Broken Frontier

This Wednesday, Ape Entertainment releases its latest book, A Different Pace by writer David Hedgecock and artist Tetsu Liew. The timing couldn’t be more perfect to fill you in on this 96-page graphic novel, which basically is “action and intrigue in a sci-fi setting,” according to Hedgecock.

BROKEN FRONTIER: The Ape website describes A Different Pace as “Star Wars meets Tomb Raider with a funky flare.” Why is that?

DAVID HEDGECOCK: You know how these things work… if you don’t have a ‘It’s like ‘Movie A’ meets ‘TV Series B’ then no one, especially retailers, will have a clue about what the thing is or how to order it. I know it’s cliché, but sometimes there are clichés for a reason.

If I was really serious about truth in the solicitation copy I’d say “A Different Pace is like ‘Barbarella’ meets ‘Asimov’s Foundation Trilogy’” but then no one would have a clue what the heck I was talking about, right?

BF: So, even given that information, are you guys big fans of Lara Croft and the Star Wars universe?

DH: I watched part of the first Angelina Jolie Tomb Raider movie, but when I realized she wouldn’t be getting naked, I stopped watching and didn’t even bother with the second movie -- she wasn’t naked in that one, was she?
As for Star Wars, that was really cool when I was 7 years old and ‘Empire Strikes Back’ came out. However, the last two movies have really tarnished the entire series for me. Those kids/teens playing Anakin suck beyond the suckiest.

To make a long story short, the solicit text suited the concept: the book has a beautiful female lead with a space opera-style setting.

TETSU LIEW: Star Wars was definitely a big influence growing up, but like David said, Lucas really destroyed it for me with the new movies.

BF: Have you guys looked at other sources besides Tomb Raider, Barbarella and Star Wars for inspiration when shaping the world of A Different Pace?

DH: I think Tetsu looks solely at Star Wars for reference. That or he’s got a thing for Wookies. I’m afraid to ask which it is.
My inspiration comes from all over, actually. There’s lots of Asimov and Ellis in there though, I’m sure.

TL: Wookies?! Where did that come out from? Just because I have an unhealthy relationship with my cats doesn’t mean I love all things furry.

BF: What non-furry things do you love then, besides Dave? [Laughs]

TL: Ohhhhh, I dunno…. I’m not at liberty to say.

BF: All joking aside, are there any comic-related influences readers will notice when reading the story?

TL: Art-wise, they’ll definitely recognize some Adam Hughes. For me, he is probably the best comic book artist there is. Oh, and John Buscema, his sense of storytelling is amazing.

BF: With all that said, the title has yet to be explained. What does ‘A Different Pace’ stand for?

DH: A different pace. The book moves with a different rhythm from other comics. Different beats. Just when you think you’ve got a feel for it all, there’s a riff or a pause that you wouldn’t expect.

Is that too existential? How about this, then: I was writing and drawing a bi-monthly fantasy book with no female characters in it. I needed a change of pace to keep things fresh, so I came up with a strong female lead character – Lily in the story – in a sci-fi setting. I called it A Different Pace because that’s exactly what it was from what I had been doing previously.

BF: What storytelling techniques did you apply to ‘nail’ that different pace?

DH: Mostly playing with narrative and timing. Tetsu and I use an interesting visual technique for narrative that helps push the stories along. It keeps away the ‘decompression’ bug and allows us to pack the pages with action.

TL: I have no idea what Dave is talking about.

BF: We haven’t really talked about the actual content of the story. Can you elaborate some on that?

DH: Lovely Lily and her crew of rag-tag pirates scour the galaxy in search of lost treasure (sometimes, not-so-lost treasure) and adventure. It’s basically action and intrigue in a sci-fi setting.

We kept the first graphic novel pretty ‘light’ on purpose. We don’t hit you over the head with a bunch of back story or require a lot of deep thinking. It’s just a fun romp of a story in a science fiction setting – a chance for the reader to meet new friends.

There are 5 stories in the first issue:
• A rebel faction has developed a mathematical theory which makes decryption of almost any encryption code possible.
• A former member of Lily's crew tells a story of treachery and disloyalty.
• A backwater planet population is fooled by their new Baron.
• Michael and Buford (the pissed-off beaver) go on a 'buddy trip' in search of a special treat for the Emperor.
• The Crew head to a bar for a little down time.

All the stories are self-contained. I want fans to feel like we’re giving them everything we have, every time. I’m betting that the quality will bring them back for more.

BF: The book contains five stories revolving around the same band of characters. What’s the thinking behind doing five smaller stories instead of one big 96-page tale?

DH: Keeping Tetsu sane.

TL: The various chapters were done over a period of a few years. If you look at the artwork, you can totally tell it was done at different periods. In other words, I`m terribly inconsistent.

BF: How did you get involved with A Different Pace, Tetsu?

TL: Well, Dave posted this ad a loooong time ago looking for someone to illustrate a 12-page story, tentatively titled A Different Pace. So, I responded and it sort of just took off from there. During our time working together, I’ve gotten to know him better and definitely count myself lucky to have him as a friend too. Thanks for all that cash sucka! Just kidding. [Laughs]

BF: Since the project’s been in the works for quite some time, did you guys alter anything about the basic concept of the story during the production process?

DH: I kpte it all, because, any time I have an idea, it’s an event. So, even when that idea is bad, I hold onto it and milk it for all it’s worth.

BF: Are there any plans to revisit the ADP universe down the line?

DH: Yes, yes, yes. We’re already hard at work on the A DIFFERENT PACE one-shot, which should be available by late summer if Tetsu doesn’t die from being over-worked.

The whole gang will be back: Leanne Buckley on covers, Tetsu on pencils and Vincent Ramirez on inks. I am so damn lucky to get to work with this many talented people.

TL: I’m looking forward to it. Hopefully we’ll get a decent story this time! [Laughs]

BF: Speaking of Leanne Buckley, her style is completely different from Tetsu’s. Where did you scoop her up, Dave?

DH: Against my better judgement, I’m going to air out some of my dirty laundry.

I hired an artist, Andrew Blasé, to do the cover for us back in March of ’04. I paid him half the money up front because I thought he was an honest man and he had already done cover work for Marvel (Identity Disc, I think). Long story short, he took my money and never produced anything.

Leanne was set up at Wizard World Chicago in August and without saying a word to her, I grabbed one of her business cards. At that time, I was still hoping Andrew Blasé was going to come through with something, but I remember thinking, “Just in case.”

September rolled around and, after a fourth missed deadline without even a sketch to look at from Blasé and more stress on my shoulders than you can imagine, I got a hold of Leanne. She came through in SPADES. Look at that cover, it’s beautiful. I don’t think she will ever know how grateful I am for her hard work and wonderful talent.

TL: I have to agree, that is a beautiful cover.

BF: It sure is. Will you guys be collaborating on any other projects published through APE this year?

DH: Yep. As I said, we’ve got the whole crew back for more ADP. There’s not much time for anything else, although I am working on something with ADP cover artist Leanne Buckley for a late winter release if I can get my script in gear.

BF: Ok, we’re out before Tetsu gets a chance to say “hope that script doesn’t stink!” or something.

For a sneak peek at A Different Pace,  click here.

- Frederik Hautain