The following is an interview with Chuck Austen (She-Ra and the Princesses of Power) regarding his return to the Edgeworld comic book series (Comixology Originals) for the series’ final arc. In this interview, Fanbase Press Editor-in-Chief Barbra Dillon chats with Austen about his creative process in balancing the writing and illustrative duties of the series, 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 return of the final Edgeworld series to Comixology Originals!
Chuck Austen: Thank you, Barbra!
BD: What are you most excited for readers to experience with this final arc of the series?
CA: Hmm. Hard to say without spoilers. I guess I’d like them to feel like they got their time and money’s worth from the read, and that it will give them even more pleasure on the re-read, given the things that get revealed at the end.
BD: In balancing the duties of writer, artist, and letterer, how would you describe your creative process in returning to the world and characters of the story?
CA: Yeah. It’s a little weird. Good question. Most of the real “creative” was done before I even began, as Pat [Olliffe] and I had worked out the story, and ending, ahead of time. It all starts the same as it did before. I wrote all the scripts for Pat, so they were essentially done and waiting since before we finished issue 10. Then, I just used them for myself when I began “drawing.” The rest of the process is weird and complicated, as I use CG to help the art creation. So, there’s no real thumbnail or “pencil” stage. Instead, I set up the environments first, place the “mannequins” in the scene, then move the camera around to get the panel descriptions I’d broken down in the scripts. After I output the files, I draw over them for the “ink” stage, adding textures and shadows, and using special brushes in Clip Studio Paint, which assembles the panels into pages, and outputs the files as PSDs for Lee to color over. Then, I letter it once the color is done, based on Jodi Wynne’s original fonts and designs, deliver it to Comixology, and we’re off to the races.
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 Killian and Halley’s story may connect with and impact readers?
CA: Well, in a lot of ways I see writing as therapy. LOL. Part of “write-what-you-know” and all that. So, with Killian, Cheela, Halley, and Shay, the story is about non-traditional family, and finding your way after your world blows apart. Dark night of the soul, as it were. Or an asteroid that destroys your world. You can rail against the invasions of your space, the changes from what you loved, the injustices, or you can see your trials as opportunities to grow, to learn and find yourself, and your real place in the world. Then from that place, you can let go of your attachments to some idealized past, and find a happier, better life in the present. Does that answer your question?
BD: What makes Comixology Originals the perfect home for this series?
CA: Comixology is an amazing creative partner, and I LOVE the Guided View process. I feel it’s a fantastic way to present comics for a contemporary, more digitally oriented audience. No one reads unless it’s on their phone, or tablets, these days. And this comic really could not have found a home anywhere else. It’s such an odd idea. Science fiction western, with weird aliens, gunfights, bizarre, creepy, science fiction ideas sprinkled with intense violence? Very “human” characters, and a lot of humor? I am eternally grateful every day that Comixology let us do this series. Great company, and great people.
BD: Are there any additional projects – past or current – that you would like to highlight for our readers?
CA: The Tormented, also with Comixology. It’s a fun, intense horror series with a diverse cast, lots of scares and lots of laughs, and some unique horror. Then, there’s Defiant coming from DSTLRY, a three-issue series that is the next level of space adventure, science fiction. All of them were co-created with Pat Olliffe, and I’m really proud of everything we’ve done.
BD: Lastly, what is the best way for our readers to find more information about Edgeworld and your other work?
CA: Mmm… the DSTLRY website for Defiant, and Amazon has all the Tormented titles–5 in total, a complete story arc–available right now. If you like Edgeworld, you’ll enjoy those, too.
