The following is an interview with Luke McKoy regarding the release of the comic book series, Fortune, which is currently funding on Kickstarter. In this interview, Fanbase Press Editor-in-Chief Barbra Dillon chats with McKoy about his shared creative process in working with artist Josh Hurlburt to bring the story and characters to life on the page, what readers may take away from the story’s themes, and more!
Barbra Dillon, Fanbase Press Editor-in-Chief: Congratulations on the recent release of Fortune and the launch of your Kickstarter campaign! What can you tell us about the overall premise of this sword-and-sorcery series?
Luke McKoy: Fortune is a dark, character-driven, sword-and-sorcery series about people caught in a brutal fantasy world who are shaped by circumstance, not destiny. It embraces classic genre elements – steel, magic, monsters, and gods – while focusing on the human cost of choice, belief, and consequence. Beneath the surface, a much larger story is quietly taking shape.
BD: How would you describe your shared creative process in working with Josh Hurlburt to bring this story and its characters to life on the page?
LM: While I steer the story and characters, Josh’s art perfectly complements my writing by building on what I started. I focus on the emotional core of each scene and he brings a continuity-minded eye to the world – how background characters react, how props are used, and how environments respond. Those details add a level of depth that makes Fortune feel lived-in, not staged.
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 might connect with and impact readers?
LM: Fortune is for readers who don’t want to be spoon-fed. It invites attention and interpretation, but it was never intended as a statement on fate or prophecy. My goal was simply to tell a strong, character-driven story and let meaning arise naturally. If it stays with readers, I hope it’s because they connected with the characters – not because they felt lectured.
BD: Do you foresee expanding the story into subsequent story arcs, if given the opportunity?
LM: Absolutely. Fortune was always meant to grow beyond this first story, and I already have future arcs planned. Whether that means expanding the current cast or exploring new stories within the same world will depend on how the series is received. This first release is very much about laying the groundwork.
BD: Are there any other projects – past or current – that you would like to highlight for our readers?
LM: Right now, Fortune is our primary creative focus. Josh and I have wanted to collaborate for over a decade, and we both believe strongly in this story. Outside of the comic itself, I’m also interested in the broader conversation around creator collaboration and sustainable creative platforms, which has influenced some of my work behind the scenes. But when it comes to storytelling, Fortune is where my heart is.
BD: Lastly, what would you like to tell fans who want to learn more about Fortune?
LM: If you enjoy fantasy that trusts its audience, prioritizes character over spectacle, and still delivers a rich world and plenty of action, Fortune is worth your time. The story builds deliberately, and much of what’s introduced early is designed to pay off later. If you’d like to support us, the best way is to read it on Global Comix or back it on Kickstarter.
