The following is an interview with writer Joe Harris (The X-Files, Vampirella) regarding the upcoming launch of a Zoop crowdfunding campaign for the first-ever collected edition hardcover of his series, Great Pacific (originally published by Image Comics). In this interview, Fanbase Press Editor-in-Chief Barbra Dillon chats with Harris 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: As you look ahead to the combined collection of Great Pacific, what has been your experience in revisiting your work (alongside artist Martin Morazzo) on the series?
Joe Harris: Well, first off, the series is so striking and detailed, and I credit the granular, literal world-building on the Great Pacific Garbage Patch to Martin. It’s such a joy to have watched him grow over the years. I could not imagine Great Pacific illustrated by anyone else. So far as my own work goes, it’s been a trip looking back on the series. It’s got a lot of “oh shit” moments and I forgot a couple of them. I remain really proud of this book, and think it’s prescient as the effects of climate change deepen. While the scourge of plastic waste continues, too. Newborn babies have microplastics inside them. They just found microplastics in the human penis! This is what happens when you don’t clean up after yourself, America.
BD: In looking back at the development and creation of the series, what can you share with us about your creative process in working with Morazzo that really made this series unique to your incredible body of work?
JH: That’s very kind of you to say, thanks. I’d published a few original series and graphic novels prior to doing Great Pacific at Image Comics, but this was my first true “creator-owned” series. Without a net and no, or fairly little, adult supervision. I first discovered Martin Morazzo’s work while scrolling through DC Comics’ old Zuda online comics site. I was looking for someone with a European style, something reminiscent of those great Humanoids publications. Someone who really evoked Moebius in their line work, and damn if that wasn’t Martin. We struck up a fun collaboration right away. My brother from a Argentinian mother.
BD: With this series, you have deftly weaved together very real environmental concerns with a compelling sci-fi survival story. How would you describe your own research process in preparing for the series, and was there anything that especially surprised or stuck out to you?
JH: The inspiration for the survival story aspect came from my love for a classic film, The Naked Prey (which was reimagined, almost scene-for-scene, in Apocalypto). Regarding my research, I learned a number of things that stuck with me. First, scientists who study this subject aren’t particularly keen on taking a speculative lens and imagining the Great Pacific Garbage Patch as this giant, contiguous continent. They think the reality is horrifying enough and worry it gives people permission to not believe it’s the environmental disaster as billed. Personally, I always looked at this story as being a cautionary tale. If we can’t deal with the big problems, there’s an opening for potentially well-meaning but, ultimately, self-serving people to fill the void. Second, I did a bunch of research on micro-nations. These little outposts of civilization like Sealand, an independent “country,” operating from an abandoned oil rig in international waters. The short-lived nation of Minerva. There are others out there.
BD: Are there any specific backer rewards that you’re most excited about with the campaign and wish to share with readers?
JH: Martin has some original Great Pacific artwork we’re discussing making available to a few lucky patrons. And one of the stretch goals we’re looking at involves new material. A new Great Pacific short story via Martin and me.
BD: Lastly, what would you like to tell fans who want to learn more about Great Pacific: The Completely Trashed Edition?
JH: Checkout the project page on Zoop! We’re going to be launching the campaign in the not-too-distant future!
