Hello again, fellow TMNT fans!
If you’ve been reading the Micro-Series that runs parallel to the main series of the comic book, then you’re of course aware of how key characters from the canon have been having their own special time in the spotlight by way of their very own issues. What is due to hit the shelves next week is by no means an exception to this.
Who then is this issue’s lucky character?
I was lucky enough to have the chance to interview Paul Allor, the writer of this particular issue, (not just about the comic but about the fandom) and I would like to take this opportunity to share some of the key points with all of you…
Me: How does it feel to be part of the reboot of this classic franchise?
Paul: It feels pretty awesome. The Turtles have been around since I was in Kindergarten, and I’ve been a fan pretty much my entire life. I’m absolutely thrilled to contribute some small part to this franchise that’s meant so much to me.
It was also great to work with editor Bobby Curnow, who’s fantastic, along with the wonderful art team, Paul McCaffrey and colorist John Paul Bove. They did amazing work on this book, and David Petersen rocked the cover. I’m very excited for people to see this book.
Me: Were you a fan of the original comic books?
Paul: Not when they were originally coming out. I didn’t read comics until I was 28, and frankly, they wouldn’t have been terribly age-appropriate. But I latched on to them after I started reading comics as an adult, and I love them. Mr. Eastman and Mr. Laird created characters that truly are universal, which is why they’ve managed to fit into so many different mediums with so many different tones. But yeah, reading those original comics felt like finding the source code.
Me: What prompted the giving of Fugitoid his own issue and not someone a little more widely known like Leatherhead?
Paul: Because Fugitoid is AWESOME.
More seriously, that was a decision by IDW Publishing, and I wouldn’t want to speculate. But I will say that IDW has plans for this character — this one-shot leads into a very cool story arc in the main book, so he definitely wasn’t just plucked up and plopped in to the Micro-Series. Turtles editor Bobby Curnow and writers Tom Waltz and Kevin Eastman have a plan, and this issue fits right into it.
Me: Will this issue be accessible (easy to follow) for readers who are new fans and are just now getting into the series?
Paul: Yeah, that’s definitely the idea behind the micro-series, and what I tried to do. I aimed to make an exciting, dynamic and action-packed issue that can be picked up and enjoyed by anyone. It helped that we’re introducing a new character to the IDW continuity, so even current readers will be hearing about Fugitoid and his IDW adventures for the first time.
Me: No doubt you’re aware of the borderline animosity that many fans are feeling towards the rebooted film due to hit theaters next year. Do you feel that this adds any pressure on you and the other writers at IDW to keep the fans happy?
Paul: I can’t speak for other,s but I didn’t feel any pressure because of this. I just focused on telling the best story I could, and doing justice to these awesome characters.
Having said that, I did ret-con the Turtles’ origins so that they’re from outer space now. That’s cool, right?
You have to love a guy who has the chutzpah to poke fun at what is otherwise a delicate and often raw subject for fans everywhere.
But that aside, if past issues in the Micro-Series are any indication, then we can undoubtedly expect Fugitoid’s issue to be a very well written addition to what has been an all around awesome reboot. I for one will be very happy to add this issue to my collection, and will gladly do so when I am next able to make it to the comic book shop…or persuade my husband to go by himself…whichever comes first.
Nerd up!
About Aida Jacobs
Aida Jacobs – Girly Geek, recently dubbed ‘a rage-filled hobbit’ by her loving husband, spends her time drooling over Doctor Who and playing any RPG she can get her hands on. She is a die hard Phantom of the Opera fanatic, and when she’s not reading comics or playing games, she is hard at work trying to get her novel published.
