The following is an interview with Chris Weston regarding the recent launch of a Zoop crowdfunding campaign for the hardcover edition of Time Breakers, nearly 30 years after its initial publication. In this interview, Fanbase Press Editor-in-Chief Barbra Dillon chats with Weston about the creative process of revisiting the series and preparing it for a new release, what readers can anticipate in terms of backer rewards, and more!
Barbra Dillon, Fanbase Press Editor-in-Chief: Congratulations on the recent Zoop crowdfunding campaign launch for the hardcover edition of Time Breakers! What can you share with us about your experience in bringing this series to life nearly 30 years after its original publication?
Chris Weston: There has been a couple of attempts to put Time Breakers back in print over the years. I managed to get an Italian-language edition published back in 2017, but for whatever reason we could never land a good deal for a new English-language edition. The recent rise of crowdfunding platforms suggested a way where we could do it for ourselves, and I was recommended the crowdfunding service, Zoop who have produced some amazing books (like Ax-Wielder Jon for example). After much dithering on my part, Zoop and I have joined forces to bring Time Breakers back into print.
BD: What did you find to be most rewarding/challenging about the process of revisiting the series in preparation for the hardcover release?
CW: The hardest part is the knowledge that Time Breaker’s writer, Rachel Pollack is no longer around to see her story come out in this new edition. Rachel unfortunately passed away just before we sealed the deal with Zoop, and I wish she could have seen the new collection. She kindly gave me her blessing to advance with the project, and her surviving partner is being really supportive, too, during what must be a very painful time for her. It’s been fun cataloguing all my old Time Breakers original art, and I’m quite surprised at how well my early artwork has stood the test of time. Normally, I cringe looking back on the output of my younger self, but there’s nothing here to be to embarrassed by. Good work, Younger Self! We’ll have some new scans of the best pages in a bonus gallery section.
BD: In light of the Zoop campaign, are there any specific backer rewards that you would like to highlight for readers?
CW: I wish I could say a hearty yes, but, unfortunately, time is very cruel and other commitments prevent me from producing loads of interesting add-ons to accompany the book. That said, I shall be doing a number of “remarqued” editions with a sketch and a signature inside. Also, I have designed a new colour bookplate that will be available with a limited number of the books. I might chuck in the original art to the cover too.
BD: Are there any other upcoming projects on which you are currently working that you would like to share with our readers?
CW: Oh yes, I have just finished a six-part creator-owned comic book series with a big-name writer. It hasn’t been announced yet, so I’m not allowed to say who it is.
BD: Lastly, what is the best way for our readers to find more information about the Zoop campaign for Time Breakers and your other work?
CW: Anyone intrigued by Time Breakers can find out about it here.
I’m mostly found on “X” or “Twitter” or whatever it’s called now, where I spend way too much time sharing bad jokes, bad film & comic opinions and bad observations on life. I do frequently post some of my art on there, so it isn’t all bad. I’m on the other social media platforms, too, but don’t frequent them as much. I have a website (that probably needs updating) and that can be found here: https://www.chriswestonart.com/
