Tuesday, March 8, 2016

Kickstart the Week with New Cairo




By: Nicole D’Andria

This time on Kickstart the Week, I’m showcasing the Kickstarter for New Cairo. In a world where people of the same sex and people of different races cannot legally be together, will the love between two women conquer all? I also interview co-creators and writers Bradley Golden (Chess-Masters) and Alex Barranco.

New Cairo is a four issue mini-series that takes place on a steampunk version of earth. At first, the world sounds great. Cancer and AIDS are curable, addiction doesn’t exist, clean energy alternatives have gotten rid of environmental damage.

But the earth is in anarchy. There was a battle between religion and science. It was all talk until the government ordered all religious texts be destroyed. There was a war between religion and science, called the Alpine War, resulting in the loss of millions of lives.

Now, the middle class no longer exists. The world is ruled by the upper class and has become divided. The United States, Canada, South America, Greenland, Alaska and Mexico merged and were renamed New Ciaro.

New Cairo #1 Page 1

Many human rights have been lost. People who are the same gender or of different races cannot be together in this world. But Lisa McCown and Leslie Ferguson are in love, and they aren’t going to let the law stop them.

The co-creator and writer of the series is Bradley Golden, CEO of Second Sight Studios. He calls New Cairo an instance of Clockwork Orange meets Bladerunner. The other co-creator and writer is Alex Barranco. Criss Madd is the penciler of the series, John Dixon is the inker and Martin Rivas is the letterer.

The project is aiming to raise at least $3,200 by April 5, 2016 at 11:30 AM EST. The money will go towards the creative team as well as printing physical copies of the book and other artwork to fulfill the Kickstarter rewards.

Awards start at $2 and go to $200. For $5 you can get a PDF of the book as well as a thank you on the inside back cover. At $15 you also get a signed copy of the book. You can view their official Kickstarter here.

I interviewed both writers, Bradley Golden and Alex Barranco:

Bradley Golden
 
Me: You mention in this world you’ve created how people of the same sex and people of different races are not allowed to be together. What inspired this concept?

Bradley Golden: What really inspired this concept is the fact that you see people of the same sex in love everywhere and it’s still not seen as something that is OK or legal. Not only of the same sex but difference of ethnicity is seen as not acceptable.  I have witnessed this experience first-hand, in my last relationship. The family had issues with me being a black guy dating their niece or daughter. So of course I had anger but I felt it made an inspiring story.

Me: Why did you decide to set the story in a steampunk world? What is it about steampunk that you like?

Golden: I felt that steampunk comics are something of a commodity.  It has not really been explored as in-depth as other genres. Plus, who doesn't like steampunk and sexy ladies? Seems like a recipe for success if you ask me.


Me: What is the difference between New Cairo and New Epsilon?

Golden: New Ciaro is a mixture of all of the major cities coming together after the Alpine War, in which all of the earth resources were being used up.  And the rich had the funds and collateral to own most of it, leaving the poor and middle class people to suffer or be controlled by the wealthy. After the war the major cities were in shambles. In order to survive there was a peace treaty in which all cities joined to form one NEW CIARO!!!! This is where religion and technology clashed and a lot of the laws we have now were abolished.

Me: Who are our two main protagonists and what are they trying to do in the story?

Golden: Our two main characters are Leslie Ferguson and Lisa McCown. Leslie is a robotic expert, kind of like a grease monkey. There is nothing she really can't fix. Her father is the major of New Ciaro. Lisa McCown is a master molder, daughter of steel mill supervisor. Leslie and Lisa are mainly trying to find the resistance to deliver some information that Leslie found out about her corrupt father, all while trying to find a place to live their lives in love and peace.

Lisa McCown

Me: What can you tell me about some of the characters besides our mains in the book, such as Lenny Ferguson and Dorothy McGreggor?

Golden: Lenny Ferguson is Leslie's father and mayor of New Ciaro.  He is corrupt and dangerous.  Dorothy McGreggor is leader of a group called The Resistance, a group of middle class men and women fighting for equal rights.

