In a career that spans over 30 years, Michael Dobson has lent his voice to more super-heroes/villains than you can shake Batman's Utility Belt at. With voice-acting stints on various X-Men, Fantastic Four, Iron Man, and Batman TV series over the years (yes, that's right, he's voiced Batman – an achievement worthy enough to have engraved on your tombstone as far as we're concerned), and a number of high-profile roles in video-games over the years, from the SSX series to Warhammer 40K: Dawn of War, he's nothing if not prolific in the universe of voice-acting geekdom. Over the last couple of years, Michael has faced up to arguably his toughest challenge yet: voicing DeathSpank, the 'hero' of Ron Gilbert and Hothead Games' series by the same name. With two games behind him (the original and sequel, Thongs of Justice), DeathSpank now prepares for his third adventure in The Baconing (which releases next week). We spoke with Michael Dobson to discuss the character and this next instalment in the series.
What was it about DeathSpank that initially drew you to the role?
MD: Hothead Games’ Audio Director, Adam Gejdos had mentioned a new project to me and that Hothead would soon be holding auditions. When I saw the character designs and learned more of the plot line... it harked back to the off-the-beaten-path humour of Monty Python with the hero sensibilities of Adam West's Batman.
Thongs of Justice and the hero's name is DeathSpank... Boo Yah!!!... I knew instantly I had to play this character... this would be a blast! Luckily after a round of auditions and me constantly calling Hothead from a small window sill twenty stories up the role was mine!
You’ve played quite a few heroes and superheroes/villains in your career. How would DeathSpank do in a fight against some of the heavyweights you’ve played?
MD: I think it would be a hilarious pairing, to have Cobra Commander and DeathSpank hang for a day! But in a DeathSpank vs. Cobra Commander Smack Down... I think DeathSpank would drive C.C. even more over the edge than he is already and ultimately C.C. would just throw himself on his staff and end the mental anguish!
If DeathSpank could form a kind of Justice League, who do you think he would choose and why?
MD: Well Wonder Woman would be his first pick... she's HOT... and would look great in a Thong of Justice... Boom Baby! Batman... he has awesome toys! Flash Gordon as a PA... there's nothing worse than a cold Taco! Ambush Bug Man... why?... because he just looks so damn cool and he needs to get out more. Aquaman... he and DeathSpank could start a new business venture and turn Atlantis into a Casino and Theme Park as well as a fast food Fried Chicken restaurant chain called Boom Baby Chicken...
Personally, I think DeathSpank is quite a charming character but I’m not exactly sure why because he seems to be quite oblivious. What do you think it is about him that wields that charm?
MD: I think you hit the nail on the head... it's that innocence with DeathSpank. His straight ahead logic with everything... it has a charm to it... he doesn't take anything as a negative... he is always able to see the bright side to any situation. He knows he is the good guy and evil must be vanquished and he has fun being the purveyor of Justice!
As a hero who’s unaware of his own comedy, DeathSpank reminds me a lot of The Tick. Are there any other characters from pop culture that you’ve drawn upon in playing DeathSpank?
MD: Adam West as I mentioned before... you watch the early Batman series and you can see the fun he is having with the character. That tongue in cheek humour... he's a genius at never taking his character too seriously but at the same time giving the character depth and conviction. That's a tough balancing act and Adam West is the 
Master. I've seen him in other projects and he's amazing! So him for sure... Monty Python was a huge influence for me as well. I grew up in London in the UK, so my friends and I were constantly acting out scenes from the show and getting ourselves into trouble with our school teachers. Many an hour spent in a hallway. You mentioned The Tick... yeah, I loved that show.... definitely one of the funniest animated series ever!
Where will The Baconing adventure take DeathSpank?
MD: The Baconing sets DeathSpank’s adventure in a new world of sci-fi wonders and well known references. This adventure starts in Spanktopia, a wink and nod to Blade Runner and DeathSpank’s home city, but soon our Hero will visit many rich and colourful destinations. After summoning the AntiSpank, an evil version of himself, by wearing all six pairs of the Thongs of Justice, DeathSpank has to find and visit five Fires of Bacon to help him defeat his enemy. These can be found in The Forest of Tomorrow, The Forbidden Zone, Rainbow’s End and other areas within the game. This really is an adventure beyond any other!
Following his previous two adventures, DeathSpank is becoming something of an RPG veteran. Are his questing days coming to an end or is there plenty of life left in the old dog yet?
MD: This stray cat will eat Justice for breakfast. DeathSpank is fighting his worst nightmare, a powerful and evil version of himself. There is no time for mindless diversions; the quests that are upon him and the characters he encounters on his way are a matter of supreme importance and consequence. The Baconing is the quest of an ancient Thongolith Myth, that requires nothing but a true born adventure veteran who is likely to own several Weapons of Justice.
I like Sparkles the Wizard, don’t get me wrong, but is there any chance DeathSpank will be looking to upgrade to a more powerful side-kick in future, or would that get in the way of his ego?
MD: It has to be the new sidekick for The Baconing, Bob from Marketing. A Hammerhead Shark in a business suit with lasers shooting from his eyes. This slick looking sidekick has access to a lethal arsenal of attacks including the ability to wield an extra sharp swordfish and use his razor sharp teeth to devour enemies. And since Bob from Marketing can also be good for DeathSpank’s popularity, he is the perfect sidekick to share in the spotlight.
Do you think DeathSpank would be happy with the way Ron Gilbert created him, or could Ron have given him more powers and better looks?
MD: Have you seen DeathSpank’s chin? There is probably more power in just that chin than in all of Gotham City! As for his looks, well, even without his dashing voice (“ahem”) I think DeathSpank is a damn fine handsome fellow, don’t you? Ron did a great job of bringing DeathSpank to this world and elevating him to his (un)natural heroic status.
In a world where DeathSpank is a hero, should the inhabitants be filled with hope or be very, very afraid?
MD: Oh... they should be afraid... but that's what makes life exciting... well, that and evil chickens! Does DeathSpank always get his man? Well, we certainly think so!
TVG would like to thank Michael Dobson for taking the time to speak with us. Hothead Games' next instalment in the DeathSpank series, The Baconing is due out on XBLA, PSN, and PC from August 31st (those who pre-purchase via Steam can currently get a 20% reduction on the £9.99 asking price).
No comments:
Post a Comment