Alien contact can be a scary for all those involved, including the aliens!
Taki Soma and John Broglia explore this concept in their new six-issue Comixology series called Alienated, featuring a a retired teacher, his grandkids, and a mystery involving dead aliens.
We spoke to Soma (who writes, colors, and letters the new series) all about the new series in this exclusive interview.
There have been many stories written about alien contact. What was your approach and hook to for the story?
Taki Soma: Hi there, thanks for the interview! Although I have to agree that there are a lot of alien contact stories out there, especially lately, I didn’t pitch Alienated because I saw a popular bandwagon that I thought would be a good hitch for me. It happened more organically as one morning I woke up with an image in my mind of dead aliens littering the streets all over the world. That’s all I had at the moment but it intrigued me enough to ask questions. Such as, how did they get here, where did they come from, why are they all dead?? Etc. I figured if that single image made me this curious, it is a hook!
One of your main characters in Alienated is a retired teacher. Do you think a retired teacher has a skill set that helps in encountering alien life and why?
Soma: Yes, I specifically chose TJ’s career as a teacher because I wanted him to thirst for knowledge even as a retired person. This way, his wonder would guide him to nurture and tutor Alien rather than exploit it or worse. Also, the Alien would learn English quickly this way too, since TJ would know how to educate.
Can you describe your experience collaborating with John Broglia on Alienated?
Soma: John Broglia, my husband Michael Oeming (also the cover artist) and I have been friends for nearly 20 years. We attended his wedding. When we decided to collaborate together, it was a new territory for me; to entrust another artist other than myself or my husband. But it has been nothing but fun, stress-free and lovely as hell. He brings his own voice to the story with his art and it breathes life into it that I didn’t anticipate. Seriously, everyone should experience the ease and professionalism that is working with John Broglia.
You not only write the comic, but you are also the colorist and letterer. What are the challenges and rewards of each aspect of creating a comic?
Soma: The only challenge is time. I have Multiple Sclerosis and other chronic illnesses that allow me a very limited productive hours in a day and some days, none at all. But the rewards of coloring and lettering is actually pretty bountiful. They both give me opportunities to add to the story; whether it be mood, pacing, rhythm, emotion. Lettering in particular is great because I get one more chance to edit seeing the art and decide if the dialogue matches the art, if they fit, etc. I love that I have such command, it makes you feel like a magician.
What is the first thing you would do if an alien spaceship landed in your town?
Soma: Grab my ‘go’ bag, my cats and Michael Oeming and ask to bring us to their home planet.
Upcoming projects?
Soma: ComiXology Originals picked up two series from me, one being Alienated and…
Alienated #1 is currently available on Comixiology and #2 will be available on May 6.
