The following is an interview with writer Scott Duvall (They Called Us Enemy) regarding the recent launch of a Zoop crowdfunding campaign for the graphic novel, Going Green. In this interview, Fanbase Press Editor-in-Chief Barbra Dillon chats with Duvall about the shared creative process of working with co-writer and longtime collaborator Sean Reliford and artist Vincenzo Federici to bring the world and characters to life, what readers can anticipate in terms of backer rewards, and more!
Barbra Dillon, Fanbase Press Editor-in-Chief: You recently launched a Zoop crowdfunding campaign for Going Green. For those who may be unfamiliar, what can you share with us about the premise of this story?
Scott Duvall: Going Green is a both a meditation on passing over, as well as a family drama with sci-fi/horror elements. The basic premise is death and second chances in the face of losing a loved one. It’s a death-positive look at how we carry on, and being at peace after suffering those losses. It also just so happens to tell that story using plant/human hybrids who grow out of their composted remains.
BD: How would you describe your shared creative process in working with co-writer Sean Reliford and artist Vincenzo Federici to bring this world and characters to life on the page?
SD: It’s been incredibly fun and collaborative, particularly because I’ve worked with both Sean and Vincenzo over the years. Vincenzo and I first teamed up on the Army of Darkness/Bubba Ho-Tep crossover, and right off the bat our creative partnership was formed, bringing the best out of both of each and pushing the other to their creative peak. We knew we had to collaborate again on something in a similar vein where Vincenzo could do what he does best and unleash him on even crazier monster designs. Sean is one of my best friends and my longest collaborator. We’ve co-written a number of projects together over the years, but this is our first time working on a comic together, and I was thrilled to bring him on board this project, as he’s always bursting with creativity and filled with endless ideas that we can bounce back and forth.
BD: At Fanbase Press, our #StoriesMatter initiative endeavors to highlight the impact that stories can have on audiences of various mediums. How do you feel that the Dunn family’s story may connect with or impact readers?
SD: My hope is that readers will walk away feeling a greater appreciation for life and their loved ones. It’s a reminder that death is a part of life, and to empathize with anyone who has lost anyone because we can all relate to that, whether it’s a family member, close friend, lover, or a beloved pet. Even though the theme of death runs throughout, it’s truly a celebration of life and getting the strength from within ourselves and others to carry on. In spite of the more supernatural elements, it’s a deeply personal story, so we hope it will connect with readers on a personal level.
BD: Are there any specific backer rewards that you’re most excited about with the campaign and wish to share with readers?
SD: A lot of crowdfunding campaigns I’ve seen offer backers the chance to see themselves in cameos in the finished book, and we’re doing something similar, but we’re also giving them the chance to see themselves as a plant/human hybrid, which I think will be a lot of fun. The other thing I’m excited for is I’m selling some signed items from my personal collection by some legendary creators like Stan Lee, Bob Kane, Neal Adams, and many more!
BD: Are there any other upcoming projects on which you are working that you are able to share with our readers?
SD: I’m currently writing a sci-fi story that takes place in The Impure universe, which is a comic series created by my friend and collaborator, Ralf Singh. It’s been exciting to play in his sandbox, and so I can’t wait to share more about that project soon!
BD: Lastly, what would you like to tell fans who want to learn more about Going Green and your other work?
SD: Please head to our Zoop camp,aign page and check out the art and the preview pages and then you can decide for yourself if Going Green is for you. I’ll readily admit it’s an “out there” concept, but as mentioned before, it’s also one of the most personal stories I’ve ever been a part of telling. For those curious to check out my other work, you can head to scottduvallwrites.com.
