Interview: 'Roche Limit' Creator Michael Moreci

AiPT: Today I have the pleasure of talking to Michael Moreci. Thanks for taking the time. I enjoyed reading the first volume of Roche Limit and was especially intrigued by the philosophical issues you discussed. I also thought it was interesting how you combined the different genre types of detective fiction, science fiction, and a zombie apocalypse with each other.

MM: Well, let's get to it.

AiPT: In Roche Limit: Anomalous you used multiple storylines and then brought them all together by the end, what made you decide to go with this style for this particular comic? Do you plan on using this same style for Clandestiny?

MM: A big part of the first volume is multiple investigations that are happening. On the thematic level, you see it in the probing into religion, society, and existence. There's a lot going on with all of those things. The plot mirrors that in a cool way, which I enjoy. There's all these investigations happening, with Alex looking for Bekkah, Moscow looking for the Recall recipe, Watkins looking for the soul. Everyone is looking for something, searching, and that's important to the book (as Langford explains in his monologue and we pick up on in Clandestiny). 

AiPT: The process of the soul being separated into pieces by contact with the anomaly is extremely unique, are there any specific influences for this idea?

MM: Thanks! Though it's probably something I stole off of Dick or Bradbury and don't even realize it. That piece of the book's puzzle came in really late and unified everything--I needed something that would tie these characters together, and brings them closer, physically and philosophically. 

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Comic Book Review: Roche Limit Vol. 1: Anomalous TPB

Roche Limit Vol. One: Anomalous combines philosophy, science fiction, detective fiction, and yes a zombie apocalypse. Is it good?

The opening sequence of Roche Limit reminds me a lot of the original Bioshock. A wealthy man with a larger than life vision sets out to change the world and along the path it all goes wrong. The similarities end there. Where Bioshock examines the philosophy of human organizations, Moreci examines the ideas of fate, identity, and our perception of the world around us.

Each book except for the last one begins with the founder of Roche Limit, Langford Skaargred, breaking the fourth wall through an audio/visual recording where he addresses many of the aforementioned high-brow topics. However, he does use a number of the main characters to also address these topics and there is a significant plot line dedicated to self-discovery and what it means to be human.

Outside of the philosophy, Moreci and artist Vic Malhotra build a compelling world full of drug dealers, addicts, a protective Madam, and even a mad scientist. The world is seedy with good people few and far between. Even the characters who are relatable have been affected by the violent culture on Dispater, the planet where the colony of Roche Limit is located. One of the best examples of the unruly and rough culture is during an interrogation at the local watering hole.

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Affiliate link: Click here to get your copy of Roche Limit Volume 1.

Comic Book Review: Project Superpowers Blackcross #2

The supernatural occurrences ramp up in the town of Blackcross. Is it good?

Warren Ellis continues to use multiple storylines, but where it succeeded in the first book it falls flat in this one. The first book succeeded in creating immense terror and horror. It didn’t need to tell a story or build up the characters. The horror aspect carried it. However, this second issue is missing the horror. I’m not running downstairs to check that my door is locked, covering my mirrors, or applying bars to my window. It just isn’t there.

Instead, there are a couple moments that are pure shock factor. They leave you more confused than before. It is quite difficult to figure out what is happening let alone why it is happening. This does have the effect of creating a huge mystery except there doesn’t seem to be any clues.

The characters themselves are a mystery as well. The ones Ellis introduced in the previous issue are all present in this one, but since the issue is so compact and there are about six different storylines, he doesn’t have enough time to properly develop them and in some cases the events that unfold don’t give him the opportunity to do so.

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Affiliate link: Click here to get your copy of Project Superpowers: Blackcross #2.

Comic Book Review: The Black Hood #2

The Black Hood wreaks vengeance on the streets of Philadelphia while Officer Hettinger continues down a dark drug-fueled path. Is it good?

