The following is an interview with Ryan Burke regarding his comic book series, Coronary. In this interview, Fanbase Press’ Bryant Dillon chats with Burke about the inspiration behind the comic, what he hope that readers will take away from the story and characters, how readers can support the Kickstarter campaign, and more!
Bryant Dillon, Fanbase Press President: Later this summer, you will be launching a Kickstarter campaign for the fourth issue of your comic book series, Coronary! For those who may be unfamiliar, how would you describe the series’ premise, and what inspired you to tell this story?
Ryan Burke: It’s what’d happen if plastic surgery became free. Imagine if Blade Runner had a baby with Romeo and Juliet, and it was raised by James Bond.
It follows the story of the man who made it all happen, and all of those that want to arrest or kill him for it. I got inspired a lot by the world around me in a lot of ways. I was seeing how that advertising and media really affects our self-image, and how much it sucks. So, I wrote this story to interrogate that idea.
BD: What can you share with us about your creative process in working with creators Liv Burke, Joel Saavedra, and Damian Peñabla, and what have been some of your creative influences?
RB: In the beginning, it was Joel and me working on this project as a five-page sample, and as the project grew in scope, we took on Damian as our colorist and Liv as our superstar marketing guru. I also married her, so it pays to keep it in the family.
I love anything noir. Give me something with some slick action and cool lines, and I’m in. Joel and I talk way too much about movies. Nicholas Winding Refn and Denis Villeneuve – they are our visual idols. On the comics side, we borrow a lot from the Argentinian traditional style, in particular lots of heavy blacks, deep contrasts, all that good stuff.
BD: What do you hope that readers will take away from your work?
RB: That self-worth isn’t something that someone else can decide for you.
BD: How many issues of the series do you have planned?
RB: I’ve fully scripted it for the whole twelve-issue arc, so we’re a quarter through!
BD: Given that you have previously had success in Kickstarting your projects, what benefits do you find that the platform offers independent creators?
RB: I think there’s a lot to be said about the community. There are a ton of great ideas from great creators, with great supporters. We all win.
BD: Are there any specific backer rewards that you would like to note for readers in the upcoming campaign?
RB: We have an option to be drawn in to the story itself! We usually have some of our great backers featured in different scenes as policemen, passersby, and even billboard models! It’s so fun to find creative ways of putting people in each issue.
BD: If given the opportunity to expand your series into other entertainment mediums, in what format do you hope to see it adapted?
RB: Ooh. I don’t know. It would be pretty spectacular to see it as a TV series. I feel that’s probably the closest comparison to an episodic comic series. Seeing a comic about the dystopia of advertising being advertised would be beyond irony, and I’m here for it.
BD: Are there any upcoming projects on which you are currently working that you would like to share with our readers?
RB: A few things here and there, but I’ve got to stay tight lipped for now!
BD: Lastly, what is the best way for our readers to find more information about Coronary and the upcoming Kickstarter campaign?
RB: We’ll be running an event for our release with giveaways, a livestream Q&A, all that good stuff at https://www.facebook.com/CoronaryComic/. You can also follow the event on Facebook.
