The following is an interview with writer/artist Nir Levie regarding the recent launch of a Zoop crowdfunding campaign for the graphic novel, Age of Canaan. In this interview, Fanbase Press Editor-in-Chief Barbra Dillon chats with Levie about his creative process in bringing the world and characters to life on the page for modern audiences, 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 the graphic novel, Age of Canaan. For those who may be unfamiliar, what can you share with us about the premise of this story?
Nir Levie: Age of Canaan is a fantasy graphic novel that draws inspiration from unfinished Canaanite poems from the Bronze Age. The narrative delves into the lives of Canaanite gods, including Anat, Baal Ashera, and El, as they navigate through journeys filled with warfare, humanity, and moral conflicts. These deities intricately weave together the diverse storylines that showcase various human heroes, ranging from kings to warriors. Notably, Queen Taltmanat emerges as a central figure whose journey is particularly compelling. Upon uncovering the true nature of her father, King Keret, she finds herself in a desperate race against time to save her kingdom from impending war and destruction.
Set against the backdrop of a pagan society, Age of Canaan vividly portrays a culture deeply rooted in nature. Here, magical elements, such as the gods and monsters, serve as ancient explanations for natural phenomena like rain and drought. This blending of the mystical and the mundane adds a rich layer to the narrative, emphasizing the characters’ emotions and worldviews.
The graphic novel’s art style, coloring, and lettering are all crafted to enhance these thematic elements, ensuring a visually stunning and thematically rich experience for readers.
BD: Independent comics have truly been breaking new ground with mythological tales, diving deep into layered character examinations and impactful themes. What were you most interested to tackle with the world and characters of Age of Cannan, and, likewise, what you can you share with us about your creative process in bringing them to life on the page?
NL: I’ve always been drawn to fantasy storytelling, but I was searching for a fresh source of inspiration. Modern narratives often draw from well-explored influences like Norse, Greek, or biblical tales. As someone of Jewish descent, I sought stories rooted in my specific background. That’s when I discovered the Ugaritic poems, a remarkable source material dating back to the Bronze Age. Uncovered in the 1920s at an archaeological site in Ugarit, these poems were as rich and beautiful as the Iliad or the Epic of Gilgamesh, yet relatively untouched in contemporary storytelling.
What fascinated me most about these ancient tales was their purpose. They were crafted to explain the unknown phenomena of their time. In a pagan society reliant on agriculture, weather conditions like rain, droughts, and soil quality directly affected their survival. This necessity gave rise to the concept of gods, with figures like Baal overseeing rain and agriculture, and Mot representing decay and famine. It’s intriguing to consider the historical context: While religion often suggests that gods created humanity, history suggests that humans created gods to explain their world.
The secular narratives within the Ugaritic poems also intrigued me, particularly those involving kings seeking a son to continue their legacy. These kings were depicted as heroes, their stories likely penned by the kings themselves to solidify their places in history. This obsession with legacy, whether through offspring or storytelling, was a prevalent theme in their culture.
In adapting these tales, I chose to portray the kings as negative characters, reflecting the often cruel and egoistic nature of rulers in the Bronze Age. Instead, I focused on secondary characters, the quiet heroes whose compassion and virtues made them truly powerful. This approach modernizes and makes these ancient stories more relatable to contemporary readers.
For the visual design of the graphic novel, I drew inspiration from Greek black-figure pottery for its ancient aesthetic. Additionally, I was influenced by E.M. Lilien, a Jewish illustrator who used Art Nouveau style to depict Jewish scenes. These influences combined to create a visual style that enhances the storytelling and brings this ancient world to life for readers today.
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 gods’ story may connect with or impact readers?
NL: The narratives of the Ugaritic poems, originating from the Bronze Age, resonate profoundly with contemporary audiences. Despite being penned over 3500 years ago, these tales exhibit a striking relevance that transcends time. The gods within these stories are depicted with remarkably human-like qualities—possessing desires, experiencing envy, betrayal, and love. These divine characters mirror our own complexities, making them relatable and engaging. Similarly, the human heroes of these narratives are portrayed with a mix of flaws and heroism, rendering them deeply relatable figures.
It’s astonishing to consider that a narrative crafted millennia ago can still speak to us today. This enduring relevance serves as a reminder that, at our core, human nature remains unchanged. Our fundamental behaviors—such as the pursuit of power, the experience of love, and the struggle with envy—have persisted throughout history without significant evolution. The fantasy elements of Age of Canaan serve to accentuate these timeless themes, presenting them in a vibrant and impactful manner.
The visual aspects of the graphic novel are carefully crafted to complement the essence of these stories. The juxtaposition of fantasy and reality within the artwork creates a dynamic interplay that enriches the storytelling. Together, these elements form a complete narrative journey that lingers in the minds of readers long after the final page is turned, encouraging contemplation and reflection on the enduring aspects of human nature.
BD: Are there any specific backer rewards that you’re most excited about with the campaign and wish to share with readers?
NL: I’m inking all the pages of the graphic novel using traditional methods, adding a personal touch to each panel. As part of the campaign, there will be a variety of rewards centered around these original inked pages, including commissions, giveaways, and opportunities to own one-of-a-kind pieces from the creation process.
BD: Are there any other upcoming projects on which you are working that you are able to share with our readers?
NL: During the creation of Age of Canaan, I was offered the opportunity to write a short comic for Humanoids’ Metal Hurlant magazine. This comic, inspired by my own feline companion Peter, revolves around a magical cat and is set to be released soon. What’s intriguing is that for the artwork, I sought inspiration from the works of illustrator R.S. Sherrifs, deliberately incorporating new elements into my art style.
After completing the cat story, I returned to Age of Canaan, but the new artistic direction had already seeped into its pages, resulting in a noticeable evolution in my artistic approach throughout the graphic novel. I believe that the artistic process should be transparent and resonate through the pages, and I wholeheartedly embraced this evolution in my work.
BD: Lastly, what would you like to tell fans who want to learn more about Age of Canaan and your other work?
NL: If you’re drawn to adult fantasy narratives that delve into complex, mature, and dark themes, and if you’re intrigued by the lesser-known aspects of Western cultural history, then supporting this project is for you. However, if you also appreciate action-packed adventures delivered in a dynamic comic storytelling style, then you’ll find plenty to enjoy in this book, as well. For more information, visit the Zoop campaign page or my website at www.nirlevie.com.
I’m quite active on social media, particularly Instagram (@nirlevie), where I share updates and insights into my creative process. Additionally, I livestream my art creation process on my YouTube channel, “nirlevie,” where you can find a wealth of content showcasing my work in real time.