Duane Swierczynski and Michael Gaydos open the book with an intense action sequence as The Black Hood breaks up a street mugging in an extremely violent manner. The sequence is different than most opening action sequences due to The Black Hood’s self awareness. He realizes he is drugged out of his mind and running around wearing a creepy mask. This doesn’t deter or hinder him at all. It actually empowers him, allowing him to wreak more extreme violence than he otherwise would have without the mask. It is quite something to behold and Swierczynski and Gaydos think so too. There is a panel with the muggers’ victim capturing his image. The victim’s reaction was the same as mine: “Holy Crap!” The Black Hood has a similar reaction when he stares at the aftermath of his violence and bears witness in utter shock.

The extreme violence committed by The Black Hood becomes a running theme throughout the comic. It also showcases Hettinger’s fall into addiction. His violence begins escalating even while in uniform.

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Affiliate link: Click here to get your copy of The Black Hood #2.

Comic Book Review: Judge Dredd Classics: The Dark Judges #3

Judge Anderson is haunted by visions of Judge Death as she helps put a stop to a kidnapping. Is it good?

Alan Grant, John Wagner, and Brett Ewins start the story with a harrowing vision. Brett Ewins really grabs your attention with his depiction of Judge Death reaching out of the darkness to put his long yellow fingers around Anderson. It is extremely clear who the villain of the issue is going to be and that he has been a threat in the past.

However, Wagner and Grant decide to leave the main plot line and switch to a typical day in the life of Judge Anderson. She is tasked with bringing to justice a group of men who have kidnapped a baby. Wagner and Grant rely on exposition to detail what is happening to the Judges, who they are, and other events and happenings that are occurring. It can definitely help out new readers to the Judge Dredd world, but can be old hat for veteran readers of the series or even those who have read the last two issues.

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Comic Book Review: 13 Coins #6

A final battle between The Fallen and The Son ensues as they fight over the soul of John Pozner. Will The Son be able to resist the temptation of killing John in order for him to help them in their war? Is it good?

I skipped 13 Coins #5, but it doesn’t feel like I have missed anything. Parts of The Son are still clamoring to kill John Pozner so The Fallen will have no chance to release Semyaza. Meanwhile, The Fallen continue to pursue the path to power by taking control of the U.S. government through a puppet all the while hunting down Pozner and The Son.

As far as the characters, Pozner seems to be coming into his own. He is no longer distraught about the death of his girlfriend, neither is he motivated by hate. He seems to actually be fighting to stop The Fallen and feels a kinship towards a few of The Son. Most of the other characters remain static. Samuel is a hothead who continues to fly by the seat of his pants and gives somewhat decent commands.

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Affiliate link: Click here to get your copy of 13 Coins #6.

Comic Book Review: Altered States: The Shadow #1

The Shadow is transported across time where he will face an all-new evil that does not lurk in the hearts of men. Is it good?

Altered States: The Shadow #1 offers an interesting premise. It delves into The Shadow’s ability to meditate which allows him to refocus his energy by mentally preparing him for his next battle while also recuperating after his most recent encounter. Through his meditation he is transported to a mysterious arena where the action kicks off. He has little time to plan, only to react, as he faces a formidable alien foe. It is a quick start which draws you into the action and piques your curiosity to find out more about this new location. The quick pace continues throughout the comic and even speeds up at some points. The Shadow faces increasingly more formidable foes and has no time to even question the entity testing him.

David Avallone’s plot is highly intriguing in the beginning and keeps your attention until about three quarters of the way through.

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Affiliate link: Click here to get your copy of Altered States: The Shadow #1.

Comic Book Review: The Valiant #4

Jeff Lemire, Matt Kindt, and Paolo Rivera’s The Valiant series comes to a close with many of the featured characters taking different paths. Is it good?

The opening sequence gets your emotions boiling a little bit. Lemire and Kindt decide to push the story into the future. My initial reaction was “What?!? They are just going to skip the climax they have been building to? I’ve been robbed.” Fortunately, I kept reading and this emotion subsided a tad when they returned to the present. However, displaying the future, even the distant future, takes a little steam out of the journey to get there. Foreshadowing can be bad and in this case it lessens the shock factor of a later scene.

