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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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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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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Comic Book Review: C.O.W.L. #8

Arclight spins a story while the city of Chicago tailspins into chaos on the back of Warner and Stone’s deal. Is it good?

Kyle Higgins, Alec Siegel, and Rod Reis open C.O.W.L. #8 with a dual story mixing and matching Arclight’s recounting of the death of John Pierce with an on-going kidnapping of Alderman Hayes. Rod Reis does a good job of switching the panels up not keeping a consistent pattern on each page. This creates an emotional roller coaster effect for the reader moving from disgust with Arclight to anticipation and even a touch of fear for Alderman. The two stories also have different speeds. Arclight’s interview is slow and methodical while the kidnapping of the Alderman is chaotic and quick. The dual stories draw you in, wanting more.

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Comic Book Review: Death Vigil #6

The machinations of Maria and the Necromancers take center stage as their plan to overwhelm Bernadette and the Vigil unfolds. Is it good?

Stjepan Sejic sets a foreboding tone with Death Vigil #6. The cover is bleak, portraying the gravestone of Samuel Lewis with his pickaxe and shovel replacing a traditional epitaph. He creates a sense of danger and struggle for the Vigil. They are on the defensive. The Necromancers and the monstrosity known as the Orach are wreaking havoc upon the city and its civilians. Fortunately the contest between the Vigil and the Necromancers leaves plenty of room for Sejic’s unique humor, whether it is an abrupt end to a “centuries in the waiting boast” or Bernie’s fretting over the Vigil members. Sejic really nails Bernie’s facial expressions as she berates Sam, going from concern to anger to fear all in half a page.

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Comic Book Review: Lazarus #14

Tough choices, new information, and high drama shape Image’s Lazarus #14 as Greg Rucka and Michael Lark continue to explore Forever’s character and her relationship with her family. Is it good?

The beginning of the issue was quite a shock for me; I actually had to go back and look at the ending of Lazarus #13 to confirm what I remembered. Rucka and Lark perform an excellent sleight of hand that sets up the majority of the issue to continue to develop and build the characters focusing primarily on Forever.

Forever continues to feel incredibly real and believable as Jordan has mentioned before, but her development is taken to the next level in this issue. All of her doubts and concerns are brought to the surface in a fiery outburst, which is just as quickly extinguished with a few key words that pierce at her being.

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Comic Book Review: IXth Generation #1

IXth Generation #1 takes place in the distant future where humanity has ascended to godhood in the form of the IXth Generation. Godhood is not all it’s cracked up to be and the utopia of their generation is anything but. Is it good?

The IXth Generation is made up of nine ascended beings who take their names from the ancient Greek gods, though it is unclear whether they have similar attributes. They have awoken after 700 years of slumber and have found godhood to be utterly and completely boring, so naturally they entertain themselves through constant war with each other. There is a catch; upon death, the IXth Generation is able to transfer their consciousness to a cloned version of themselves. One member, Aphrodite IX, stands above the fray and has pulled the Switzerland card remaining neutral until now.

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Comic Book Review: C.O.W.L. #7

The Chicago Organized Workers League is back in full swing after the one-shot fluff piece on The Grey Raven in the previous issue. This issue dives head first into the aftermath of the strike and John Pierce’s murder, but is it good?

The book opens with a scene that is a drastic shift from what Chicago has been experiencing since the rise of C.O.W.L. It is somewhat comical how petty the crime is compared to the reality of the power play happening behind the scene. Another point of contention is the fact the criminal asks the victims to inform the police he was wearing a mask despite not wearing one the entire time the crime is being committed!

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Comic Book Review: Sinergy #2

Jess has gained the ability to see the monsters for what they are, but how will she use her new powers and what will become of her relationship with Leaf? More importantly is it good?

Michael Avon Oeming and Taki Soma open the issue with a very odd and bland dialogue between two police officers. The conversation between the two ends with an attempt at making a joke, but falls absolutely flat.

The next sequences focus on exploring the choices in front of Jess and the decision she will have to make. The dialogue between Jess and her mother as well as her own thoughts reveal a typical young teenager who faces large life choices with no real idea on how she will decide.

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Comic Book Review: Low #5

Stel’s hope and optimism is once again under assault. Will she continue to remain steadfast? Is it good?

Rick Remender opens this issue with Stel exerting her will and displaying her sheer determination and mental resolve to succeed no matter the obstacle or evil that stands in her path. The evil standing in her path is monstrous. Roln has imprisoned Stel for four months attempting to break her and acquire the location of the probe.

The dialogue between Stel and Roln is wonderful and reveals Roln not only as the primary villain but as Stel’s opposite. While Stel relies on hope to survive and continue on, Roln views hope as a weapon to destroy Stel.

