The following is an interview with Henry Barajas (Death to Pachuco) and Bryan Valenza regarding the recent launch of their Kickstarter campaign for the action-packed comic book series, Bandits of Batavia. In this interview, Fanbase Press Editor-in-Chief Barbra Dillon chats with Barajas and Valenza about their shared creative process in bringing the story and characters to life on the page, the exciting backer rewards available to supporters of the campaign, and more!
Barbra Dillon, Fanbase Press Editor-in-Chief: Congrats on the launch of your Kickstarter campaign for the new installment of Bandits of Batavia! Where will readers find themselves in the latest issue of this action-packed crime thriller?
Bryan Valenza: Jump right into the action! In the first issue, Blackbull finds himself in a tight situation and now needs to fight for his life. The second issue will also explore more about the other characters, like Ayesha, and of course, a cunning conspiracy by our antagonist, Lim Cheng!
Henry Barajas: The recurring theme for me is loss and revenge. These characters are battling with their memories and the horrific event that have pushed them to become the enemy. How does one come out of it with their soul intact?
BD How would you describe your shared creative process of both researching and developing the world and characters, especially in light of their basis in Indonesian folklore and history?
BV: We choose the story that resonates with me the most. As a person living in Jakarta and part of the Betawi ethnic group, the story of “Si Pitung” is very close to me.
Oh, by the way, we, people who were born in Jakarta, call ourselves “Betawi” from the “Batavi Tribe” from the Batavia era.
The Pitung story was a mix of historical fact and myth, which is the basis of our story. We explore the historical books, pictures, photos, and stories from Betawi elders to make our character feel real. By combining the history and the story I want to tell, Bandits of Batavia was born.
HB: I’ve been collaborating with Bryan since 2019. He is trying to grow in this business, and he wants to become a writer. I was really hands-on with issue one and the layout. But I could feel he was wanting to get his hands dirty, so he’s directing more. I try to help him steer the ship while giving him room to figure this out. I am trying to keep a consistent tone while taking my writing style to depths I’ve never explored. While it’s a collaboration, it’s also both of us challenging one another to tell a better story.
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 story may connect with or impact modern readers?
BV: The Bandits of Batavia story may have settings in the past, but the problems still occur today. A culture oppressed by authority, corrupt figures, and even social inequality was shown in the comic. If we don’t make a change, this will continue to happen for the next 150 years.
HB: We are operating in a visual medium, and I keep hearing how great the art is. It’s fair to say that Ario Murti is an exceptional talent. I am amazed by his work every time I get pages in my inbox. He handles emotional scenes with the same gravitas as the kinetic moments. While Bryan is writing, he’s really pouring his heart and soul into the colors giving his homeland something to be proud of.
BD: You are no strangers to crowdfunding, having successfully funded several projects. Why do you feel that crowdfunding – and Kickstarter in particular – has become such a valuable resource for today’s creators and publishers?
BV: Kickstarter gives us an opportunity that we cannot do, such as reaching worldwide comics readers. More people can see our projects and also become part of the journey directly. Beyondtopia Comics’ mission is to preserve Indonesian folklore for the world and the next generations.
HB: Kickstarter is, without a shadow of a doubt, a place where comic book readers can get their stories. Kickstarter eliminates the editors and publishers that filter their pitches through a committee, projected sales, and whether it’s going to be a Netflix series. I know Bryan has greater aspirations for his universe, but we are controlling our destiny and making the best comic we can.
BD: Are there any specific backer rewards that you’re most excited about with the campaign and wish to share with readers?
BV: The variant covers are something you need to have! We’re collaborating with the best comic artists out there, like Kael Ngu, Tyler Kirkham, Ario Anindito, and any more! There is also a tier that includes chibi Blackbull figures, and they’re limited! But the most favorite one will be a cameo in our comics! YES, you can be part of our Bandits world. As a bandit, thug, or maybe just a civilian. Ario Murti will draw your likeness into our book.
HB: I wanted a tier where Bryan would draw me like his “French Girls,” but he refused.
BD: Are there any other projects – past or current – that you would like to highlight for our readers?
BV : Definitely Bandits of Batavia #1 or you can also check out Beyondtopia Legends Anthology for Blackbull’s first appearance in comics. It’s my first time writing together with Henry!
Henry is also writing this awesome comic, Death to Pachuco! I think it’s one of his best works yet.
And then, Glow #7! Still Live on Kickstarter by Ray Chou and Vincenzo Ferriero. Best world-building I’ve ever seen on Kickstarter. They even made their own language!
BD: Lastly, what would you like to tell fans who want to learn more about Bandits of Batavia and your other work?
BV : First of all, I want to say thank you for all the excitement and support you have given to us. You can follow along with our latest update on our Instagram: @beyondtopia, @banditsofbatavia, and @bryan_valenza. We also have a page in Fandom!