Lemire and Kindt continue to create one of the most frightening and evil villains I have read. He combines the power of nature inherent in Doomsday with the ability to prey off his enemies’ fears like Scarecrow. He is the power of nature and fear incarnate. Not only do they continue to build up the pure evil of the Immortal Enemy, but intertwined within the almost non-stop action are large character-building moments for Kay, the Eternal Warrior, and Bloodshot. Kay fully comes into her own and you feel yourself cheering her on as she unleashes the power of the Geomancer to battle Mr. Flay.

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Comic Book Review: C.O.W.L. #9

Conspiracy abounds and one of the C.O.W.L. has had enough of sitting on the sidelines. Is it good?

The second arc has finally hit its stride and gotten back to what made the first arc so enticing: strong characterization and good ole political intrigue.

The first sequence dives straight into the political intrigue, and also reveals another potential player. It peels back the onion on the happenings in Chicago to tie it to a potentially much larger narrative taking place within the United States. It is a nice reminder that the happenings in Chicago are not self-contained and choices have ramifications.

After this return to political maneuvering, Higgins and Siegel decide to refocus on the John Pierce story, which just so happens to have its own political machinations that has been left untold. They reveal some pretty big implications, but are still keeping most of this close to the chest only giving us information in bits and pieces that are nowhere near close to a whole.

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Affiliate link: Click here to get your copy of C.O.W.L. #9.

Advanced Comic Book Review: Rebels #1

A young New Hampshire boy comes of age during the Revolutionary War. Is it good?

This is the premise of Rebels #1 written by Brian Wood with artwork by Andrea Mutti. The story follows a young man by the name of Seth Abbott as he is taught the ways of a woodsman and hunter by his father and later details one of his first major encounters with British Redcoats that sets him on a path with a famous Virginian general.

The beginning of the story has a pretty good hook detailing a hard-working childhood with a stoic and reserved father figure that quickly transitions into a teaching sequence filled with suspense. However, the story quickly becomes filled with exposition once it transitions to an older albeit still young Seth Abbott. There are entire pages detailing everything from character and geographical descriptions to historical context and information about the setting and a lot of it is pure overkill. Wood doesn’t need to tell us Ezekiel Learned is like a brother to Seth. him; he should allow the artist, or at least the story he is telling us, show it. Let’s see them act like brothers with each other in both their actions and their words. This is just one example that happens repeatedly throughout the book.

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Comic Book Review: Shaper #1

A young man discovers a long-hidden secret about himself and his family that puts him on a path he never would have imagined. Shaper #1 puts a spin on the much beloved Animorphs. Is it good?

Eric Heisserer opens with a very creative hook. He introduces the story through the lens of a trading card game. He combines exposition and dialogue perfectly and allows Felipe Massafera to really show us the action and not let it be bogged down by too much exposition. The hook draws you in, introduces you to the major conflict, provides an intense action sequence, and is able to provide characterization in a very short time.

After the opening hook and its torrid pace, Heisserer slows it down and spends the middle third of the book focusing on introducing and building up the main character, a young man named Spry who is just finishing up his schooling. Spry is intriguing and has had a somewhat rough life so far, absent his father. He is a troublemaker, albeit an intelligent one. Although, that streak may have run its course because we only see him dutifully working as a janitor and stock boy, but, hopefully, we will get to see his inner troublemaker come out in later issues.

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Affiliate link: Click here to get your copy of Shaper #1.

Comic Book Review: Resurrectionists #5

The Resurrectionists are slowly coming together, but Lennox has set a trap to thwart their newfound resistance. Will they succeed? Is it good?

Fred Van Lente decides to take a step back from Jericho, Mac, and the Scout and focuses the majority of this fifth installment on Maya and Jericho’s ex-wife, Adele. It is refreshing and details a different perspective on the role of the Resurrectionists we have not seen yet.

