The following is an interview with Taki Soma (Sleeping While Standing, Bitch Planet) regarding the release of the sci-fi drama comic book series, Alienated, through Comixology Originals. In this interview, Fanbase Press Editor-in-Chief Barbra Dillon chats with Soma about her shared creative process in working with artist John Broglia the bring the story and characters to life on the page, what she hopes that readers may take away from the story’s themes, and more!
Barbra Dillon, Fanbase Press Editor-in-Chief: Congratulations on the launch of Alienated! What are you most excited for readers to experience with this sci-fi drama?
Taki Soma: Hi, thank you! And great question. I am most excited for readers to pick up small bits of foreshadowing but also enjoy the ever-changing familial dynamics that are at the core of the story. I hope the tone comes through immediately and that it’s a fun, adventureful sci-fi.
BD: The series deftly weaves the mystery of an alien invasion gone wrong with a family who sincerely want to help the newly arrived extraterrestrial. How would you describe your creative process in crafting the mystery while staying three steps ahead of the reader?
TS: My outline kept me focused, for sure. I took a lot of notes, a lot more than I generally do since Alienated does have ‘mystery’ vibes that calls for it. I hope the ending will be as satisfying for the readers as it was for me!
BD: Likewise, what can you tell us about your shared creative process in working with artist John Broglia to bring the out-of-this-world story and characters to life on the page?
TS: John Broglia and I have known each other for almost twenty years now, I was even at his wedding! It’s extra special because we’ve watched each other grow as cartoonists but never worked together until now. I knew I made the right choice the moment he turned in his character study art; they looked nothing like what I had in mind but yet, they spoke to me more truly than when they were just in my head. He breathed life into them and I hope the readers really feel that as well.
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 TJ, Lily, and Winter’s story may connect with and impact readers?
TS: What a wonderful initiative! I love that.
TJ (a.k.a. Gramps to Lily and Winter) is a retired teacher – I have always connected well with the elderly since I was a child. So, I wanted to shine a light on him and show that the elderly still have a place on the mainstage of society, a full life to live, and are an asset to humanity as they always were.
Lily and Winter are teenagers in high school. I find when I generalize an entire generation, it feels dismissive at best, and dehumanizing at worst. It is important that they have distinct personalities, goals in life, and points of view. Lily is academically focused and Winter isn’t as much but desperately wants her approval anyway. She’s gregarious, he’s shy. She’s older, he’s younger, etc. They are very different people who are also related to each other. I enjoyed finding their individuality as the scripts went along, and I ended up loving all the characters in Alienated at the end.
BD: What makes Comixology Originals the perfect home for this series?
TS: I think you’ll find out, in a delightful way, why they’re the perfect home when you read it!
BD: Are there any projects – past or current – that you would like to highlight for our readers?
TS: Thanks for the opportunity to plug in some books!! Yes, please. I’m working on something else with Comixology Originals which hasn’t been announced, so that’s all I’m going to tease for the future…
There’s my autobiography where I did everything from script, art, color and letter titled Sleeping While Standing.
From 3 different sources depending on where you live: Avery Hill Publishing, Amazon, and Barnes and Noble.
Galaxy of Madness by Mags Visaggio, Michael Avon Oeming, Victor Santos, & Taki Soma.
Murder Inc. by Brian Michael Bendis, Michael Avon Oeming, & Taki Soma
V1, V2, V3
BD: Lastly, what is the best way for our readers to find more information about Alienated and your other work?
TS: I’m not always active on social media for personal reasons, but when I am, I tend to favor BlueSky and FB. But I have an account with most of them, and they’re all under “takisoma.”
Another way to stay informed would be to sign up for my husband Michael Avon Oeming’s newsletter, as he is much more active and includes what I’m working on, too. Here’s the link to sign up.
