The following is an interview with Taki Soma (Alienated, Sleeping While Standing, Bitch Planet) and Mark Schey (Alienated, Black Box Chronicles) regarding the release of the graphic novel, Parapsychologist, through Comixology Originals. In this interview, Fanbase Press Editor-in-Chief Barbra Dillon chats with Soma and Schey about their shared creative process in working with artist Cat Farris to bring the story and characters to life on the page, what they hope that readers may take away from the story’s themes, and more!
Barbra Dillon, Fanbase Press Editor-in-Chief: Congratulations on the digital release of Parapsychologist! What can you tell us about the premise of this comedic family drama?
Taki Soma: It’s called Parapsychologist. The premise says it all in the title, which I love. But it is about a psychotherapist named Dr. Ron Richards who has a practice whose patients are all paranormal beings. In the book, he struggles to balance work and family.
Mark Schey: It’s somewhere in the filing cabinet between The Office and X-Files. Literally, too, it starts with P.
BD: This story deftly weaves a comedic tone while navigating the very real challenges of the mental health journey. How would you describe your shared creative approach in weaving these elements into your narrative, as well as your collaboration with artist Cat Farris to bring the story to life on the page?
TS: It felt natural to me. I’m comfortable talking about therapy and mental health. I’ve been seeing therapists most of my life and have struggled with many issues. Mark and I talked openly about our past experiences on this subject and from the honesty of our talks, the script formed organically into the balanced narrative we hope we succeeded at. With Cat, it was easy. We tossed around a few names, and when I suggested her, Mark ‘knew’ that she’s the one who can tell our story the way it was meant to be. It was kismet. It was paranormal.
MS: Taki and I both brought real experiences to the table, and I think that honesty is what makes it special. As for Cat, casting the right artist is one of the most important decisions you make on a project like this. Her art is warm and grounded, and she knows the Pacific Northwest intimately. She keeps the tone exactly where it needs to be.
BD: At Fanbase Press, our #StoriesMatter initiative endeavors to highlight the impact that stories can have on audiences of various mediums – no matter the genre. How do you feel that Ron’s story may connect with and impact readers, and what, if any, conversations do you hope that it might inspire?
TS: OMG, you asked THE question. Without writing you a novel-sized answer, I would say that comics is the perfect medium for Parapsychologist because comics is what I know. I know its language well. I’m trilingual – Japanese, English, and Comics. Having said that, it would translate really well on screen, too. It’s a simple idea that has the potential to expand further. And having Dr. Richards as the protagonist, he’s just relatable enough to walk in his shoes or any of his patients. I hope that with a fun read like Parapsychologist, it may make you feel understood more and feel less alone in this world.
MS: I love this initiative. I think anyone who’s ever sat across from someone and tried to explain what’s going on inside their head will see something familiar here. As we were writing, we noticed paranormal characters actually make the emotional stuff more accessible, not less. You can talk about sensitive subjects, and readers let their guard down because it doesn’t feel clinical.
BD: What makes Comixology Originals the perfect home for this story?
TS: Comixology Originals had approached me at the perfect time, for one. But also, I love the idea of digital-first approach since it was a newer concept to me. I wanted to challenge myself and see if I can adapt to writing stories for a digital comic. And you know how I know they are the perfect home? Because I have no regrets and I look forward to working with them in the future if they’ll have me.
MS: Right? They were surprisingly easy to work with. I only say “surprising” because you’d think a massive corporation would have red tape, but they immediately saw the potential in the pitch and had no notes. They provide an audience that’s difficult to match, and you can get it right now. Like, literally right now.
BD: Are there any other projects – past or current – that you would like to highlight for our readers?
TS: Unfortunately, none of the 3 projects I’m working on have been announced yet. So, please check back in for updates on the socials!
MS: I have a short called “Self-Aware in Aisle 5” in the relaunched A1 Deadline, which I’m really proud of. I also just finished a horror short. And there are a few things in development at Horrible Future that I can’t talk about yet, but Parapsychologist is a world Taki and I designed with room to grow. I should also give a shout-out to Black Box Chronicles, which is the sci-fi anthology that Taki and I met on.
BD: Lastly, what is the best way for our readers to find more information about Parapsychologist and your other work?
TS: I’m terrible at posting on socials, but those are the places you can find updates on my works (on all platforms – takisoma). Or through my spouse, Michael Avon Oeming (Yes, he insists on all 3 names.), who is much more active on all platforms and kindly promotes my work too (on all plaforms: oeming).
MS: Unfortunately, Michael Avon Oeming no longer manages my social media, so mine can be found on Instagram (@marks22 or @horrible.future for my company’s projects).