Outside of the focus on Maya and Adele’s relationship and character building, Van Lente returns to the foundation of the story where the Resurrectionists are focused on performing a heist 3,000 years in the making. But before they can undertake this heist, they must first unite themselves by performing a caper that would have Danny Ocean beaming with pride.

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Comic Book Review: Altered States: Red Sonja #1

Red Sonja’s conscious is transferred to modern day New York, silently present in an unsuspecting museum curator until it is awakened to continue to wage war against the evil mage, Kulan Gath. Is it good?

Writer Brandon Jerwa builds up the legend and legacy of Red Sonja in just one page using a variety of differing rumors of her death to display her popularity in Hyboria. He is aided by Juanan Ramirez depicting her prowess in battle, devotion to the goddess, Scáthach, and virtue and persistence in fighting the forces of evil. However, there are some interesting depictions on the first page including a random skeleton wreathed in flames which appears in the second panel out of nowhere! Either that or Red Sonja’s sword has gained magical powers enabling it to instantly combust enemies on contact. There are a bunch of other issues with the art from Sonja’s hair covering her face as she hangs suspended in the air (Who knew she had gravity defying hair?) to a sword skewering a monster through the stomach while both of Sonja’s hands are above the creature’s back. (That sword must really have some magical properties!)

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Affiliate link: Click here to get your copy of Altered States: Red Sonja #1

Interview: 'Resurrectionists' Creator Fred Van Lente

Fred Van Lente has been working with Maurizio Rosenzweig to produce Resurrectionists, a story about a select group of individuals who not only are able to remember their past lives, but are able to activate them as they attempt to pull off a heist 3,000 years in the making.

We had a chat with Fred Van Lente, a.k.a “The Time Dampener” (Yea, we just made this up, but hope it sticks!), on his recent work with Dark Horse Comics’ Resurrectionists and a little bit about what he does in his free time when he isn’t churning out quality stories. To sweeten the deal, Fred and Dark Horse gave us a first look at some of the artwork in the upcoming issue of Resurrectionists and an exclusive of Juan Doe’s alternative cover featuring the big bad himself, Lennox. So, let’s get to it.

AiPT!: Hey Fred! Thanks for taking the time. I have really enjoyed Resurrectionists! 

Fred Van Lente: Thanks so much!  

AiPT!: How did you first get started in comics?

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Affiliate link: Click here to pre-order the collected edition of Resurrectionists.

Comic Book Review: Papercuts and Inkstains #1

Papercuts and Inkstains #1 is a collection of three shorts with very different subject matters: the confession of a zombie, the cult gathering of the followers of Bulgeroth, and the cleaning of a cross-time gladiatorial ring. Is it good?

The first short titled “By ‘Eck on Earth,” written by Robin Jones and drawn by Kevin Pospisil, examines the origin of Howard the Zombie and what life was like before he became a zombie. Jones begins the story with a great joke and never lets his foot off the gas. He weaves zombie humor into a number of panels and when there isn’t any humor there is plenty of tension between the characters.

Pospisil’s artwork is impressive; he uses lots of shadowing in his action sequences to focus your vision. He even uses a heavier ink to denote the difference between zombie and non-zombie. He is able to effectively capture the instinctual emotions of fear, anger, and rage.

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Comic Book Review: Project Superpowers: Blackcross #1

There are strange and sinister things afloat in the small, sleepy town of Blackcross. Is it good?

Here at AiPT we have done a couple of team reviews of notable horror books, namely Nameless and Wytches. However, Nameless didn’t really have any horror to mention and the horror in Wytches came from some gruesome drawings by Jock. I never felt a sense of unease or an itch to constantly look over my shoulder. In Project Superpowers: Blackcross #1 I am absolutely terrified. I am going downstairs, triple checking to make sure the door is locked, covering my mirrors, and applying bars to my windows.

It is a deep-seeded fear of mine to be under the complete control of another where they are able to do what they will with your body, while you are only able watch unable to make a difference. Warren Ellis and Colton Worley take this premise and use it as their hook to open the book. They don’t let their foot off the horror engine the entire issue.

