The following is an interview with writer Thomas Huls regarding the recent launch of a Zoop crowdfunding campaign for the third issue of the comic book series, Kingsville. In this interview, Fanbase Press Editor-in-Chief Barbra Dillon chats with Huls about his shared creative process in bringing the characters to life on the page, the incredible backer rewards that will be available to readers, and more!
Barbra Dillon, Fanbase Press Editor-in-Chief: Congratulations on the recent launch of your Zoop crowdfunding campaign! For those who may be unfamiliar, what can you share with us about the story’s premise, and where will readers pick up in this latest issue?
Thomas Huls: Kingsville is the story of an island nation known for mining. They are a small and proud nation. Upon mining, they come across a mineral they have never seen before. They called is Sycodone. On the main continent there is a non-profit called the Alliance for Global Safety (AGS) led by Dr. Derickson. He finds out about this mineral and purchases it to study in their AGS science lab. Upon the team’s research and testing led by lead scientists Rodrigo and Marissa, they find that this mineral has special properties that can enhance human abilities. Over time they use that mineral in a process to create super humans for AGS.
Today, AGS promises each nation a superhuman to be headquartered in their nation if they become a member nation of AGS, allowing them to negotiate trade and military agreements among other member nations.
As AGS gains more power and begin to use these super humans, Rodrigo from the science team begins to question whether or not he is doing the right thing.
Kingsville tells Dr. Derickson there is no more of that mineral as they worry AGS is gaining too much power.
AGS is desperate for more of this mineral and is willing to do almost anything to get it, even war!
Issue 3 is the beginning of the Kingsville war.
BD: What can you tell us about your shared creative process in working with artist Dan Zay to bring this incredible world and characters to life on the page?
TH: Dan is an amazing artist out of Moscow, Russia. 24-years-old and newly engaged, Dan loves comics and is passionate about sequential art.
I write and map out each panel, and Dan takes those notes and brings the story to life. Many times, Dan has a unique way of understanding what should be done in each panel to make the story pop. We have a great back and forth and when Dan feels there should be a change to help the story, I listen! He does the pencils, inks, and colors.
BD: Why do you feel that crowdfunding has been such a valuable resource to ensuring the success of today’s comic book creators?
TH: Crowdfunding has opened doors for so many storytellers to bring their work directly to the fans. Unfortunately, it takes a lot of work to get into a distributor, especially for an indie creator that produces only 2 to 4 issues a year. Crowdfunding allows the creative to go directly to the consumer.
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 this ongoing story may connect with and impact readers?
TH: Kingsville dives into the corruption that takes place in some circumstances when power becomes a drug. Some of the best organizations start as a legit business that seeks to do right by society. Sometimes, those organizations become too large and powerful, and the focus becomes growing that power and less healing others. In this case, AGS will do anything to maintain and grow their power, even if it means removing those who stand in their way.
BD: In light of the crowdfunding campaign, are there any particular backer rewards or tiers that you would like to highlight for our readers?
TH: Issue 3 has three covers for fans.
The first Cover A is done by Dan Zay, our interior artist. It pictures a new character for fans, Thomas Gunrr.
Cover B is done by the amazing Jordan Noir who currently does covers for Image Comics, most recently did Witchblade issue 3 cover. Jordan’s cover features Sarah Sorrow on the cover.
Cover C is done by Omar Francia who has done a lot of work for DC Comics, Marvel Comics, Dynamite, Image, and more working on characters like Batman, Spider-Man, and more. His cover features Hannah Honeonna (Bone Girl in Japanese).
In addition we have add-ons like a Collapse Standie, a character from issue 1 and Kingsville Key-Chains created by Whamstand. We have stickers, as well, for everyone that backs!!
BD: Are there any other projects from your body of work that you would like to highlight for our readers?
TH: Long-time comic book fan. Kingsville is my first comic book. I have written for Forbes Business on subjects like Emotional Intelligence, business mentorship, and other business topics.
BD: Lastly, what would you like to tell readers who want to learn more about the Kingsville campaign?
TH: Kingville has the team dynamic of Harbinger with the violence of The Boys. This title is for mature readers as it does have bloody fight scenes and strong language. Issue 3 is 3 out of 4 issues to complete the first arc.
You can purchase issue 1 and 2 on the worldatwarcomics tiktok shop, on our website (www.worldatwarcomics.com), and on Ebay! There are deals when you purchase both issue 1 and 2.
You can also save $5 on Zoop when you purchase issues 1 to 3.
