Longtime Daily Dead readers should be familiar with the work of comic book writer Michael Moreci from our coverage of Hoax Hunters. He's also behind the new Dawn of the Apes comic book series from BOOM! Studios and I caught up with him for a Q&A feature to discuss his story that bridges the gap between 'Rise' and 'Dawn'.
You're working on the first 'Apes' comic book series in that's associated with the new movies. Was this story something you came to BOOM! with or did they hire you because they were familiar with your work and love of the series?
MM: I was very lucky in that they came to me, knowing what a big fan I am of the series.
With this taking place in the gap between 'Rise' and 'Dawn,' did Fox provide you with may specifics as to what you could and couldn't cover?
MM: Funny enough, not really. In fact, I started writing the book before Dawn even came out, having not seen in or read the screenplay. That made things a little tricky. Strangely enough, my original pitch was very, very close to the plot of Dawn. Some overlap was a little uncanny. I remember watching the movie for the first time and being surprised by the similarities, in a good way. Ultimately, everything worked out for the best and the story I’m now able to tell is so cool. I think of it like a movie in and of itself, a prequel to Dawn. It folds into the overall story really well.
When developing the story for this comic book series, did you use anything for reference outside of the movies? Deleted scenes, perhaps? Or were you able to talk with Matt Reeves?
MM: I wish. Matt Reeves is such a talented and smart filmmaker; talking to him would be a dream come true—I can’t enough imagine how cool it would be to pick his brains about the Apes mythology. Alas, it never happened.
For our readers who are unfamiliar with the series, can you tell them about where Malcolm and Caesar are when the series starts off?
MM: The idea behind the series is to show Malcolm and Caesar on parallel trajectories. Caesar is dealing with the difficulties in growing and stabilizing his society while Malcolm is confronting the challenges of his society in decline. Like Dawn, they both want the same thing—security for their families and a future for their kind. But, unfortunately, obtaining what’s best isn’t as easy as it seems.
Can we get a little tease of what you have planned for the next six issues?
MM: It’s a cool, succinct and tight companion piece to the Apes mythology. I think it’s unique enough of a story to justify its own existence while also folding into the tapestry of the Apes story. We’re dealing with classic Apes themes of society building, cooperation, acceptance, and how the individual finds a place in the bigger picture of their culture. These are hallmarks of the Apes universe, and it’s a big reason why I love it so much—these movies, the new versions and the classics, have really profound things to say about our world.
Also, we get to see Maurice and Koba. Who doesn’t want more Maurice and Koba?
Being a big fan of the 'Apes' universe, are there other stories you'd like to tell and are there any solid plans for you to work on another mini-series?
MM: I’d love, love to continue beyond the six issues I’m committed to, but unfortunately that decision isn’t up to me. I’m proud of the story we’re telling, but I also see the many opportunities to grow this comic universe and tell great stories with both Caesar and Malcolm. I’m fascinated with exploring Caesar’s transition from a revolutionary to a grounded leader. It would be great to explore that deeper.
I understand that Hoax Hunters is coming back in a big way with Heavy Metal. Can you tell me more about what we can expect from Season 2?
MM: It is coming back! Season 2 is going to be a lot of fun. I learned a lot writing the 14 issues that make up season one and on other projects since, and that translates, in my opinion, to a much stronger new story arc. All the favorite characters are back, and we’re thrusting them in a really cool, big story.
What other projects do you have coming up and where can our readers find you online?
MM: Right now I’m writing Burning Fields, a military horror story for Boom, as well as Hoax Hunters and a spy book for Black Mask called Transference. I’m on twitter at @michaelmoreci.
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