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Affiliate link: Click here to get your copy of Project Superpowers: Blackcross #1.

Comic Book Review: Imperium #2

Toyo Harada and his Foundation have begun their crusade to bring about world peace, but there are pieces moving against him and one is the Rising Spirit. Who are they and will the Foundation be able to withstand them? More importantly is it good?

Joshua Dysart and Doug Braithwaite left us with the impression all other avenues to secure world peace had been attempted and violence was the last resort. However, this is not the case as Toyo Harada and his Foundation psiots explore other tactics to secure their strategic objective. One of their tactics is the infiltration of a group called Rising Spirit and their H.A.R.D. Corps.

The H.A.R.D. Corps is led by a man codenamed Gravedog. The beginning portion of the book is much like the previous issue that it builds slowly to a violent climax. Dysart and Braithwaite spend a decent amount of time introducing Gravedog and building up his character while also exploring what Rising Spirit is and how the H.A.R.D. Corps fit in. There are some very interesting philosophical discussions looking at what incentivizes or motivates individuals to take action. Of note, is how Dysart characterizes Gravedog with an almost identical motivation technique as Harada: get the job done no matter the costs. This portion of the book takes up the majority of the pages and can be a little slow since there is quite a bit of dialogue with little action.

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Affiliate link: Click here to get your copy of Imperium #2.

Comic Book Review: Lady Killer #3

Troubles are brewing for Josie both on the home front and at work. How will she handle them, but more importantly is it good?

The book opens up with a lively party in Josie’s home and pays homage to The Watchmen (movie) referencing Bob Dylan’s “The Times They Are A-Changin’.” This provides some massive foreshadowing because this third installment introduces significant changes in the direction of the plot as well as character development for Josie and Peck.

Josie’s character is explored in two different ways. The first is through her interactions and dialogue with her mother-in-law. She is aggressive and intimidating. Jones draws her invading Mother Schuller’s personal bubble and getting right in her face. The second and far more important evolution of her character comes during her assignment. She is faced with a dilemma and makes a choice that will shape the rest of her story. What is important to note is both her character developments focus on her work-life balance and how the two intrude on each other. It is a really good touch exploring it from both angles, work affecting home life as well as home life affecting work.

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Affiliate link: Click here to get your copy of Lady Killer #3.

Comic Book Review: Men of Wrath #5

Jason Aaron and Ron Garney’s closing issue keeps vengeance front and center with plenty of violence to go around. Is it good?

The opening page of the issue delivers an immediate shock, hooking you. The next page delivers an emotional blow shattering your hope and bringing forth an overwhelming feeling of outrage mixed with sadness. This emotion lingers throughout the rest of the issue connecting you to Ira Rath in a way that never occurred in the previous issues. However, Aaron does try to temper the emotion with the next few pages hinting the opening pages might be a dream, but also delving a little deeper into Ira Rath’s psyche and what he envisions as an end for himself.

The issue really hits its stride during the brutal action sequences. Ron Garney’s scenes are explosive and brutal. The level of violence is quite possibly greater than the original Red Dawn. There is no room for injuring or incapacitating. There is only one end.

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Affiliate link: Click here to get your copy of Men of Wrath #5.

Comic Book Review: The Black Hood #1

A traumatic shooting takes a police officer down a troubled path leaving him scarred both physically and spiritually. How will he deal with it? Is it good?

Duane Swierczynski’s name caught my eye. I enjoyed his run on Deadpool vs. X-Force and figured I would go ahead and give this new title from Dark Circle Comics a read through.

The book reads much like a journal entry being told from the protagonist’s perspective. There is very little dialogue although there is a very good plot reason for this. (The fact the protagonist can’t talk!) The book has exceptional pacing each flip of the page pulls you further into the shoes of Gregory Heittinger wondering where it will take him and how he will function.

