The following is an interview with writer Chris Yates II regarding the upcoming Kickstarter campaign launch for the creator-owned comic book series, Marcus Walker: Kingslayer Protocol. In this interview, Fanbase Press Editor-in-Chief Barbra Dillon chats with Yates about his shared creative process in working with artist Simone Ragazzoni to bring the world and characters to life on the page, the exciting backer rewards available through the campaign, and more!
Barbra Dillon, Fanbase Press Editor-in-Chief: You will soon be launching a Kickstarter campaign for Marcus Walker: Kingslayer Protocol. What can you share with us about the premise of this dramatic, manga-inspired sci-fi series?
Chris Yates II: During my time at the Walt Disney Company, as the Non-Traditional IP member of the Creative Acquisition team, I reviewed hundreds of pieces of IP (comic books, board games, video games, etc.) for potential streaming adaptation. During that time, I started to crave something different, something in the vein of Joseph Campbell and the hero’s journey with a modern twist.
One that combined the writing style of Jason Aaron, the dynamic lines of Sean Murphy, and Saturday morning cartoons and Toonami-esque anime, centered on two brothers living in a world with Mechs and Kaijus. In addition, we didn’t want our main character to be the pilot of the Kingslayer Mech, that’s his older brother Kaleb, we wanted our main character to feel removed from the spotlight, almost removing him from being labeled a hero, as he’s just a young boy trying to survive in a world that is crashing down around him alongside his fellow person.
BD: How would you describe your shared creative process in working with artist Simone Ragazzoni to bring this world and its characters to life on the page?
CY: Flawless. He’s the living embodiment of the word “professional.” I would give him two sentences to describe a page, and he would design something that far surpassed my expectations. He spoiled me, as it’s been one of the healthiest and most rewarding collaborations I’ve ever experienced. The crazy part is we don’t speak the same language; he speaks Italian, and I’m from California, so it’s a vast language barrier, but thanks to translating apps and Simone’s manager and now personal friend, Enzo Martinelli from Oni Robot Studios, we were able to build something meaningful, and we think exciting.
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 Marcus’ story may connect with or impact readers?
CY: Two-fold, the first is Marcus himself. He’s a young man struggling to survive in a place that is constantly falling apart around him. He has difficult family dynamics that force him to live on the other side of the island because his father deems it safer, and the ever-growing shadow of his older pilot brother, Kaleb, and his heroics makes Marcus feel unseen and lesser than. He just wants to be accepted and seen by his father, not cast aside, because it’s easier to sweep hard conversations under the rug or sidestep them entirely.
Second, we decided to set it in New Honolulu City (a.k.a. New Hon City), because I once heard someone say, “Hawaii is America’s version of Japan,” and that stuck with me. So, when we decided to craft a story inspired by Japanese anime and manga, combined with American comics and cartoons, we felt it was the perfect place to be respectful of both cultures while showcasing a fictitious version of the Island that thrived outside the giant beasties and mechs.
BD: Why do you feel that crowdfunding has been such a valuable resource to ensuring the success of today’s comic book creators and publishers?
CY: Crowdfunding is a powerful space where comic book creators and publishers can take chances and do what they want, how they want. It also allows artists the opportunity to make something of themselves, however they see fit. They don’t have to worry about things being too weird or left of center, or dark and gloomy. They can make anything without worrying about approvals or publishers changing their story. It’s just you and your team, and that is equal parts exciting and nerve-racking.
BD: In light of the crowdfunding campaign, are there any particular backer rewards that you would like to highlight for our readers?
CY: We were very intentional with our tiers. We understand that backers’ mental bandwidth and wallets are constantly being pulled in a thousand different directions, whether it be life events, streaming, gaming, the Wednesday pull list, you name it. We tried to keep the shipping down as best we could, given the current state of the world, and offered digital rewards for those who prefer digital and discounted bundles for those who want to support in a big way. As a first-time creative team, we wanted to find and offer backers options that fit their needs and lifestyles, so they can enjoy it and, hopefully, make it a positive experience.
BD: Are there any other projects – past or current – that you would like to share with our readers?
CY: The list could be endless, including Mantic Games for producing the first Hellboy board game and my first Kickstarter experience. BOOM! Studios’ Klaus Omnibus, that story is one of my all-time favorites and one I revisit during the holiday season. Lastly, I have to give a shout-out to my collaborators, Keith Arem and Siya Oum. We learned so much from Frost Road, Mr. Floats & The CarnEvil of Souls, and Neo Wonderland; those campaigns were integral parts of how we built our campaign, and I’m forever grateful to them for trusting me.
BD: Lastly, what would you like to tell fans who want to learn more about the Marcus Walker: Kingslayer Protocol campaign and your other work?
CY: They can visit our socials, mine is @cyg47 and Simone’s is @simoneragazzoni and my website, www.crushyourgoals.com. Thank you, Barbra and Bryant, for taking the time to speak with us. I’ve been fortunate to see firsthand how you’ve built this wonderful community, and it’s inspiring. We appreciate you for gracing us with this opportunity; it’s not lost on us.
