By: Nicole D'Andria
This week
I’m showcasing the Kickstarter for the mature science-fiction thriller Fractal No. 1 - Waves in Tyranny. I also
spoke with the writer about Fractal being
his first comic book project.
The
series takes place in the distant future. Most people use technology for weird
entertainment purposes while the government abuses the power of technology
(reminds me of the current generation). After two terrorist attacks, a TSA
agent by the name of Bryce and an underground hacker named Sasha find out a
secret and start revealing it to the world. But the government has
numerous new secret technologies created to control alternate dimensions. Will
they put a stop to Bruce and Sasha’s crusade? Find out in Fractal.
The
writer of the series, Daejuan Jacobs, is a newcomer to the comic book industry.
He is a full-time student and works part time in an electrical power
distribution field. The illustrator is Marco Turini. He has worked for several
publishing companies including Marvel, DC, IDW Publishing and Top Cow. The
projects he’s worked on in the past include Cyber
Force, Legends of the Dark Knight and
V-Wars.
This
Kickstarter is for the first issue of a six issue story arc. It has 32 pages
illustrated in watercolor. The writing is complete but the final drawings are
still in progress. The money will be used to send the comic book to printers
and then to send the completed product out to backers.
For $5
you will get an early bird edition free digital copy of Fractal #1 and for five more dollars you can get a free digital
copy of the regular edition as well. Even more rewards are offered going up to
$1,000. Pledge money to the project here.
UPDATE: The Kickstarter for Fractal #1 was actually cancelled. A new artist was hired for the project and it will be published digitally soon. A sneak peek can be seen here.
I spoke
with the creator of the project and one of the founders of Legends Universe,
Daejuan Jacobs:
 |
| Daejuan Jacobs |
Me: The idea behind Fractal sounds
somewhat similar to real-life concerning the current who use technology for
entertainment that may seem bizarre to others as well as a government that some
people see as abusive in their use of technology. Is Fractal meant to mimic or was it inspired in any way by real-life
events?
Jacobs: I think one of the best
ways for a story to relate to people is for it to highlight real life issues. I
have always enjoyed works that strike close to home in one sense or another. Fractal is inspired by the real life
political, social and economic issues we are facing right now in the United
States. I wanted to explore the consequences of such issues being left unfixed
in the future.
Me: What actual events were most influential on the story of Fractal?
Jacobs: I think it is hard to ignore what the Snowden
leaks uncovered in regards to the NSA. Secret courts, secret programs and
almost unlimited authority all given to them by Congress while being funded by
tax dollars. This is similar to what we will see in Fractal, and it does not go so well for the general population.
 |
| Bryce Character Designs |
Me: You gave Bryce's relationship with his parent's a lot of time on your
Kickstarter page. Can you talk a bit about the significance Bryce’s parent’s
play in his life?
Jacobs: As kids, we are greatly
influenced by our parents and guardians while growing up. Like most boys, Bryce
looked up to his father and took on certain personality traits, for better and
for worse. The quest for knowledge was a strong belief held by his father, and
he was constantly instilling this into the young mind of Bryce. This is a large
reason why Bryce excelled in college. Though having an above average intellect
mixed with confidence that is borderline arrogant does not go over so well. His
mom was very much a humanist and was concerned with the well-being of the state
of the nation. Neither of his parents cared to show their emotions, which shows
a lot with Bryce.
Me: You also gave Sasha’s parents a lot of detail in your description of
her on your Kickstarter. Can you talk about her parent’s role in her life?
Jacobs: Sasha’s parents played
a different role in her life compared to Bryce’s parents. At an early age, she
saw the negative qualities of her dad and what caused them. Her dad was very
successful in his career as a politician. In the beginning, he was dedicated to
serving the people and fighting injustice. But after rubbing shoulders with
lobbyists and career politicians, he shortly became one of the rest. His
success was a result of backdoor deals and bribery common in the political
system. Sasha saw the change of a good man turned bad by the system he was a
part of while her mom stood by and pretended everything was fine and that it
was just how things were done. Sasha was determined to fight the corruption and
injustice within the government.
 |
| Sasha Character Designs |
Me: What is a typical day in the world of Fractal like for the average citizen?
Jacobs: Most people commute to work or school via
public transportation. The average person works multiple jobs just to stay
above the poverty line since upward mobility is at an all-time low. People are
normally too busy staring at their smart phones to care or fully realize how
their society is deteriorating. After a typical weekday, most go home to watch
their favorite television show or browse the Internet and post on social media.
A weekend for an average citizen is usually spent at the local bar or wandering
the city streets looking for something to take their mind off the stressful
week.
Me: How did you come to work with Marco Turini?
Jacobs: I posted on an online forum related to comic book creators. He replied
to the post and we talked through email. He had done science fiction work
before and developed an eye for designing the universe I had in mind. After all
was said and done, he was interested in the story and we were looking forward
to collaborating on the series.
Me: How would you describe Turini’s artwork in the book?
Jacobs: In one word, striking. His artwork has emotion
and is very aesthetically appealing. I picked Mr. Turini because of his
attention to detail and watercolor art style. He has an eye for finding which
panels should be the focal point in my script.
Me: What is the number one reason you think people should back your
Kickstarter?
Jacobs: I sincerely believe
comic book fans who enjoy reading science fiction stories involving aspects of
real world social issues will want to add this series to their pull list. There
is visually stunning watercolor artwork, mystery, action and story paced to
keep readers turning the page.
Me: Why did you decide to become a comic book writer?
Jacobs: I have always enjoyed
reading and writing. Comic books were my favorite thing to buy at an early age,
and I have always wanted to tell stories. So it only makes sense for me to
start writing comic books. This gives me the ability to do something I am
passionate about while both attending school and working.
Me: How do you manage your time as a full-time student working part time
in an electrical power distribution field and writing?
Jacobs: Honestly, a lot of
caffeine. I like being busy, there is nothing I hate more than not staying
active. You get more out of life by actively seeking to make yourself better
and exploring new avenues. My motivation to not be mediocre keeps me on track
with such a busy schedule.
Me: Why did you and your wife start Legends Universe?
Jacobs: We wanted to be an organization that supports
local creators in the pop culture area. The best way to do that in a city like
Chicago is to start a business. This allows us to maintain an organization
while having creators as legal members.
Me: What are some of the previous projects that Legends Universe has been
a part of?
Jacobs: This will be our first comic book series.
Me: What are your future plans for Legends Universe?
Jacobs: We want to have a company owned by creators of comic books, webcomics
and various other entertainment media publishing comics and maintaining a local
pop culture entertainment store right here in Chicago.
Me: What inspirational words do you have for aspiring comic book writers?
Jacobs: With the abundance of resources available on
the Internet, as long as you trust yourself, you will be able to accomplish
your goals as a writer. Do not doubt yourself.
Do you
have a Kickstarter? Want to be interviewed about it and have it showcased on
“Kickstart the Week?” Let me know in the comments below or message me on my
personal website www.comicmaven.com.
Other “Kickstart
the Week” features:
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