I actually grew up in the 70’s and could remember the people, fashion and of course the music. But, what if the 70’s that you knew was gone and replaced with a world of mystery and magic? This is the premise behind Rockstars a new comic that is coming out from Image Comics. Recently I had a chance to catch up with the creators Joe Harris and Megan Hutchinson and asked them a few questions about their up and coming project.
TR: Please introduce yourselves:
JH: This is an interesting twelve-step program… I’m Joe. I make comics and, sometimes, movies, including The X-Files for IDW and Great Pacific, Snowfall and, now, Rockstars for Image Comics.
MH: I’m Megan, I’m a dog-lover living in Los Angeles. I used to make movies and now I make comics. I also play music, bake and snowboard. My favorite color is black.
TR: What are some of the projects you have worked on in the past?
JH: In addition to the aforementioned, I’ve written creator-owned books like Ghost Projekt, Spontaneous and Wars in Toyland for Oni Press, Firestorm for DC Comics, and going way, way back, Slingers, Bishop and other books for Marvel.
MH: I have a graphic novel with Archaia, Will O’ the Wisp and have been working as a cover artist and still work in film and TV as a storyboard artist and illustrator.
TR: Megan I know this is your first foray into the comics world what was that like?
MH: This is my first issue-based comic. It’s been a steep learning curve but it’s been a total blast.
TR: Please tell us a bit about Rockstars.
JH: It’s a paranormal rock ‘n’ roll thriller. I honed our high concept pitch to Almost Famous meets Supernatural and I think it’s pretty apt. It follows a young guy named Jackie who’s got this strange ability to discern what’s really going on behind so many strange rock ‘n’ roll urban legends, mysteries and myths. He’s joined by this muckraking, would-be investigative journalist and music writer named Dorothy and his loyal cat, Skydog, as they work to get to the bottom of different mysteries and unsolved–as well as heretofore unknown–cases related to rock ‘n’ roll throughout its decades, sub-genres and eras.
TR: What was your inspiration making this comic?
JH: I wanted to reclaim rock ‘n’ roll from the dad rock stations and the middle aged-ers who calcified it by just growing old along with so many classic bands, albums and tracks that should be transcending rather than remaining relics of the past. Led Zeppelin and Pink Floyd should captivate everybody because they are, objectively, captivating.
TR: Is there a soundtrack that some people should listen to while reading this?
JH: I’ve been suggesting Zeppelin’s Physical Graffiti and various Black Sabbath tracks spanning the Ozzy years.
MH: I like listening to classic rock as well as new stuff. I definitely agree with Joe’s recommendations as well as throwing in some Nine Inch Nails’ The Fragile and Swans’ A Little God in My Hands.
TR: What does the future hold for Rockstars?
JH: Hopefully stable sales and budding readership. If we could play some small role in reuniting Led Zeppelin and/or Pink Floyd one, last time I’d be thrilled. But baby steps, you know?
MH: More magic and fabulous fashion.
Rockstars hits your local comic shop on 12/14/16 and if you are a fan of rock and roll you should really check it out. For more information on this and other comics, head over to www.imagecomics.com and get ready to rock out.
