The following is an interview with writer Omar Morales regarding the upcoming release of the sci-fi adventure graphic novel, Major Thomás, through ComiXology Originals. In this interview, Fanbase Press Editor-in-Chief Barbra Dillon chats with Morales about his shared creative process in working with artists Serg Acuña and Mau Mora the bring the story and characters to life on the page, what he hopes that readers may take away from the story’s themes, and more!
Barbra Dillon, Fanbase Press Editor-in-Chief: Congratulations on the upcoming release of Major Thomás! For those who may be unfamiliar, what can you share with us about the story’s premise?
Omar Morales: Thank you! The basic premise is simple: a young astronaut gets lost in space and has to go on a hero’s journey of discovery in order to find a way back home. The twist is that I took the legendary, fictional astronaut “Major Tom” from David Bowie and Peter Schilling pop songs, and put my own Latino spin on it. I wanted to tell the story of who this astronaut is, why should people care about him, and what struggles he has in life… both on Earth and in space.
BD: You have amassed an incredibly talented creative team for this project. How would you describe your shared creative process in working with artists Serg Acuña and Mau Mora to deftly weave together relatable themes with out-of-this-world creatures to bring the story to life on the page?
OM: Serg and I had a video call before we started working on the pages to get a feel for each other and the story. Then, when he and colorist Raúl Angulo needed to leave the project after Act I was complete, Mau Mora was able to step right in. Mau and I already had a short-hand established from anthology stories and Metroid fan fictions we’ve done together over the years. Fabi Marques really came in and saved the day with her colors, as she was available and ready to dive in. Letterer Taylor Esposito and I have worked a bunch of projects together over the years, so really it was like working with old friends.
BD: In addition to an incredible story, the graphic novel contains a foreword by real-life astronaut José M. Hernández. What can you share with us about your experience in collaborating with Hernández to include his own experience in the book?
OM: Astronaut Hernández is a personal hero of mine since I watched him waving an Oakland Raiders flag aboard a space shuttle on a broadcast back to Earth. He’s from the same hometown as my Dad: La Piedad, Michoacán, México… and now he lives in the same area of Northern California that I live in. The synchronicity on the whole thing has been crazy; for example, Amazon is my publisher, and Amazon is the studio behind the movie of Hernández’ life, A Million Miles Away, now streaming on Prime Video. I choose to think it was fate that brought us together.
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 Thomás’ story may connect with and impact readers?
OM: I really hope this impacts young people, or any person struggling to find their place in their chosen field, or social group, or just the world in general. Thomás struggles with anxiety and imposter syndrome. I can certainly identify with that, and I know a lot of people out there who struggle with it, too. I see it a lot with teenagers (and I have two) and even in fellow creatives that are trying to get to the next level and get closer to their goals. Thomás is a bit of a cautionary tale of “careful what you wish for,” and whatever you do, do it with absolute focus and conviction.
BD: What makes ComiXology Originals the perfect home for this story?
OM: I’m a big fan of the program as a loyal subscriber to the Comixology Unlimited program; I mean $5.99 a month for a massive library that includes all of the Originals on day and date? A steal! Amazon gives my debut in the publishing world the biggest chance at global reach. Plus, its partnerships with traditional print publishers gives Major Thomás the potential to have a second life in comic book shops and libraries. I’m so grateful to be in the Comixology family at a time when tariffs and Diamond’s status are creating so much unease in the traditional direct market.
BD: Are there any additional projects – past or current – that you would like to highlight for our readers?
OM: Yes! I have a contribution with artist Stefano Cardoselli in the LA Strong charity anthology with Mad Cave. It’s an amazing project with so many great creators, both established and new, and it’s all for a great cause. All of the profits will go toward supporting comics creators impacted by the LA fires earlier this year. I’d encourage people interested in this project to ask their local shop to order a copy via Lunar Distribution (Code: 1224MA843). Mad Cave is planning launch parties in select shops on Saturday, March 22nd, with creators on-hand and via pre-taped videos.
BD: Lastly, what is the best way for our readers to find more information about Major Thomás and your other work?
OM: My newly redesigned website, TheForceMedia.com, really is a one-stop shop. I have a handful of free fan fiction comics on there that people can download, from The Mandalorian, to Metroid, and an homage to my favorite holiday song, “Christmas Wrapping,” by the Waitresses. There are links to all of my social media accounts, where I use the handle @omorales81 on every platform.
