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Geek Vibes Nation
02-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Geek Vibes Nation
GVN Talking Comics: Chuck Austen On Edgeworld Vol. 3 (ComiXology Originals)
Back in October of 2020, we first sat down with creators Chuck Austen and Patrick Olliffe about their new series for ComiXology Originals Edgeworld. An intriguing and creative mix of Sci-Fi and Western highlighting the talented team at their best. Fastforward to the present and ComiXology Original's Edgeworld is getting ready to launch its third and final volume on May 13th. Giving creators Austen and Olliffe the chance to end their story on their own terms. In preparation for the release of season 3, Issue #11, we sat down once again with creator Chuck Austen to discuss the evolution of Edgeworld and everything that has gone into its final chapter. So, let's welcome back Chuck Austen to GVN Talking Comics . Revisiting the Origins of 'Edgeworld' GVN: Thank you once again for taking the time to chat, Chuck. CHUCK: Thanks for having me again, Martin. GVN: The last time we spoke was back in 2020 when we discussed 'Edgeworld,' your imaginative mix of Sci-fi and Westerns, along with Patrick Olliffe. During that conversation, you mentioned that you were ready for a long-term commitment from the very beginning. I recall you saying you had written 15 scripts, with 10 of them completed before you even pitched the story. CHUCK: Ha! I actually found two more. A story called 'Dead Man Walking', but yeah. I had done quite a few. Preparing for the Long Haul GVN: Was that confidence rooted in your belief in the concept and its potential longevity? CHUCK: Some confidence, yeah, but really, I was just loving writing the stories, and the more I wrote, the more excited Pat got, which would get me more excited, and encouraged me to write more. I think it was my working situation at the time. My day-job was helping mentor younger creators in creating their scripts, and stories, and it had been a long time since I'd written anything for myself. Edgeworld kind of opened the floodgates, I guess. GVN: Did you think that, if necessary, you could adapt the scripts into another idea? CHUCK: Not really. They were always intended as Edgeworld stories, and they're pretty specific, and tied to the characters and concept, though maybe I could have. I was just having fun, and we approached the concept as if it was an old-style television series, Weekly one-and-done stories, or at most two parts. No weekend drops for Netflix. So we could stop and start at any time and no one would feel like they'd been deprived of a satisfying conclusion. But Chip wanted arcs for trades… 5 issues that paid off from beginning to end, so that's why we took the approach we did. We took those original scripts and opened them up with threads and character arcs. The hope was we could get to 15 and end the main storyline. Or we could stop at 5, if need be. Pat and I always thought it was such an unusual concept we'd be lucky to get 5. Then after 5, we were approved for the next 10, and that was it. So those extra scripts could still be used at some point, but for now they'll lie around on my hard drive, or in print at Pat's house. The rights revert back to us, so we can always take it somewhere else. Or I could retire. LOL. My plan is to retire. Multiple Creative Roles GVN: Your confidence has paid off, as Issue #11 is set to be released on May 13th. However, starting with Issue #12, you are stepping up to take on multiple roles—not just as the writer, but also as the artist and letterer. Was this your intention as you entered the third season? CHUCK: Oh, God, no. That was a combination of things. The book never paid for itself, so I paid the difference out of pocket. Then I left animation production, intending to retire, and I wasn't making enough money anymore to produce a book. This was just about the time Pat and I sold Defiant. I talked to Amazon and they allowed us to do Defiant so Pat could earn a living while I worked out the finances for Edgeworld, but they weren't thrilled about having to wait–understandably. So Pat and I put Edgeworld on hold for a while, expecting to return to it together again in the future. Somehow the idea of me being the artist came up, and Jeff and I began discussing my drawing Edgeworld to finish out the contract. I did some samples to show I could approximate Pat's style, and he approved me, though he preferred Pat's art to mine LOL, and so here we are. The Challenges of Drawing Once Again GVN: Did you have any concerns about taking on such a challenge? Although this isn't your first time handling artistic duties for a project. CHUCK: I did, yeah. I haven't drawn a comic in over twenty years, and the expectations in the industry have only gotten higher. And Pat is so great. Such a hard act to follow. I didn't think I could live up to him, and I think of it as half his. It took me a week per page to do the tests for Jeff, and at first I told him I couldn't do it. It wasn't possible. Then I got the idea to use CG as an assist, and I was able to produce the pages fast enough to make it work. The Premise of Edgeworld GVN: For fans who may not be familiar with the story, could you explain the premise of Edgeworld? Also, can a new reader start from Issue #11? CHUCK: New readers can start with #1. Amazon/Comixology keeps them available in their digital store, and Dark Horse has them in print as two trades available through comic shops. 