Interview by Troy-Jeffrey Allen
Throughout the month of December, PREVIEWSworld is highlighting AWA's "Upshot" universe! Starting with J. Michael Straczynski and Mike Deodato, Jr.'s The Resistance, the Upshot line is a collection of mini-series that ranges from crime-drama to high-flying superheroics! All connected by themes and masterful storytelling.
Speaking of top-tier storytellers, Mike Deodato, Jr. (Star Wars, Avengers) is up next in our month-long spotlight. No stranger to shared universes, the Brazilian artist gives a glimpse into his world-building process on AWA's The Resistance.
Firstly, what is your name and where do you hail from?
My name is Mike Deodato, Jr. I am from Brazil.
How did you get into comic books as a fan?
My father was a comic book artist and a collector as well, so very early I had access to his collection, which was mostly old comics published in Brazil in the 40s and 50s. My first comic reading I think was Tommy of the Big Top by John Lehti.
What can you tell us about THE RESISTANCE books? What are they about?
It is a new universe of heroes and villains created by me and Straczynski for AWA Studios: A global disaster leaves hundreds of millions dead in its wake and right after, thousands of them suddenly manifest superhuman powers.
How did you get involved with AWA as an artist?
I have been working with Axel Alonso for 20 years and I consider him one of my few true friends in the business, so when he heard I was leaving Marvel back in 2019, he immediately invited me to be part of his new company, AWA Studios, which I said yes to right on spot.
What tools do you use to draw?
I work with an iPad Pro and I use a software called Clip Studio Paint. Only on very rare occasions do I work traditionally with ink and paper.
If you love this look into Mike Deodato, Jr.'s work, be sure to follow him on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Tumblr.
Previous installments of
The Resistance series are available now
at your local comic shop.
Be sure to pick up The Resistance Universe: Origins when it hits comic shops on December 14, 2022. Reserve your copy with PREVIEWSworld Pullbox.
ARTISTS WRITERS & ARTISANS INC
(W) VARIOUS (A) Various (CA) Razzah
In March 2020, amid Covid-19 lockdowns, AWA launched a bold new universe for the 21st Century with J. Michael Straczynski & Mike Deodato Jr.'s The Resistance, in which "Reborns" gain incredible powers in the wake of a global pandemic. Other creators followed with series such as E-Ratic, Knighted, and The Joneses. Now, for the first time, we are collecting each of the initial chapters in this super-sized collection.
In Shops: Dec 14, 2022
SRP: $19.99
PREVIEWS Page #280
ARTISTS WRITERS & ARTISANS INC
(W) J. Michael Straczynski (A) Mike Deodato (CA) Rahzzah
J. Michael Straczynski - creator of Babylon 5, co-creator of Sense8, and writer of beloved runs on The Amazing Spider-Man, Thor, and Superman: Earth One - returns to comics teaming with Mike Deodato Jr., the blockbuster artist of The Amazing Spider-Man, The Incredible Hulk, and Infinity Wars. Together they plant the flag for a new universe of heroes and villains. A global disaster leaves hundreds of millions dead in its wake. Shortly after, a few thousand suddenly manifest superhuman powers. Are they harbingers of more perils to come?
In Shops: Oct 07, 2020
SRP: $9.99
PREVIEWS Page #250
ARTISTS WRITERS & ARTISANS INC
(W) J. Michael Straczynski (A) C. P. Smith (CA) Rahzzah
Acclaimed writer J. Michael Straczynski returns to the prescient, ambitious world of The Resistance! In the wake of the assassination of their leader, the Resistance is in disarray, disconnected from each other and hunted by authorities around the world - including an army of "reborns" recruited by the American government. To avert decimation at the hands of a fascistic government crackdown, the Resistance must discover the ace up their sleeve, and then the key to unlocking it.
In Shops: Oct 27, 2021
SRP: $9.99
PREVIEWS Page #287
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Troy-Jeffrey Allen is the Consumer Marketing Manager for Diamond Comics Distributors, Editor of PREVIEWSworld.com, and the producer/co-host of PREVIEWSworld Weekly. His published work includes MF DOOM: All Caps, Public Enemy's Apocalypse '91, Bamn, Fight of the Century, the Harvey Award-nominated District Comics, and the Ringo Awards-nominated Magic Bullet.
