Mad Cave Studios and Mark London continue to build The Underworld Universe in the upcoming cyberpunk crime series Exit City by London, the late Karl Mostert, David Baron, and Dave Sharpe.
Exit City is the third mini-series under the Underworld umbrella, following Revolution 9 and Hour of the Wolf. All three stand-alone series will culminate in the Endless Night crossover in 2025.
We spoke to London all about the Exit City, his two Detectives McCormick and Miller, and the excitement and challenges when it comes to building a shared universe in this exclusive interview with the writer.
What is the premise of Exit City and where did your idea for the series originate from?
Mark London: Exit City is set in a near-future metropolis plagued by corruption, crime, and a societal divide that marks the chasm between the privileged elite and the struggling masses. The story follows Aiden McCormick, a deeply flawed protagonist who is a former detective turned private investigator. Haunted by his past mistakes and the loss of loved ones, Aiden navigates the murky underworld of Exit City, striving to uncover the truth behind a series of mysterious disappearances linked to a powerful corporation and a shadowy criminal syndicate. As he delves deeper into the case, he grapples with his own demons, moral ambiguities, and the impact of his choices on those around him.
The idea for the series originated from a desire to explore the complexities of human nature and the concept of redemption within a richly built, dystopian world. Drawing inspiration from classic noir literature and films, I wanted to create a character who embodies both resilience and vulnerability. Aiden McCormick serves as a lens through which to examine themes of guilt, justice, and the quest for identity in a fractured society. Revisiting him allows me to delve deeper into his psyche, illuminating the struggles he faces as he seeks to reconcile his past with the hope for a better future. Through Aiden’s journey in Exit City, I aim to highlight the intricacies of morality and the enduring fight for truth in a world that often blurs the lines between right and wrong.
The series is a blend of sci-fi, horror, and crime. Do you consider Exit City to be primarily in one of the genres, and if not, how do you balance all of the elements.
London: Exit City is best understood as a genre-blending narrative, where elements of sci-fi, and crime intertwine to create an immersive experience. I wouldn’t classify Exit City under the horror banner, but it can also be a thriller. While it draws heavily on the conventions of crime fiction with its focus on Aiden McCormick’s investigations and moral dilemmas, the sci-fi aspects enhance the world-building, introducing advanced technologies and societal structures that challenge our perceptions of reality. The thriller elements, meanwhile, serve to heighten the emotional stakes and explore the darker aspects of human nature, creating tension and unease.
However, I don’t consider Exit City to be primarily in one genre; rather, it exists in a dynamic interplay among them. To balance these elements, I focus on the thematic connections that unify them. The sci-fi context provides a backdrop that amplifies the crime narrative, allowing for unique plot twists and societal critiques. The thriller elements infuse a sense of urgency and dread, reflecting Aiden’s internal struggles and the external dangers he faces. Combining these genres, I aim to create a cohesive and engaging story that resonates on multiple levels, inviting readers to immerse themselves in the multifaceted world of Exit City.
How would you describe the best and worst qualities in your detectives Miller and McCormick?
London: In Exit City, both detectives—Aiden McCormick and his counterpart, Miller—bring distinct qualities to their roles that shape their effectiveness and the dynamics of their partnership.
Aiden possesses a keen ability to read people and situations, often allowing him to uncover truths that others might overlook. His instincts guide him through complex cases, making him an effective investigator.
Also, his relentless drive to seek justice, even in the face of personal demons and societal corruption, showcases his resilience. Aiden’s commitment to uncovering the truth, no matter the cost, is admirable. However, Aiden often grapples with his past mistakes and guilt, leading him to make impulsive decisions that jeopardize both his investigations and his relationships. His tendency to isolate himself can hinder his effectiveness as a detective as he operates in a morally gray area, sometimes resorting to questionable methods to achieve his goals. This can create conflict and complicate his relationships with others, as his choices may blur the lines between right and wrong.
On the other hand, Detective Miller is grounded and realistic, often serving as a voice of reason in their partnership. Her practical approach helps balance Aiden’s more impulsive nature, providing a stabilizing force in high-stress situations. Miller’s experience in the field has made her somewhat jaded, leading her to distrust others and see the worst in people. This cynicism can sometimes cloud his judgment and hinder his ability to connect with others on a deeper level.
What did Karl Mostert bring to Exit City and what was the collaboration process like between the two of you?
London: Karl Mostert brought a wealth of creativity and expertise to Exit City, enhancing the project’s depth and richness. Karl’s artistic vision plays a crucial role in bringing the world of Exit City to life. His ability to create compelling visuals helped establish the tone and atmosphere, making the setting feel immersive and engaging for readers. His character designs allowed him to flesh out not only Aiden McCormick but also the supporting cast. His interpretations of the characters often added layers to their personalities, providing visual cues that can inform their motivations and backgrounds. Karl had a strong understanding of sci-fi and dystopian elements and his contributions to the world-building aspect of Exit City. His ideas about technology, societal structures, and environmental elements helped create a believable and intriguing setting that enhanced the narrative. The collaboration process with our editor, Chris Fernandez, often involved open discussions about character arcs, plot developments, and thematic elements.
Exit City fits into a much larger universe. What has been like building your own shared universe?
London: Yeah, it’s called The Underworld Universe, which includes Exit City alongside Revolution 9 and Hour of the Wolf. It has been an exhilarating journey. Crafting a shared universe has been a dream of mine since we started Mad Cave, as it allows for a rich tapestry of interconnected stories and characters that can enhance the narrative depth and expand the world we’ve created. It’s a cross-pollination of Ideas, but it’s an exciting challenge to ensure that the crossover feels organic and impactful while also honoring the unique aspects of each narrative. They are supposed to work as a stand-alone series, but next summer, the payoff is that all series will come together in an epic summer crossover event called Endless Night.
You have a pretty frightening cyborg in the comic. Which cyborg from comics, movies, etc. scares you the most?
London: For me, one of the most frightening cyborgs in popular culture is the character of the T-800 from the Terminator series, particularly in its portrayal by Arnold Schwarzenegger in the original film. The T-800 embodies a chilling blend of advanced technology and relentless determination of what can happen when artificial intelligence intersects with human-like physicality. What makes the T-800 so terrifying is its cold, calculating nature, combined with its unwavering mission to eliminate its target. The juxtaposition of its human appearance and its lack of empathy creates a haunting presence. It’s not just the physical threat it poses but also the philosophical implications of a machine that can mimic human behavior while lacking any sense of morality or compassion.
Also, its ability to adapt and learn from its encounters makes it even more formidable. The idea of a relentless, near-invincible being that can blend into society and pursue its goals without regard for human life taps into deep-seated fears about technology and its potential consequences.
This aspect of the T-800 resonates with themes explored in Exit City, especially in the context of the cyborg character present in the comic. The combination of technology with a sense of menace and the ethical dilemmas surrounding artificial intelligence continue to be relevant and thought-provoking, making such characters both frightening and fascinating. I love this stuff.
Upcoming projects?
London: I’m going to continue working on more titles for The Underworld Universe. We are hard at work with phase two—a fantastic opportunity to deepen the narrative and explore fresh storylines, including new characters, returning characters, interconnected storylines, expanding themes, and more potential crossovers. The possibilities are endless, and I’m just having too much fun. Keep your eyes glued to our social media as more info will be released soon.
Exit City #1 will be available at your local comic shop on November 6.
