 |
|
Home Columns  by Scott Tipton  by Chris Ryall  by Scott Bowden  by Joshua Jabcuga  by Jud Meyers    |  Ron Twoeagle |
Guest Lecturer
2008-04-04 - THE CROSSOVER INTERVIEW #2 by Seth "4:10" Robison
The Crossover Interview #2: DEAD SPACE's Ben Templesmith
Continuing our interview series, on Halloween EA plans to unleash a new terror on the gaming universe, the Sci-Fi Survival-Horror game DEAD SPACE. It is the story of a deep-space mining colony that unexpectedly pulls an ancient and vicious alien life force from the dark rock. However, comic fans don't have to settle for just trailers and screen shots. In partnership with Image Comics, the groundwork for the game is being laid right now in a six-issue mini-series written by Antony Johnston (WASTELAND) and illustrated by Ben Templesmith (30 DAYS OF NIGHT).
In the universe of DEAD SPACE, massive mining operations, known as planetcracks, are conducted in faraway star systems, ripping open whole planets to harvest their resources. When a survey team on the barren planet of Aegis VII discovers what appears to be an alien artifact -- an artifact with potentially great religious significance to the minority church known as Unitology. As madness and hysteria begin to grip the team, security officer Bram Neumann must unravel the tangle of secrets that connects the artifact, the church and the mining company's own agenda as a wave of alien horror threaten them all. It's THE THING meets RESIDENT EVIL in outer space and I spoke with Ben just after WonderCon in San Francisco (where free copies of #1 were distributed), about a big change in his life that had just happened.
Seth Robison: Where did you move, why and how do you like it?
Ben Templesmith: I just moved to San Diego. My publisher is here, so it's a good fit. Plus the weather is so much better than where I'm from. I probably wouldn't consider anywhere else in the U.S. except California, since I've lived here before and it does feel a lot like Australia...and my wife is from here too, so call me bias.
SR: I miss that West-Coast weather so I know how you feel, but back on topic, how did you get involved with EA and DEAD SPACE?
BT: Basically EA was looking for an artist who could capture the look and feel of their game in comic form, and apparently they came up with me. Several e-mails later, I was in. I think it helped that I already knew and was working with the writer, Antony Johnston on his own comic, WASTELAND.
SR: How much direction did you get from the creators of DEAD SPACE about look of the game and its mood? Was there much collaboration with the game's artists?
BT: They've given me mountains of reference and game material to work from, but at the same time I'm adding my own touches, and since I've been up to see them, had some brilliant conversations with the guys working on it and seen how it's evolved. They really seem on the same level as me when it comes to the visuals, especially the nasties...I do like the nasties.
SR: It doesn't get much "nastier" than the vampires of your 30 DAYS OF NIGHT, is there a particular creature in DEAD SPACE that you're proud of and could you describe it?
BT: There's no real favourite creature...well ok, there is, but it's in the game, rather than the comic, and I'm not going to spill the beans as I might get my balls chopped off but anyone who knows my sense of humour will appreciate why I love it so. I can say generally though, the overall idea of the creatures is damn cool. They're sort of zombies...but not, and share similarities in a way with other favourite creatures I like, that use other critters for their own ends, as in THE THING in a way.
SR: DEAD SPACE is being billed as an entry into the Survival Horror genre -- is there a secret to generating the look and feel of an impending horrible death in a comic using only visuals?
BT: If there was, I wouldn't be telling you so the whole world knew! But honestly, I have no idea if there is...I just do what appeals to me and if it works, it works. If it doesn't...well, that's another story. I guess the most important aspect if you want to get it right would be a sense of being alone and of darkness. Couple those two together in a survivalist sense and hopefully you're in for some tense times.
SR: If EA came to you with the idea for a 30 DAYS OF NIGHT video game, what would you say, and if yes, what would you demand that they not leave out or add?
BT: I wouldn't say yes. I'd literally scream it. I'd just ask them to be authentic and make it work while being as respectful to the comic story and visuals. So no sudden space vampires as big as a truck, etc...or any uber-boss like that. EA certainly would have the chops to make a beautiful game version of it. They do gore and blood damn well.
SR: Do you consider video games to be art, and if so, what do you say to critics doubt the cultural value of video games?
BT: Computer games are rapidly approaching the point where they and movies and music all merge into one strange and engaging beast. Computer games are certainly art. Just look at how beautiful some of them are. They are as much art as current cinema is, under the commercial system I mean, where it's all about the next popcorn blockbuster. Games have huge cultural value. Kids growing up attach great meaning and memory to their favourite games.
SR: Speaking of favorite games, is there one that you remember fondly or are you playing it now?
BT: Currently wading through projects so I get time to buy my US based Xbox and get the new upcoming Star Wars game...where you're a Sith apprentice. Forget the name. [Star Wars: The Force Unleashed –S] Also desperate to try the new "Total War" series game due out soonish on my PC.
SR: Is there one gaming or comic character that you would love to work on, and why?
BT: Spider Jerusalem. Something to do with him and genital-eating nano-lice or something. I grew up with the book TRANSMETROPOLITAN, where Spider comes from. It'd be complete heresy, but would be fun to tackle the character. Warren would have what's left of my shriveled nutsack of course.
SR: You couldn't have given a better answer, Spider is my journalistic idol, minus the homicide and the affinity for cats, that is. Do you have a recommendation for a comic title that's not getting the attention it deserves?
BT: Aye, currently I would say SHAOLIN COWBOY needs more attention. If only to make it possible there will be more issues sooooon. I love it to bits. Written and drawn by Mr Geof Darrow, it is too long between drinks. It's great escapist, humorous fun. If you can find an issue, you will not be disappointed.
SR: After DEAD SPACE, what's next for you?
BT: A great many things. I rarely actually work on one thing at a time, so there really is no "next". Suffice to say, currently writing and drawing a new unnamed miniseries for IDW Publishing dealing with prison...after the Colorado State Corrections System banned some of my books from their fine establishments. Really got me thinking it did...besides that, got a bunch of art books and such things I'm doing, though too soon to spill the beans just yet!
Issue #2 of DEAD SPACE is available now at your local comic retailer, and the DEAD SPACE game will hit stores in October of this year.
Seth "4:10" Robison, who holds court every Wednesday at Keith's Comix in Schaumburg IL, is the gaming culture columnist for gamertransit.com. E-mail him at seth410@gamertransit.com. The above is © 2008 by Seth "4:10" Robison, used with exclusive permission by comics101.com. Reproduction without permission is prohibited. All images and characters are the property of their respective owners.