11 is part 3 of a cliffhanger, so I'd recommend going back and starting at the beginning, if you're interested. It's worth it. I'm very proud of what Pat and I produced. Star Wars/Star Trek thrown in a blender with old westerns and Twilight Zone. The basic concept is–as a friend described after reading them–'the Sheriff of Mos Eisley'. Rush is a small spaceport on a planet named Pala–called Edgeworld by the invading humans–at the edge of the galaxy is orbited by a riftgate that opens into other galaxies, normally out of reach. Rush becomes the gateway to trade, and wealth in those other galaxies, and Rush is the reststop–the bathroom break on the trip to and from those other galaxies. Dozens of alien species travel through that gate every day, and Killian, the human 'Magistrate', is judge, jury and executioner of this little frontier town, keeping the peace with Cheela, his local adopted daughter who hates him (don't call it Edgeworld, the name is Pala!). Cheela is a genius detective who helps Killian even though she's not legally old enough for the work, because Killian needs her inventive thinking and local knowledge. In a way she's better at his job than he is. Killian's newest partner is Halley, another local female who is tough and resourceful in her own right, but learning the job, the 'hew-mann' language, and personal hygiene as she goes. Then there's Shay, the somewhat emotionless mayor of Rush, and the proprietor of the Moonlight, a local bar, and brothel, who is Killian's best friend, and sometime lover. Together they deal with weird alien crimes, strange diseases, murderous parasites, and hostile humans who feel they're better than everyone else, especially the locals. Possible Regrets Now that the End is Near GVN: Edgeworld has received widespread acclaim from both critics and fans, with your third and final season fast approaching. The hard work that you and Patrick put in is coming to fruition. As you are near the end of the story, will you have any regrets that it is over, or will you feel satisfied that you were able to tell the tale you envisioned? CHUCK: The response has been really rewarding, and I've enjoyed every minute of creating this series. I'm so glad it's connected with people. I feel satisfied that it will come to a pre-planned conclusion, but yeah… I'll have some regrets about not being able to do more. I do love those other stories, and the idea of continuing beyond this first major arc. But I'm older, and tired, and at my age it's kind of crazy to be drawing comics again, so retirement sounds a little better at the moment. LOL. I tease my son that he'll have to finish out the series in the far distant future, after I'm gone. Other Projects Upcoming GVN: Thanks again, Chuck. Before I let you go, I want to give you the opportunity to tell our fans one last time about the third season of Edgeworld and any other projects you might have coming up. CHUCK: The third season wraps up some threads from the very first issue and beyond. I think most readers thought of them as backstory, but there's an underlying mystery that I hope will surprise and delight people when we get to 15. In the meantime, if you like 'Edgeworld,' Pat and I also created 'The Tormented' for Amazon/Comixology, a horror series about a fake ghost hunting TV show that gets a little more real than anyone expected when it turns out the host of the show, Ryan, can actually see, and communicate with the dead, otherworldly beings, and violent creatures from other realms. He's the son of an intensely powerful warlock and has many of his father's powers–which he'll need if he's going to survive and protect his crew. Beyond that, we're also finishing the third issue of 'Defiant,' a terrifically fun series we created for DSTLRY that takes spacefaring, and galactic exploration to the next level. Bizarre, alien cultures, and worlds, galactic mysteries, strange, advanced beings whose goals span millenia… We had so much fun with that one. Thanks so much for the time, Martin! ComiXology Original's Edgeworld , Issue#11, Volume 3 by Chuck Austen and Patrick Olliffe is available on May 13th.
