The following is an interview with Sylvain Runberg and Grun regarding their Kickstarter campaign (in its final hours!) for the graphic novel, Space Relic Hunters: Smugglers, Rebels, and Sacred Ruins, in collaboration with Magnetic Press. In this interview, Fanbase Press Editor-in-Chief Barbra Dillon chats with Runberg and Grun about their shared creative process in bringing the world and characters to life on the page, the exciting rewards available to backers, and more!
Barbra Dillon, Fanbase Press Editor-in-Chief: You are currently running a Kickstarter campaign for Space Relic Hunters: Smugglers, Rebels, and Sacred Ruins – which will soon be coming to a close. What can you tell us about the concept of this science fiction adventure?
Sylvain Runberg: It’s a true adventure story that blends space opera, suspense, a small dose of cynical humor, bigger-than-life characters, and a universe to match. Guardians of the Galaxy, but with a dose of Isaac Asimov, perhaps? For me, it was an opportunity to explore a science fiction universe by reflecting on religion, politics, and power, while never losing sight of the desire to draw readers into a fast-paced story.
BD: How would you describe your shared creative process for bringing this thrilling universe and its characters to life?
SR: We started with ideas from Grun’s graphic design research, and then I assembled a story puzzle led by our characters: alien relic hunters and a whole gallery of characters, foreign creatures, and bizarre worlds. And beneath the apparent chaos, there was a real coherence in the construction of the story.
GRUN: I did a lot of graphic work upfront, a kind of concept art, which allowed Sylvain to write with a certain comfort.
BD: Why do you think crowdfunding has become such a valuable tool for the success of today’s comic book creators and publishers?
SR: It allows the public to support projects they feel particularly close to. It’s an interactive approach, and that’s interesting.
GRUN: This sponsorship also helps extend the life of our album. The contributors are at the heart of this creation.
BD: Similarly, what makes Magnetic Press the ideal publishing partner for this project?
SR: Magnetic Press’ experience in this type of campaign and its ability to publish beautiful books, beautiful objects that readers will treasure for a long time.
GRUN: Magnetic Press greatly enhances the first (French) edition by bringing a sense of fantasy to it.
BD: Are there any specific rewards for Kickstarter campaign backers that you’re particularly excited about?
SR: The mindset tattoo.
GRUN: Everything. I think each reward helps readers believe in the story a little more.
BD: Are there any other projects, past or present, that you’d like to highlight for readers?
SR: On Mars, which we did with Grun and also published by Magnetic Press, Warship Jolly Roger with Miki Montllo, also published by Magnetic Press, and the new Wonder Woman and Harley Quinn, which Miki and I just edited. Perhaps a look at the story Marcial Toledano and I wrote in Superman The World, entitled “Superman in Paris.” And what if a US publisher were interested in our trilogy, The Dominants, also with Marcial, a story about an alien invasion of Earth that’s much more popular in Europe and is set in the US!
BD: Finally, what would you like to say to fans who want to know more about Space Relic Hunters: Smugglers, Rebels, and Sacred Ruins and your other works?
SR & GRUN: Thank you for reading, supporting, and following us over the years, and don’t hesitate to check out our Instagram and other pages to keep up to date with our news!
