The following is an interview with Jason T. Kruse (World of Quest) regarding the recent release of the fantasy adventure comic, Fated: Unagi Trouble, through publisher Monster Forge. In this interview, Fanbase Press Editor-in-Chief Barbra Dillon chats with Kruse about his creative process of bringing the story and characters to life on the page, where readers can find more of his creative work, and more!
Barbra Dillon, Fanbase Press Editor-in-Chief: Congratulations on the recent release of Fated: Unagi Trouble! What can you share with us about the genesis behind this incredible, new universe and the story’s overall premise?
Jason T. Kruse: Honestly, it was kind of an accident. I was practicing my storyboarding and came up with this idea for a kid using a spellbook to summon something and every time he does, he summons something horrible. In the end, he was just trying to summon a cheeseburger. Something about it really stuck with me and I kept thinking, “what can I do with this?”
I have a love of all things paranormal and cryptozoological, so I wanted to put that into a more epic story. Plus, I love post-apocalyptic stories, as well like The Stand, so I ended up combining a bunch of different genres together. There are even superpowers in there.
BD: How would you describe your creative process in bringing this magic-filled world to life on the page?
JTK: I call it the “what if?” process. “What if this happens?” or “what if that happens?” No idea is too wacky. It’s bit like free-writing. Ultimately, I come up with some ideas that I like out of that chaos.
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 Fated’s story may connect with and impact readers, and what, if any, conversations do you hope that it may inspire?
JTK: I generally don’t try to go too deep with my stories in terms of philosophy. My main goal is to create likeable characters (or ones you’re rooting for to become likeable—like Ollie the Summoner). Mainly, I just want people reading my books to have fun and talk about the situations they get themselves into and out of.
BD: The story is currently available digitally on GlobalComix. How many issues will readers have in store with this current story arc?
JTK: Well, Unagi Trouble is a stand-alone that’s like a primer for the world. There’s also a coloring book on the website that gives you even more back story. The 1st in the main storyline is 5 or 6 issues but only the 1st issue is finished (though not in color) thus far.
BD: Are there any other projects – past or current – that you would like to highlight for our readers?
JTK: Well, there’s World of Quest which was turned into a television show on the Kid’s WB back in ’08. There were 2 seasons but only one aired in this country. Fun fact: I’ve never seen the 2nd season. Not sure if the graphic novels are still available for purchase, though.
Otherwise, I needed something different and lighter so over the last 6 weeks or so I’ve been cranking away on a new comic strip, but I don’t want to say too much about it yet. I’ll make an announcement hopefully next month some time.
BD: Lastly, what would you like to tell fans who want to learn more about Fated: Unagi Trouble and your other work?
JTK: I’ve been gradually posting the first issue of Fated over at www.fatedcomic.com, where readers can also download a free coloring book primer to get introduced to the world and characters.
If you prefer a traditional comic, you can also pick up a physical copy of the stand-alone issue. If digital is more your style, the panel-to-panel Reader Edition of Fated is available on Monster Forge Publishing’s GlobalComix page.
It’s especially exciting to be teaming up again with Shannon Eric Denton on Fated. Years ago, Shannon originally published World of Quest through his company, Komikwerks.com, so it’s great to be collaborating again.
You can also explore more of my comics, illustration, and other projects at www.jasontkruse.com.
