Mobile Menu Toggle

Remembering Real Courage in Brian Wood’s Rebels

Article Image 3d3d 

by Vince Brusio

The United States is young. It is the year 1794. The framework of freedom is still being hammered together with nails and wood. In this middle of this construction are the next generation of individuals which carry the torch of liberty in Dark Horse Comics’ Rebels: These Free & Independent States #1 (JAN170128), from creator/writer Brian Wood and artist Andrea Mutti. In this PREVIEWSworld Exclusive interview with both Brian and Andrea, we get insight into events which will take the reader into a time both before and during the War of 1812, as well as the painstaking details that go into Wood’s historical fiction.

Rebels: These Free & Independent States #1 (JAN170128) is in comic shops March 22.

**********

Vince Brusio: So, Brian. For those who may not have read the first Rebel series, can you tell us if you’re picking up from the end of events in your first story arc? Are we reading about new characters, or those which are carried over from the first series?

Brian Wood: It's both. The main character in the second series is the son of the young couple (Seth and Mercy Abbott) in the first. He has his own adventure, but there are plenty of scenes of him with his parents, plenty of connective story tissue tying the two series’ together. That said, it's absolutely new-reader friendly. I get everyone up to speed in the first couple scenes.

This new lead character, John Abbott, is a young savant. If he were diagnosed today, he’d probably be somewhere on the Autism spectrum (something like Asperger's). In his time, this behavior manifests as an incredibly keen and adept skill with ships and shipbuilding. We’ll see this as a very useful skill in America as the young nation faces challenges on the high seas.

Vince Brusio: What specific event(s) in American history are you concentrating on this time with the “Free and Independent States” series? 

Brian Wood: Rebels: These Free and Independent States takes place before and during the War of 1812.  We start off in 1795 with Barbary Coast pirates harassing American ships, and end with the second war with the British. At home, America is deeply politically divided between the governing philosophies of Hamilton and Jefferson (anyone who knows the musical understands what that means).

In response to the Barbary situation, America authorizes the building of six state-of-the-art frigates, the first American Navy, to project its power outwards in the world.

Vince Brusio: So let me ask you both: are there any particular historical texts you consulted for research as you storyboarded this series?

Brian Wood: I read a lot of books, always with the books.  In this case, there is no lack of books on this subject.  If I had to pick just one, it would be Ian Toll's Six Frigates. But, just like with the first Rebels series, this history is near and dear to my heart, and I've spent my lifetime in the casual research and study of it.

Andrea Mutti: So, it’s pretty strange, but it seems like 2016 has been Hamilton’s year! It’s not only the Broadway musical, but also, there has been lots of books published about him and his impact on history! It’s always amazing to bring real characters to life. I think this is one of the most interesting things about Rebels. Yes, it’s a fictional comic story but it’s based on real events. I’m so proud of this series!

Vince Brusio: Andrea, how arduous a task is it for you to “get it right” when it comes to producing the artwork for this series? For example: is there a considerable amount of fact-checking from the editors at Dark Horse to make sure the characters’ apparel is accurate?

Andrea Mutti: Oh, sure! We are much closer to the history than we can imagine. Brian is excellent about making factual references. It’s interesting because we’re creating a story within a story, which can be a challenge for an artist. The world I imagined at the beginning of the book is different than the one I know in the end. I hope readers feel the same way. After you look at dozens of shipyard references on shipping construction, you really get the urge to embark on a trip!

Vince Brusio: Andrea, in rendering scenery, action, people, or animals, what is the most tedious task for you when it comes to penciling or inking? 

Andrea Mutti: I have to admit nothing is really tedious here! In some cases, it can take a long time to create the shipyard sequences. But when you share a passion with a writer like Brian, and you have editors like Spencer and Kevin, your job is simply thrilling! (I shouldn’t tell them that because their heads are already too big!) No jokes though, I am in great hands.

Vince Brusio: Brian, it seems like it’s a good time to be a history buff. On TV, we are treated to shows like Bill O’Reilly’s Legends & Lies. In comics, we have Brian Wood’s Rebels! In both cases, people are responding positively to these properties. With the success you’re having with Rebels, what do you think this says about the comics-reading audience’s appetite for historical fiction?

Brian Wood: I always tell people that if and when I make my fortune, I want to start a historical comics imprint or company... because people really love it.  When it’s done right, when it’s done smart and with an eye towards modern day parallels and topical themes, it’s incredibly compelling.  The Hamilton musical is easily the best example of this, and to that you can add other shows like Sons of Liberty and Turn, Drunk History, The Crown, Sleepy Hollow... you name it, they are everywhere in television, fiction, and film.  Why not comics?  I hope we see more of it in the future.  I'll be doing my part.

Article Image f958
Article Image f0ce

**********

Vince Brusio writes about comics, and writes comics. He is the long-serving Editor of PREVIEWSworld.com, the creator of PUSSYCATS, and encourages everyone to keep the faith...and keep reading comics.

Follow Us Facebook Icon Twitter Icon Instagram Icon YouTube Icon Rss Feed Email
Search for a Comic Shop

Cookies
We use cookies to understand how you use our site and to improve your experience. To manage our use of cookies click Cookie Policy.
By clicking 'Accept & Continue' or closing this banner, you accept our use of cookies.
}