Interview - Steve Horton and Stephen Thompson (Part 2)

Satellite Falling is a new series from IDW Publishing due out in May. The book's two creators (Steve Horton and Stephen Thompson) are keen on talking about the book and sat down with Omnicomic for an interview about the book itself, creating good science-fiction and changing art styles. Check out part 2 of the interview below.

Omnicomic: What took Satellite Falling to IDW for publishing?

Horton: I did. It was something like the 14th book I pitched to IDW over the years. Luckily, Chris Ryall and his cadre of editors were extremely patient with me as I grew as a creator, and IDW was there when I was capable enough, which happened to be right now with this book. Having amazing talents in Stephen and Lisa certainly helps, too.         

Thompson: They were the first ones to say yes. Which is pretty much why anything ends up being published by a particular company.


Omnicomic: Marvel and DC seem more intent on tying comic book and film universes together and have always been in their own world in terms of publishing. Do you get the sense that their influence and more “commercial" approach on/for mainstream readers is growing so much that it will drown out creator-owned books like Satellite Falling?

Thompson: Not really. A highly unified and continuity based universe is strong in one way but weak in others. Creator owned books will always appeal to people who want in on the ground floor of a book that won't be bogged down in crossovers etc. Also they'll be guaranteed an unchanging creative team for the duration.

Horton: The talent and quality involved in the books and other media from Marvel and DC just challenges us on the creator-owned side to up our game even more. We have to compete for shelf space along with everyone else, so why not be the best you can be?


Omnicomic: On the flip side of that note, do you feel there’s superhero fatigue? Are readers looking for more creator-owned and indie books instead of the typical capes and tights superheroes?

Thompson: Sure, there certainly seems to be a wider range of subject matter and approach in American comics these days and a growing audience for that diversity.

Horton: Some readers are, especially the diverse readers that are coming into the hobby (or who have been here all along, but marginalized). Then again, Deadpool the movie made piles of money, so there's still crossover appeal for superheroes across ages and genders.


Omnicomic: What's your convention schedule like for the coming months?

Horton: It's looking like Anime Midwest in July, Wizard World Chicago in August and Cincinnati Comic-Con in September. I'm attempting to line up a few more for the second half of the year, after the books are out. I'm also planning a signing at Aw Yeah Comics in Muncie, IN soon after the release of Satellite Falling #1 in May.
     
Thompson: My conventions schedule consists of sitting in a room, drawing and never going to any conventions.


Omnicomic: Anything you want to plug while you have the floor?     

Thompson: As an artist, I only ever have one thing at a time to plug. Damn those writers and their multiple projects!

Horton: Aside from comics, I also write about games for sites like Geek & Sundry, and just got through working with the Wizards of the Coast PR team on a preview article for the newest Magic: The Gathering set. Check it out.