The following is an interview with writer Ghezal Omar regarding the recent release of the graphic novel, .357 Magnum Opus: The Golden Suicides. In this interview, Fanbase Press Editor-in-Chief Barbra Dillon chats with Omar about the shared creative process of working with co-writer Kayden Phoenix and artist Gime Anguiano the prequel story to life on the page, what readers will have in store as the .357 Magnum Opus story continues, and more!
Barbra Dillon, Fanbase Press Editor-in-Chief: Congratulations on the release of .357 Magnum Opus: The Golden Suicides! As a prequel to the original .357 Magnum Opus, how does this story lead readers into the world of bounty hunters and crime lords?
Ghezal Omar: Each book follows a different bounty hunter within this bounty hunter group. Golden Suicides follows Dylan as she dives into the underground assassin world. Assassins are killing themselves, at least that’s what the cops chalk it up as, but Dylan knows there’s more to the story. So, she navigates through this gritty underworld with intense treacherous encounters.
BD: How would you describe your shared creative process in working with co-creator Kayden Phoenix and artist Gime Anguiano to bring this story to life on the page?
GO: Working with Kayden Phoenix and Gime Anguiano is always amazing. We all have the same mission about highlighting powerful female characters, and so it’s easy to craft a visually striking narrative that is as empowering, passionate, and thrilling.
BD: Do you feel that The Golden Suicides is a solid jumping-on point for new readers, as well as though already familiar with the story’s world and characters?
GO: Absolutely! The Golden Suicides works as a standalone for new readers while enriching the experience for those already familiar with the .357 Magnum Opus universe. Either way works because they blend into each other, though are distinct that an order isn’t particularly needed.
BD: If given the opportunity, are there any other stories or characters within the .357 Magnum Opus world that you would like to further explore – whether it be through comics or other mediums?
GO: There’s one more .357 Magnum Opus coming up, which follows a different bounty hunter. She was introduced in the original Magnum Opus, so we carry her story on from there.
But overall, the goal is to get this series into a live-action adaptation.
BD: Are there any other projects that you would like to highlight for our readers?
GO: Kayden just released Los Caballeros, Latino Superhero Team. It’s a fun take on superheroes but with her authentic, comedic touch on it. It’s on kickstarter until mid September. (www.LatineSuperheroes.com)
BD: Lastly, what would you like to tell fans who want to learn more about .357 Magnum Opus: The Golden Suicides?
GO: It’s a really fun ride as Dylan looks for clues tracking down the assassin killer, where, eventually, all the clues point to her. Enjoy!