Me: Who was your favorite character to write in this book and why?

Golden: My favorite Character to write is Leslie Ferguson. She kind of, in a way, is an Iron Man if you will. She is rough, tough but has that soft side to her. She reminds me of my sister.

Leslie Ferguson

Me: What do you think of the current representation in comic books of the LGBT+ community and how do you think your comic book will add to this representation?

Golden: I think the representation is trying to show the softer side of LGBT. What i mean by softer side is that comics have not showed the hardships of being gay in this anti-gay world.  All the back talking, harassing, bullying, I mean it's tough being gay in this day and age.  I have family members whom are gay and they go through a trying time just to have peace and love their partner.

But I think what I'm bring to the world with New Ciaro is the good as well as the bad side. I mean, we have a world that clearly does not except LGBT but these two women will go through heaven and hell just to be together and share their love in peace. These women will literally go through hell for one another. Think of New Ciaro as Clockwork Orange meets Bladerunner.

Me: What do you think of the representation of interracial relationships in comic books? How do you think your comic book will add to this representation?

Golden: Well I don't think is represented as thoroughly as it should, I mean it's actually everywhere this day and time and I mean everywhere. But we still get the same old black on black, white on white stereotypes. With New Ciaro I look to change that.  Throughout the whole series we will be constantly dealing with this issue, seeing it in every issue to show this is indeed something that is common and here to stay. 

New Cairo #1 Page 3

Me: How did you find the art team for this book?

Golden: I chose the team for this book solely on the artistic direction and style.  Criss Madd’s marvelous pencils were exactly what I needed to bring the steampunk world to life.  I worked with John Dixon for a while so I knew his abilities.  And Martin Rivas is a great friend of mine, who lettered my and Alex Barranco’s title Mississippi Zombie for Insane Comics.
 
Me: What is the number one reason people should back the Kickstarter for New Cairo?

Golden: I believe they should back it because this hit on so many issues that are apparently a hot topic right now. I currently have family that is gay, and I have been in an interracial relationship. I know the joys and horror of it. I believe if you have experienced this in your family you can relate to what I'm trying to do. You should back this project.

Me: What inspirational words do you have for comic book writers?

Golden: Don't be afraid to break from the conventional.  There are a lot of stories to tell, just look at the news.

Alex Barranco

Me: You and Bradley are both co-creators and writers on the book. How did you divide up the writing? What parts were you each responsible for?

Alex Barranco: Bradley and I each wrote 5 pages, alternating. Bradley came up with the characters and concept, while I read what he created and fleshed out the universe.

Me: What do you think of the current representation in comic books of the LGBT+ community and how do you think your comic book will add to this representation?

Barranco: Outside of several homosexual characters in comics, I feel the LGBT community in comics is very small. I feel as if New Cairo will help add diversity to comics.

Lenny Ferguson

Me: What do you think of the representation of interracial relationships in comic books? How do you think your comic book will add to this representation?

Barranco: I feel this area is also very small in comics too. By showing interracial relationships in comics, it too will help add diversity.

Me: How would you describe the art style in the book?

Barranco: The art style is fresh and interesting. I feel as if it fits the book perfectly.

Me: What is the number one reason people should back the Kickstarter for New Cairo?

Barranco: I feel New Cairo should be backed because it is a unique book. Especially in a world where superhero books have been the dominant genre since the 1930's.

Dorothy McGreggor

Me: What inspirational words do you have for comic book writers?

Barranco: Don't give up on your dreams of breaking into the comic book industry. The climb will be an uphill battle, and at times you may feel like just giving up. But remember, once you cross that finish line and you're holding your own book in your hands, it will be worth it. 

Me: Interested in seeing more? View the Kickstarter for New Cairo here


Do you have a Kickstarter? Want to be interviewed about it and have the project featured on "Kickstart the Week?" Let me know in the comments below or message me on comicmaven.com.

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