QUESTION: Tell us something personal about yourself. Maybe where you were born, something about your family background, schools you attended, etc.
Schools I attended? That is a long, long list. I was born in Indiana, from there I moved to Texas, Florida and then Alaska.
As an only child, moving around that much, my imagination pretty much became my best friend. Given my childhood, you could probably make the arguement that I was born to be a writer.
QUESTION: What was the first comic book you ever read?
I'm lucky. Someone put a classic in my hand -- DARK KNIGHT RETURNS.
QUESTION: What were your favorite comic books growing up?
I didn't pick up my first comic until a few years ago, but I can tell you I have become a huge fan of IDW and the books they're putting out. Pretty much anything with Brian K. Vaughn's name on it -- I'm there. Oh yeah -- I'm a big fan of AWAKENINGS too.
QUESTION: For readers unfamiliar with AWAKENINGS, can you brief us about the storyline? What should we expect?
Definitely...
AWAKENINGS isa sci-fi thriller about a New York City detective, Spencer Straight. Hot on the trail of a gruesome serial killer, Straight finds that every lead points to the one person he never would have suspected -- himself.
Straight goes digging for answers to clear his name but learns that it may not be as easy as he thought when he faces off against a supernatural presence that has called New York home for years.
On top of that, things really get heated when Straight learns who is next on the killer's list -- his six year old son.
As to the second part of your question. What should you expect? One thing -- the unexpected.
QUESTION: What inspired you to create AWAKENINGS?
That's a tough question to answer without giving away the ending because that's what came to me first -- the tragic end that is waiting for Straight no matter what.
Readers learn on page seven/issue one that Straight has been arrested for his son's murder. So there is no way around that. You'll pull for Straight all the way through issue six, and he'll try his best to save his son, but in the end -- nope.
That concept, and I don't know how it came to be, was enough for me to sit down and start writing.
QUESTION: Who are some of the main characters in AWAKENINGS?
You've got Straight, who we've already talked about.
On top of that, you have Ray O'Connell -- a criminal that Straight suspects is setting him up as the killer in this new string of murders.
From there we have a number of secondary characters who help push the story along...
The entire series it told through flashback as Straight recounts his tale to Melisssa Gillespie, a court appointed forensic psychologist.
Amy, Straight's wife, plays a HUGE role in the series; and Straight's partner, Detective Jon Walker, plays a pretty big role as well.
QUESTION: Do you have a website and if you do, what is the URL address?
Yeah. In fact, the entire first issue is now available on our website. Check it out at www.8thdaystudio.com.
QUESTION: Tell us about the creative staff?
Gabe Pena is a Godsend. His pencils have brought this story to life like no one else could.
We've had a number of inkers come through the door, but Gabe and I remain the two constants on the title and I couldn't be happier about that. His work is incredible.
QUESTION: How can somebody contact you?
Through the website.
QUESTION: If you were stranded on a desert island, what 3 things would you bring with you and why?
Oh, man. I didn't know you were going to go there. I've been watching LOST on ABC so this shouldn't be too hard. Alright, let me think...
My laptop, for sure. I imagine I could get some serious writing done. I would bring my girl, for obvious reasons. And -- can I bring an inflatable raft?
QUESTION: Your thoughts on the comic industry?
It's tough. Like I said, I haven't been a comic fan long so I don't have a firm grasp on where the industry has been. I've heard stories, but that's about it.
That being said, I think the comic industry is like any other. There are those that are putting out great product and those that are not. And quality books will always win out if given the chance. For me, that's the biggest problem. There are some great books out there that have never been given a chance.
QUESTION: Your 3 favorite fictional heroes and why?
Michael Corleone. Why? Because he's THE GODFATHER. It's that simple. Let's see...
Atticus Fitch from TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD, mostly because that's the kind of man I strive to be.
And, of course, Spencer Straight from AWAKENINGS for obvious reasons.
QUESTION: Your 3 real life heroes and why?
Line uo three single moms. Any three will do.
QUESTION: What cons are you going to?
I'm done with cons this year. But I can tell you we plan to visit all the major cons next year.
QUESTION: What movies, cartoons and TV shows are your favorites?
GODFATHER II is probably my favorite movie all time. I'm a big fan of 24 and watch it religiously. After that, there are probably a thousand different movies and/or TV shows that have influenced my work thus far.
QUESTION: What comic books do you read now?
Anything with Brian K. Vaughn's name on it is in my box on Wednesday. I'm a big JMS fan too. I like taking chances on new stuff. All our future stars can be found in the small press. I want to jump on the bandwagon now.
QUESTION: That ends the interview, any last words of wisdom?
Support small press work. That's where all the most compelling stories are being told.
But if you are a fan of indenpendent comics, you have to pre-order through your local comic shop. That is the only way to get your store to start carrying your favorite black and white books.
As for AWAKENINGS...
For those who have missed out when the series launched in July, we have something special lined up in the November issue of PREVIEWS.
You can buy issues one, two and three in the AWAKENINGS STARTER PACK for just $5.99. As an added incentive, you'll get an issue one cover that won't be available anywhere else. But you have to pre-order!
Other words of wisdom? I'll have to get back to you on that.
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