for a phone call. But if that doesn’t come, what happens? You’re just sitting there, waiting. I don’t wait. I want to play music, so I went and formed bands with my friends and I’m recording and putting out albums on my own. I want to write comics, so I went and wrote and published a comic! No one is going to knock on your day and hand you a platform. You have to go and create one for yourself.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://enzodepalma.com
• Instagram: @enzodepalma_
• Facebook: @enzodepalmaofficial
• Twitter: @MrWasabihead2
• Youtube: @enzodepalma
• Soundcloud: @enzo-de-palma