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.
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.
Other
“Kickstart the Week” features:
No comments:
Post a Comment