Heittinger’s character is deeply compelling and this is an origin story right up there with Spiderman and Batman. It may be even a little better for he is not losing someone close to him, he loses himself. The issue follows him as he makes appearances, goes through rehab, and watches TV all the while trying to make sense of the act of violence he committed.

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Affiliate link: Click here to get your copy of The Black Hood #1.

Comic Book Review: The Life After #7

A little bit of office turmoil, a not so joyous reunion, and a journey through some collapsing tunnels are just a few things you will see in The Life After #7. Is it good?

Joshua Hale Fialkov seems to be making it a trend in this arc to flashback and world build all the while keeping us even more confused as we continue to wonder about what is actually happening in the world of Jude and Ernest Hemmingway.

After reuniting Nettie with Jude and Ernest, Fialkov has decided to split the trio up. Nettie stays with the giant god bunny and her daughter while Jude and Ernest are marching through the tunnels. The split doesn’t help the pacing of the book giving it a fragmented feel as Fialkov jumps between the characters too often not giving them enough panel time to continue to develop and grow. He is juggling four distinct storylines at this point. It also reduces the time readers have to connect with the characters. There is an extremely emotional scene with Nettie that you just pass over with the jump to Jude and Ernest.

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Affiliate link: Click here to get your copy of The Life After #7.

Comic Book Review: Pathfinder: Origins #1

A group of adventurers has gathered to begin their next quest, but first they regale their quest giver with their credentials. Is it good?

The premise for the origin story of Valeros feels too forced. Writer Erik Mona creates a scenario where a group of adventurers has already accomplished what appears to be a great feat in defeating The Gallowed Gang, but they are forced to defend themselves and their characters when attempting to obtain another job. The quest giver points out all of their flaws and why they are not fit to be given a quest.

After about two pages, which feels a lot longer due to the large amounts of dialogue, you finally get to the origin of Valeros. He is a typical mercenary who likes to enjoy his cups a little too much. Unfortunately, this gives Mona a perfect excuse to utilize the all too often used cliché of finding a job in the local tavern. It is livened up a bit with a bit of action, but you have to suspend disbelief quite a bit when the folks trying to hire him are set upon by demons.

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Affiliate link: Click here to get your copy of Pathfinder: Origins #1.

Comic Book Review: IXth Generation #2

Political intrigue, a formidable threat, advanced physics, a dose of philosophy, and a whole bunch of questions make for an interesting second installment. Is it good?

Matt Hawkins and Stjepan Sejic begin IXth Generation #2 with a recurring question from the first issue: Does the resurrection process truly bring the person back to life or is it a new person with a digitally downloaded consciousness and genetic replica? The question is not fully answered (and hopefully won’t be for some time), but it serves its purpose effectively as the hook. It is not an unrealistic notion given our technological advances and sparks your inner philosopher whether you debate the ethics of the resurrection or actually attempt to answer the straight-forward dilemma.

Hawkins’ dialogue does a good job of empowering Aphrodite IX, but also showing who she is as a person and how she interacts with her subjects and siblings. She treats them both as family and has respect for them. Aphrodite IX’s internal monologue is crucial;

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Affiliate link: Click here to get your copy of IXth Generation #2.

Advanced Comic Book Review: Frankenstein Underground #1

Have you ever wondered what it is like to be Frankenstein? Mike Mignola, Ben Stenbeck, and Dave Stewart explore the life and history of Frankenstein. Is it good?

The comic gives a pretty clear depiction of what it is like to be Frankenstein. It starts off a little slow with Frankenstein in Mexico at an ancient Mayan ruin where he recounts his past to an old woman who happens to inhabit the ruins at the time of his arrival. He recalls the numerous occasions of being hunted, shot at, captured, imprisoned, tortured, and even thrown into the boxing ring with a familiar red demon. He explores how this affected his psyche and his search to find purpose in the gift he believes is a curse.

About halfway through the book, the story takes an abrupt shift from exploring the character of Frankenstein to the introduction of the Marquis Addet de Fabre, a collector of sorts who just has to have Frankenstein for his own.

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