They say that opposites attract, but how often do they have to swap places? Writer Jim McCann and artist Joe Eisma sat down to chat about Old Hollywood glam, rom-com romps, and the behind-the-scenes making of their series The Other/Half.
The Other/Half brings the glamour of Old Hollywood into the modern day. What are your inspirations for the look and feel of the series?
JOE EISMA: Jim and I were really simpatico on this—classic films from the ‘30s and 40s really were the vibe we wanted to channel. For me specifically, I of course looked to The Thin Man, but also It Happened One Night, The Philadelphia Story, Rear Window, and Double Indemnity to get those creative fires going.
I also follow several fashion accounts and influencers on Instagram, and they help me with ideas for outfits for the various characters.
JIM McCANN: As Joe said, we were almost lock-step in the inspirations. The Thin Man is a huge part of this series. In fact, Victoria's last name is Charles, as a nod to Nick and Nora Charles. I also have to go with Rear Window, The Philadelphia Story, as well as My Man Godfrey, Vertigo, and Adam's Rib. Oh, and Some Like It Hot is a great example of switching around role norms.
What is your creative process for writing/drawing an issue of The Other/Half?
JIM McCANN: I usually watch a classic film that's inspired me - including some not on the list above, like All About Eve. There's not a single line of filler dialogue in it. As I start really planning the issue the characters will sometimes "speak" to me, so I jot down conversations they are having in my head. Then, I start to outline and as I'm planning out the pages, page turns, and where a good splash would go, they kind of lead me to how much or little time to spend; pacing is important in a book like this. And I also think about a fun and creative way to torture...err, give Joe some fun with a new spread layout. There is one in every issue and no two are the same, but of course he nails it.
JOE EISMA: Once I get the script from Jim, I always read it first as a fan, then I go back and read it as an artist. Sometimes those are two different reactions! Reader me will be excited to see a huge ballroom party, but then Artist me will blanch at drawing crowds. But once I’ve gone through the script a few times, I start my layouts, and do any research I need to do regarding locations or props that I’ll need for the issue. After that, I do my lineart and send it off to the fabulous Pete Pantazis for coloring.
Are you a Henry or an Ethan? Or one of the other characters in the series?
JOE EISMA: I’m a whiskey kind of guy, so I identify with Henry more in that regard. Can’t do Espresso Martinis like Ethan! But I do appreciate Ethan's refined tastes.
JIM McCANN: Unlike Joe, I do love an espresso martini, but my coffee addiction and sense of fashion (or lack thereof) leans to Henry. Coffee and drinks are what bonds that couple, so I guess I'm balanced that way haha.
What's your favorite romantic mystery story?
JIM McCANN: This might be an odd choice, but I find Casablanca a great romance mystery. It has a love triangle, true emotions throughout, a will they or won't they with Rick and Ilsa, and a great MacGuffin in the form of the letters of transit and who will get them.
JOE EISMA: To Catch a Thief, for sure. Cary Grant is one of my all time favorite actors, and Alfred Hitchcock has been one of my biggest influences. I love the tone of this film and the setting—the way it’s shot is so gorgeous.
Have you ever been in a situation where you had to step into someone else’s shoes, like with Henry and Ethan?
JIM McCANN: When Brian Bendis brought Mockingbird back "from the dead" in Secret Invasion, I felt an obligation to carry her journey and give a history of what she had been going through on the Skrull homeworld. I guess that's part stepping into someone's shoes and also carrying on a character's story. It's one of the things I love about comics.
JOE EISMA: I’m not sure how close this is, exactly, but back when I was drawing The Archies, we had an issue that was partially drawn in the classic Archie style. That was not something I had done before, and it really changed my approach to how I drew those sequences in that issue. It was a really nice challenge and creative exercise to get me to think things through in a way I wouldn’t normally do in my usual style.
What do you hope readers take away from the series?
JOE EISMA: I really just hope readers have some nice escapist fun with this series. The world is in such a scary state these days, and at least for me, working on this book has been a ray of sunshine in these dark times, and I hope the readers can feel that way too.
JIM McCANN: As Joe said, we live in uncertain times, so I hope people take away a feeling of escapism, laughter, and a spark of warmth that classic Hollywood gives to me. I truly feel like there isn't a book out there on shelves monthly that is like this, so that satisfaction that we gave something that readers didn't know they needed is something that would make me happy. Also, as an out member of the LGBTQ+ community, I hope they find representation, be it in the gay characters or the allies.
The Other/Half #1 is available at your local comic shop beginning March 11, 2026! While you're there, don't forget to preorder the rest of the series so you don't miss a single glamorous moment. You can find your nearest comic shop here!