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Comic Book Review: C.O.W.L. #6

C.O.W.L. takes a break from the main story to dedicate this sixth issue to the man behind the Chicago Organized Workers League. The head honcho of C.O.W.L. reveals how and why he became The Grey Raven. Is it good?

Kyle Higgins and Alec Siegel take a break from the overarching story and the ramifications the strike will have on Chicago to introduce a publication relations fluff piece on Geoffrey Warner and his path to becoming The Grey Raven.

The road to become The Grey Raven began at a young age when starry-eyed Geoffrey Warner envisioned becoming a policeman like his father to help the people of Chicago. However, the road was not as straight and true as what the young boy believed.

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Comic Book Review: Sinergy #1

Michael Avon Oeming brings a comedic and light-hearted tone to Buffy-style monster fighting. Not to mention a dash of mystery and a high school protagonist with plenty of everyday problems to juggle. Is it good?

Oeming opens the book with a hint of a mystery, providing a very stark depiction of the world of Sinergy, but offsetting it with just a touch of hope with the narration. The page grabs you and draws you in instantly. The next sequence is where the book really makes its mark.

The reader is introduced to Jess, a recent high school graduate with a passion for hockey among other things. Her inner monologue is absolutely hilarious and the ensuing action comes straight out of the stories your Dad tells about protecting his baby girl. It is an absolute riot.

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Comic Book Review: American Legends #1

American Legends #1 looks to explore the early 19th century frontier with famous historical characters Davy Crockett and Marie Laveau, to name a few, as a plot to eradicate the Lewis and Clark expedition unfolds. Is this historical fiction good?

Writers Bill and Zachary Schwartz use a unique style utilizing mini-stories within the book. It makes the book rather hard to follow. It reads quite like a raging, flooding Mississippi River tossing and turning everything in its path knowing it will eventually end up in the Gulf of Mexico. To elaborate on this point, the first three pages are telling three different stories. In the first page we are introduced to Jean Lafitte who is enjoying the festivities of Mardi Gras.

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Review: Low #4

Rick Remender and Greg Tocchini have set a high bar for themselves following the absolutely brilliant Low #3. Do they keep up the extraordinary level of quality in the fourth installment? Is it good?

Rick Remender continues with his vision of hope for Stel although it faces some mental stumbling blocks just as she and Marik face their own obstacles in the Third City of Poluma. He also supplements her vision of hope with a determination to shape the world around her with the strength of her will.

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Review: Lazarus #12

Greg Rucka and Michael Lark are putting the pieces on the board as the Carlyle and Hock families begin a deadly dance for power. Is it good?

Rucka and Lark begin Lazarus #12 with an in-depth discussion on which families have taken the Hocks’ side and which are vulnerable to be swayed to join the Carlyles’. The sequence solidifies Malcolm’s role as a master strategist and the reason he is the head of the Carlyle Family; but, more importantly, the sequence exposes Forever to an increased role within the family. She is able to comment and give her own analysis of the situation. Malcolm treats her as his heir and daughter rather than a tool to be used; he even suggests she relax and enjoy herself.

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Review: Low #3

Hope lives on at the bottom of the ocean refusing to be crushed by the enormous pressures of a society sunk so low. 

This third installment of Low ventures into the streams of political apathy, an unflinching spirit, complete and utter human despair, and the joys of discovery. Is it good?

Rick Remender ventures into the profligate halls of the Capitol of Salus, where Stel encounters what has become of the Senate and the political class of the surviving humans. Greg Tocchini conjures images straight out of the paintings of Pompeii. Senator Greeme is having a full-on orgy with dozens of women many of them most likely illusions conjured by the cream.

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Review: C.O.W.L. #5

The Chicago Organized Workers League is at its breaking point. Geoffrey Warner is attempting to pull out all the stops to salvage the union, but will his efforts be enough or will the members of C.O.W.L. go their separate ways? More importantly, is it good?

After the chaos of the strike in the previous issue, the political landscape for Geoffrey Warner and C.O.W.L. is looking grim. His allies within the organization and outside are shrinking and shrinking fast. Even a once dependable ally in the media backs out claiming, “…eventually everything ends.

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Review: C.O.W.L. #4

The Grey Raven and the rest of the union are left in doubt, especially when Geoffrey Warner calls asking for Blaze to forego the picket line to handle a problem. Does Geoffrey Warner really care about the members of C.O.W.L. or is it all about political power? But what you really want to know: is it good?

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Review: Genius #5

The conclusion to Genius‘ story begins with a race against the National Guard and their Abrams tanks! Destiny must zoom in and out of traffic on her motorcycle to force cars into each other, delaying the Guard as much as possible. Cars are no obstacle to an Abrams tank as they steamroll over them. Hopefully the civilians were able to escape their vehicles before they were smashed to bits. The beginning is full of action and purpose, but does the rest of the comic live up to the exciting beginning? Is it good?

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