The following is an interview with Scott Reichert, creator of the comic book series, Zachariah Thorn, from Indigo Comics. In this interview, Fanbase Press Editor-in-Chief Barbra Dillon chats with Reichert about the inspiration behind the series, his shared process with the creative team, what readers can anticipate from the series, and more!
Barbra Dillon, Fanbase Press Editor-in-Chief: Congratulations on the recent release of your comic book series, Zachariah Thorn #2! For those who may be unfamiliar, how would you describe the series’ premise, and what inspired you to tell this story?
Scott Reichert: Thanks! I’m really excited about this issue. Zachariah Thorn is an occult superhero story steeped in mystery and the supernatural. Zach is the descendant of an ancient dark mystic. Upon inheriting his powers, Zach reawakened the forces of darkness in our world. Issue #1 picks up 10 years into Zach’s quest to banish the evil he has summoned.
I like spooky, atmospheric stories, and I wanted to try my hand at telling an original one. Also, making up monsters is fun!
BD: What can you share with us about your creative process in writing the series, and what have been some of your creative influences?
SR: I like to write in my head. If I am sitting in front of a computer screen, I can’t produce anything, so I do the writing in my head beforehand so that when I sit down to write I’m just transcribing what’s in my head. I love listening to certain songs that I feel like capture the mood of what I am going for while I am writing. For example, “Mother” by Danzig is a particular favorite for when I’m brainstorming on Zachariah Thorn.
As for influences, I’m a huge Joss Whedon fan. I also love The X-Files. In comics, I’m a big fan of Brian K. Vaughn and Robert Kirkman.
BD: Likewise, what can you tell us about your process of working with artist Kristian Rossi and colorist Robert John Reichert?
SR: I’m so proud of what this team of collaborators is able to come together to create. I am EASILY the weak link! Kristian and I have a really crisp process and he works at a fantastic pace. Robert is my brother and is brilliant when it comes to design and color. He really makes us look like one of the big name publishers.
BD: What do you hope that readers will take away from your work?
SR: I hope they enjoy a fun story with some unexpected twists. I hope to develop a rich mythology as the story explores the backgrounds of a diverse cast of characters.
BD: Do you have a certain number of issues planned for Zachariah Thorn?
SR: The current start arc ends with Zachariah Thorn #4, but the series is essentially openended and, if I was lucky enough to have the opportunity, could be ongoing.
BD: If given the opportunity to expand your series into other entertainment mediums, in what format do you hope to see it adapted?
SR: Good question! I guess the easy answer is to make it into a TV show, but I’d rather turn it into a rock opera!
BD: Are there any upcoming projects on which you are currently working that you would like to share with our readers?
SR: We are currently releasing new pages for The Union which was written and created by my brother, Robert. It’s really wild superhero story set in the post apocalypse. Also, I have another project called Earthling which is a pulp/sci-fi story about the last surviving member of the human race living in an alien museum. Both projects have pages available to read for free on our website, www.indigo-comics.com.
BD: Lastly, what is the best way for our readers to find more information about Zachariah Thorn?
SR: People can check us out at www.indigo-comics.com, where we have Zachariah Thorn #1 available to read for free along with free pages from all our other projects.
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