The following is an interview with writer Arthur N. Ebuen and artist Dave Law regarding their recent return to Kickstarter for the final issue of the dystopian comic book series, ©alifornia, Inc.. In this interview, Fanbase Press Editor-in-Chief Barbra Dillon chats with Ebuen and Law about their shared creative process in bringing the world and characters to a close, the incredible backer rewards available to supporters of the campaign, and more!
Barbra Dillon, Fanbase Press Editor-in-Chief: Congratulations on your recent return to Kickstarter! Where will readers find the events of the story as they pick up Issue #4?
Arthur N. Ebuen: Storylines have crossed in issue #3, specifically between Markus and Big Sis. They’re seemingly opposed but may have found common ground to help bring each other’s interests to life. Meanwhile in HQ, Richard is feeling the repercussions of pushing out his business partner, Markus, to get closer to power through The Board. He’s now feeling the need to show his worth, as they’re not quite holding up their end of his assumed bargain. Finally, Robyn shows off her political weight and influence in the background to bring it all together.
BD: In looking back at the development and creation of the series, what can you tell us about your shared creative process that really made this series stand out from your other work?
ANE: I’ve worked with lots of creative partners in my day job in advertising. When the relationship works, the final creative output shows. In the case of making ©alifornia, Inc. a reality from my script to Dave’s art, Dave has been an awesome partner to collaborate with. He’s actually my first creative partner in comics, which worries me, because it really has been great and I’m scared he’s set a high bar if I ever work with someone else on a project.
Dave Law: I think the different, yet complementary, interests and backgrounds Art and I have in our lives really played to the strengths of the book. Those influences crossing into areas we wouldn’t have gone into alone really makes a unique and different kind of comic experience for the reader.
BD: Likewise, in revisiting the series, was there anything new or intriguing that you took away from the prior issues that you hadn’t anticipated when originally creating them?
DL: Only that I became progressively more confident and flexible with how I rendered the characters as I got to know them in a way you only get by drawing someone over and over and over again. This mixed with hearing Art’s directions for the last few books in the back of my head still makes it more effortless when creating a panel. The body language, emotions, and style of the characters come more naturally.
BD: How do you feel that ©alifornia, Inc.’s story has connected with and impacted readers, especially in light of the incredible critical and fan response to the series?
ANE: When I wrote this a few years back, it was a story that gnawed at the back of my head while working in corporate America. I had to put pen to paper and write it. Honestly, I wasn’t sure how it was going to be received. It’s funny, a lot of people say it’s so topical with current events but it was all written years ago. Hearing the response from readers, and contemporaries, to what we made has been humbling and validating. I had no idea we’d get past the first issue and here we are finishing out the full miniseries. I feel empowered to continue writing and have some new stories I really want to write. Can’t wait to get to them!
DL: When I first read the script, I knew it was a story and a subject that would resonate with people, and I was excited to put my spin on it. Given the current political climate, concepts like this become more exciting/scary because it’s potentially possible and I think that makes any piece of fiction more intriguing. While we didn’t set out to make a political story, it does make a reader think and I’ve always loved stories that did that to me. ©alifornia Inc. is one of those kinds of stories, the kind that lead to great discussions when you bump into someone else who’s also read it.
BD: If given the opportunity, would you each like to revisit the world and characters of the series in other story arcs?
ANE: I have personally loved the story of Big Sis and LB. I’ve always wanted to explore more of them. It looks like the opportunity to do so came to me. I was recently asked to contribute to an ongoing anthology. In that, we’ll be making a three-part ©alifornia, Inc.-based story with those siblings!
DL: Definitely. One for sure planned, and there are a bunch of other character opportunities that have some great potential for interesting stories.
BD: Are there any particular backer rewards that you are most excited about for this campaign?
ANE: We have both digital and physical tiers of catch-ups. I know what it’s like, when I find a new-to-me story on Kickstarter and they’re putting out the next issue, but they don’t offer the back issues even as PDFs, it’s difficult to jump in. If you’re new to our story, you can get the full series or any parts you’re missing.
BD: Are there any other projects – past or current – that you would like to highlight for our readers?
ANE: I mentioned the anthology earlier, with the sort of spin-off ©alifornia, Inc. story but I’m also in another anthology. A horror anthology, of all genres. I was flattered to be asked to be a part of it but also confused as that’s not my usual area of play for pop culture. But it was with some really good friends, friends I trust so they let me play. I ended up having a lot of fun diving into that space. Can’t wait for that story to surface. I also have a larger sci-fi fantasy that’s been vying for my attention, I think it’s time for me to dive in.
DL: My other title, The Space Odditorium, will be releasing its long-overdue third volume in a couple months. It’s a completely different side of my comic creating voice, but one I’m equally proud of. It’ll be available directly from The Space Odditorium website and at conventions that I’ll be attending this year.
BD: Lastly, what would you like to tell fans who want to support the Kickstarter campaign for ©alifornia, Inc. #4?
ANE: “Thank you SO MUCH!” I never thought I could get one issue done. Never knew I could self-publish and crowdfund to make it happen. We are finishing the series because of your support for our story. I can’t believe it’s happening. I’m humbled and flattered by all of it and will not take it for granted. Your time and money can be spent elsewhere, thanks for letting us entertain you.
DL: Huge THANK YOU to everyone who has supported the book so far, either by buying the books, sharing and liking the posts, or even just taking an interest in us and our comic. You are better than everyone else. You’re smarter, more attractive, and make better decisions in life. Thank you for being so awesome.
