The following is an interview with artist Dexter Wee regarding the recent launch of the Kickstarter campaign for Immortal Studios’ latest comic book series, Fa Sheng: Origins. In this interview, Fanbase Press Editor-in-Chief Barbra Dillon chats with Wee about his shared creative process in working with writer Rylend Grant and series creator Peter Shiao, the incredible backer rewards available to supporters of the campaign, and more!
Barbra Dillon, Fanbase Press Editor-in-Chief: Congratulations on the recent launch of your Kickstarter campaign! For those who may be unfamiliar, what can you share with us about the premise of this series?
Dexter Wee: Fa Sheng: Origins is a story about a young fighter’s journey to becoming an enlightened Shaolin Master. In issue one, readers will be introduced to the Fa Sheng world during the Boxer Uprising and the event that led to his first walk to enlightenment.
BD: What can you tell us about your shared creative process in working with writer Rylend Grant and series creator Peter Shiao to bring this story to life?
DW: Rylend and Peter are both very supportive on this project. Peter’s origin story provided the background and the insights that I needed. And Rylend’s finished scripts are very much detailed and all the information was very much helpful. All I have to do is to execute their vision well.
BD: You have an incredible artistic style! How would your approach to crafting the look of the characters and the feel of the world?
DW: The look of the characters was a joint effort between Rylend, Brian, Peter, and me. After we finalized it, I then approached the book with an old-school style of drawing by using brush and pen and grey wash to give it an organic look. But I also added some modern elements to it.
BD: In light of the Kickstarter campaign, are there any particular backer rewards that you would like to highlight for our readers?
DW: For me, just getting the book alone is already a big appreciation to me and a reward itself—but if there are backer rewards that the readers want, they are very much welcome to pledge on that particular tier. Getting all the Immortal Studios books will also help new readers get on the IS shared universe and its characters.
BD: Are there any other projects on which you are working that you would like to share with readers?
DW: I have some other projects that I am working on right now. One is a horror graphic novel titled Wolves of Babylon with my collaborator Sean McArdle, our second book after The Fuhrer and the Tramp. Second is with Neal Bailey for our Cura Te Ipsum spinoff series titled Graven. And another is with Omrie Kompan for War Lion. Also Mega Centurion from Scout Comics will be out this June.
BD: Lastly, what would you like to tell fans who want to learn more about the Fa Sheng: Origins Kickstarter campaign and your other work?
DW: It is our hope and desire that you will enjoy Fa Sheng: Origins and be inspired and will follow us in this magical journey with Fa Sheng.
