The following is an interview with writer Jordan Hart regarding the recent release of his comic book series, Doppelgänger, through Alterna. In this interview, Fanbase Press Editor-in-Chief Barbra Dillon chats with Hart about the inspiration behind the series, his shared creative process in working with artist Emmanuel Xerx Javier, what he hopes that readers will take away from the series, and more!
Barbra Dillon, Fanbase Press Editor-in-Chief: Congratulations on the release of your comic book series, Doppelgänger, through Alterna! For those who may be unfamiliar, how would you describe the book’s premise, and what inspired you to tell this story?
Jordan Hart: Doppelgänger is my ode to the comedic horror films of the 1980s. I wanted to write a story that was a little dark, but still had its humorous moments.
The protagonist, Dennis Zimmann, is an insecure IT tech. Everything changes when he’s duplicated by an ancient doppelgänger spirit that begins to take over his life. I borrowed from the Egyptian myth that doppelgängers not only stole one’s likeness, but all of their memories too. I thought that would be a cool theme to explore and work with. The story revolves around Dennis, a timid and unaggressive man, faced with a dire ultimatum: kill his doppelgänger or be erased from the universe in two days.
BD: What can you share with us about your creative process in working with artist Emmanuel Xerx Javier, and what have been some of your creative influences?
JH: Emmanuel is great. Even though I’m a writer, I come from an art background and have been reading comics since I was a kid…so I know art is what comics are all about. In my scripts, I try to be descriptive, but not rigid. To me, compositions, camera angle, and even specific actions are up to the artist. Emmanuel is great at taking my idea and making it way better than I had pictured. It’s a true creative partnership.
Creatively, my influences come from everywhere and usually change for each project. But for this story in particular, my love of horror, comedy, and ancient mythology were the three main culprits.
BD: What do you hope that readers will take away from your work?
JH: Self-confidence. Through Dennis’ journey, I’d love readers to see the importance of always trying, no matter the odds of failure. Even if you’re unsuccessful, it’s still a personal victory if you go down swinging.
On a deeper level, it’s that Shit Happens. No matter how much you prepare or assume the worst, shit will always happen. How you react is what counts.
BD: You will soon be appearing at San Diego Comic-Con to further promote Doppelgänger. Where will attendees be able to find you at the convention?
JH: Alterna Comics will have a table in the Small Press area of SDCC. Our location is K-07. So, I’ll be there for a bit every day. Also, we’re having a panel on Friday, July 20th, at 1-2 p.m. in ROOM 29A-B. SDCC is the highlight of my year, so I’m on the floor from open to close every day. If you see a tall, long-haired, surfer-looking non-surfer, say hi!
BD: If given the opportunity to expand your series into other entertainment mediums, in what format do you hope to see it adapted? Also, will there be a collected trade paperback in the works for the series?
JH: In terms of a pretty tight adaption to the comic, film would be the easiest transition. I only had four issues to tell the full adventure, so it’s pretty streamlined without much B-story or tertiary characters. Because of this, I think the Doppelgänger could be faithfully told in a 90-minute film.
But if it’s a looser adaptation of the core concept and it’s world rules, then TV would be the best transition.
And yes, the trade paperback will be out in October, just in time for Halloween. It’ll be up for pre-orders in the August Diamond Previews.
BD: Are there any upcoming projects on which you are currently working that you would like to share with our readers?
JH: Emmanuel and I teamed up for a 12-page short story that will be out later this year in It Came Out On A Wednesday— Alterna Comics’ bi-monthly anthology comic. It’s a fun Twilight-Zone-ish story that’s heavy sci-fi.
Additionally, I’m currently developing my next horror mini-series, BOUNDARY. Another four-issue story with, you guessed it, another mythological antagonist at its core.
BD: Lastly, what is the best way for our readers to find more information about Doppelganger?
JH: You can check out Alternacomics.com for more information about the series. Also, the current issues are sold out in stores, but you can still order them on the Alterna website. Plus, the trade paperback will be coming out in October, and that’ll have a ton of behind-the-scenes bonus pages.