Geek Vibes Nation
30-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Geek Vibes Nation
GVN Exclusive: Valeria Favoccia's Character Concepts For 'By A Thread Vol. 2' (ComiXology Originals)
When it was announced that fan-favorite writer Scott Snyder was launching another title for ComiXology Originals and Image Comics, many were excited. However, the intrigue deepened when it was revealed that Scott would collaborate with his son Jack on the project. Thus, on October 10th, 2023, ComiXology Original's 'By a Thread' was born, featuring art by the talented Valeria Favoccia. Synopsis Ten years ago, a deadly and mysterious infection spread across the Earth's terrain, forcing humankind to live in communities precipitously built above the ground. Growing up on Needle Three, Jo barely remembers a time before darkness enveloped the world. But when our hero's community comes under attack by the despotic Charon and his forces, Jo and his friends must decide whether or not to venture across the wasteland in search of a safe haven as the world hangs by a thread. Arriving on June 3rd, Scott and Jack are thrilled to bring fans the second volume of their exciting tale. Ahead of the June 3rd premiere, we're excited to showcase artist Valeria Favoccia's concept art and character descriptions for Scott and Jack's 'By a Thread.' ART and CHARACTER DESCRIPTION by Valeria Favoccia: Charon: When I first heard about him, I suggested his name after the ferryman who carries the souls into the afterlife and I'm very happy that we decided to keep it! I wanted him to look almost inhuman, something that gives you creeps just staring at him, with a solemn presence and a shaman inspiration. I've read some people saying that he looks like Vessel, the Sleep Token singer, but I didn't know the band when I created him, even if it's true that they have similar vibes. Ren She was the hardest one to bring to life. We worked a lot on her design to reach the final result. Her biggest inspo were the swan and Lady Gaga. I love how Gaga has this ethereal elegance but with a creepiness underneath and I wanted to recreate something like that. Also, the Swan is elegant as well, but lethal and fierce. Her weapons remind me of wings and even her cape, when she fights! Admiral For her, I've used the same inspo/design that I used for crystal soldiers and Rowan & Juniper's Father's uniform. She's determined, she doesn't care about the outside world and she's very dedicated to her role, so I didn't want to spill too many emotions on her, just a powerful, cold, military woman. Juniper She's Rowan's twin sister and when I thought about her design I wanted to make it a mirror version of Rowan. So, she has her hair short too, but it goes down her face, she has a cape too, but her one is straight and a sign of power. I wanted a practical outfit that looked like a uniform. Also, I love Devil May Cry very much, so I wanted to give them some sort of Dante/Vergil vibes. Charlie She's the one who cares about the other the most. Her design was inspired by a friend of mine. I want her to almost look like an idol, with short light pink hair and puff lips. She's very clever, she's an engineer, so I wanted to give her a comfy, urban but cool design that almost looks like a repair shop worker. Jo Jo is my favourite one (don't tell the others!!) I was free to explore whatever design I wanted to create, and I think he came out on the first try. He has all the things that I enjoy drawing, messy hair with bold shapes, black scars that almost look like tattoos, a loose tank top and overall, an urban but all-black outfit. I just enjoy drawing him, I wanted something that feels as natural as possible for me, but also to reflect his aura. He's grumpy but brave, he almost lost every hope but has huge beliefs in his friends. Looking at him, you know that he won't let go that easily without fighting until the end. Canon He's the purest soul of the group. I didn't want him to look like a stereotypical Japanese nerd boy, so I gave him a nice twist with his hair -which I think makes him look cool- and I play a lot with his shirt, giving him a fun design to wear. Also, his red glasses are his signature as they give him a more childish look but also joyful. Muscles This was supposed to be a guy in the beginning, if I'm not wrong, a buffed and strong one, but I just wanted a huge girl even too much huge to be real but that nobody asks questions about her stance, she's just like that. Of course, her outfit is inspired by wrestlers and boxers, and I wanted to play with her hair to give her a unique shape. If you look at her you can almost say that's some sort of a buffed Taranee from W.i.t.c.h. series. 😊 Hunter I wanted them to look sneaky and stealthy, something unpredictable. The most important thing in Hunter are their eyes and I play a lot just with their gestures and expressions, I think that even if they're almost completely covered with clothes, they are one of the most expressive character of the group. I designed a hat which I think gave them some more dynamism (and also, I would love to wear one if I could!) and decided their colors that I think goes well with Muscles since I think about them as one thing. ComiXology Originals 'By a Thread, Vol 2, Issue 1 by Scott Snyder, Jack Snyder, Valeria Favoccia, and Whitney Cogar comes to digital June 3rd. Senior Writer at GeekVibesNation – I am a 60 something child of the 70's who admits to being a Star Trek/Star Wars/Comic Book junkie who once dove headfirst over a cliff (Ok, it was a small hill) to try to rescue his Fantastic Four comic from a watery grave. I am married to a lovely woman who is as crazy as I am and the proud parent of a 21-year-old young man with autism. My wife and son are my real heroes.
