The following is an interview with veteran comics creator Bill Morrison regarding the recent launch of a Zoop crowdfunding campaign for the collected edition of his long-running series, Roswell. In this interview, Fanbase Press Editor-in-Chief Barbra Dillon chats with Morrison about his experience in revisiting his work for the collected edition, what readers can anticipate in terms of backer rewards, and more!
Barbra Dillon, Fanbase Press Editor-in-Chief: Congratulations on the launch of your Zoop crowdfunding campaign for Roswell, Little Green Man. As you look ahead to the combined collection, what has been your experience in revisiting your work on the series?
Bill Morrison: I’m mostly looking at story threads that still need to be tied up. I planted a lot of plot points that never fully resolved in the original series, so I’m looking ahead to a new ongoing series where I can pay-off on those ideas.
BD: In addition to serving as co-founder of Bongo Comics, you have written and illustrated work across various entertainment mediums. Was there anything in particular about the sequential art medium that attracted you more than other artistic media?
BM: I’ve always been attracted to storytelling. I’ve worked a lot in advertising and consumer products, and although that can be a lot of fun and more financially rewarding, comics are where my heart is. And one of the best things about comics vs. TV or film is that it’s less collaborative and therefore less compromising. You can realize your own vision in a way that’s a lot harder to do when you’re working with a big crew, even if you’re the one in charge.
BD: In revisiting your work on Roswell, was there anything new or intriguing that you took away from the material that you hadn’t anticipated when originally creating it?
BM: Yes, I realized that although it’s about an alien and has all the trappings of mid-20th Century science fiction, it’s really about a guy who was bored and unhappy with his life and wanted an exciting adventure. But when he got his wish, he realized that all he really wanted was his home and family. That’s where his heart really lived. It’s a story akin to The Wizard of Oz or It’s a Wonderful Life. When I wrote and drew the original series I was probably influenced by those stories without realizing it. I thought I was writing a science fiction comedy, but it was really deeper than that.
BD: Are there any specific backer rewards that you’re most excited about with the campaign and wish to share with readers?
BM: There are so many, I’m not sure where to begin. I did find some foreign editions of the early issues and am offering those, so that’s pretty cool. I also raided my archives for vintage magnets and T-Shirts from Graphitti Designs, and early prints and posters. I’m also offering drawings from remarques to full-figure sketches and everything in between.
BD: Are there any other projects that you would like to highlight for our readers?
BM: The main thing I’d like to highlight is the potential of a new ongoing Roswell series. The success of this collection is what will make that possible.
BD: Lastly, what would you like to tell fans who want to learn more about Roswell, Little Green Man?
BM: If you like humor, adventure, and stories with heart, drawn with a nod to classic comics and animation, Roswell, Little Green Man is for you! And this collection has every story I’ve created to date, including a few rare stories that were done outside of Bongo for independent publications. So, this book is a great way to get up to speed and get ready for the next phase of Roswell!
