Fury Diamond
06-12-2012, 11:26 PM
Here is our interview with Papercutz. We would like to thank Stefan, Paulo, and Jesse for taking the time to answer our questions. The first issue ("Memory Short") releases next month. For more information, check out the Graphic Novels (http://www.samuraicast.com/products/novels.php) page on Samurai Cast.
1. Did you watch Power Rangers or Power Rangers Samurai before working on this book?
Stefan Petrucha: No - I was aware of the various incarnations of the show, but the craze really passed me by. I do enjoy seeing it now, though.
Paulo Henrique: When I was a kid, I used to watch the Japanese version, which was even before Saban created the Power Rangers! I did watch the “Mighty Morphin’” series in the ‘90s.
2. What was your initial thoughts when you started on this project?
SP: What fun! Who are these guys? What are all those thingies they put together? And then... what fun! Again.
PH: I was thrilled! I grew up watching tokusatsu and super sentai like Jaspion, Changeman and Flashman. Once, when I was a kid, I went to a comic store and saw a Changeman comic book. I said to myself, “One day that will be me drawing this!” And now here I am drawing the Power Rangers! It's awesome, isn't it?
3. How long did it take to create the first issue?
SP: It generally takes me 1-2 weeks to complete a full fifty page script. In the case of licensed material, like the Rangers, I originally write a synopsis and then wait for approval, so there's a gap between writing stages.
PH: Around 3 months.
4. What were the challenges in creating the first issue?
SP: First, coming up with an exciting story that would both introduce new readers to the Rangers while still enticing fans of the series - that's the idea behind the amnesia Red experiences. Secondly, though I don't think I'd call it a challenge, per se, getting all the "call-outs" correct - the phrases the Rangers cry out when they morph/use various zords/weapons/combos, was a bit daunting.
PH: To incorporate the new elements of the series and match those specifications.
5. Did you have any challenges when working with the source material?
PH: Not at all. The references were great, and I have watched all the episodes. Also [Associate Editor] Mike is aways backing me up.
6. What was your favorite part of working on the issue?
SP: I enjoyed creating a new villain, trying to give the story a real adventure style pacing, and so on, but the thing I think I enjoyed most was seeing Paulo's art.
PH: The freedom to create the monsters; I have lots of fun doing so. Also, I love drawing human figures and the Megazord sequence was really cool.
7. What source material were you given?
SP: Saban Entertainment provided a very detailed bible for the series.
PH: All episodes in HD video, and guides from Saban.
8. Did you have to follow a strict guidelines for the novels?
SP: The stories are original, but we want the characters and the world to remain very true to what the Rangers are in the TV series, as does Saban.
PH: Well, I need to follow the script, but the way it’s written allows me to use my own sense of storytelling. I can play around adding stuff in the backgrounds and so on.
Jesse Post: As Stefan pointed out, our self-imposed guideline is to make sure the books feel like a true extension of the TV series. Saban is doing a fantastic job with the new series and we want everything great about it to be in the books, as well. Saban also helps us with branding and continuity mistakes, which is exactly what you expect from a licensing partner. Saban is exceptionally good at it, though; they’re very story-focused.
9. How much creative input did you have?
SP: The plot, the story, and the dialogue are all mine.
PH: I think I have a lot. I can play around with the script, create the monsters; it’s pretty stimulating.
JP: Our process with these is the same as all of our original books: we create everything from top to bottom, with Stefan and Paulo (in this case) in the driver’s seat. After some welcome course correction from Saban, it’s back to these guys to polish it up into the gem you wind up seeing at your local bookstore!
10. Did you add any original story or character elements to the novels?
SP: New villains, but the design of the series and the Rangers are all as you see them on TV!
11. Does the novel reveal a city name or the characters' last name?
SP: Nope. We really stay true to the show's conventions.
12. The character designs are beautiful and provide a sense of personality. What was your inspiration for the character designs?
SP: This is a question for Paulo, who I think is doing a fantastic job! I do try to add personality in the way the characters speak, though.
PH: I show my manga influences in it, and I tried to make sure the art resembled the TV actors.
13. What are your thoughts on the final product?
SP: I'm very excited - and looking forward to hearing what the fans think of what we've done!
14. What can you tell us about the Issue 2?
SP: It's called TERRIBLE TOYS - and, basically, some very small Nighlok invade our world in the guise of toys. At first they seem very easy to fight, but when they join together into a single evil entity, they really give the Rangers a run for their money.
PH: It will be as cool as the first, with some epic megamode battles!
15. Are you guys planning an Issue 3 before the end of the year?
SP: Right now the plots for #3 and #4 have yet to be approved, so I'd hate to pass out details that might change, but I think I'm getting better as I go along!
JP: After “Terrible Toys” (out on September 4) we’re taking a break for the rest of this year to focus on the 2013 books, which will tie in to the brand new TV series. Although “taking a break” is kind of misleading when Stefan has already written the plots and Paulo is sharpening his pencils in anticipation of those approvals!
1. Did you watch Power Rangers or Power Rangers Samurai before working on this book?
Stefan Petrucha: No - I was aware of the various incarnations of the show, but the craze really passed me by. I do enjoy seeing it now, though.
Paulo Henrique: When I was a kid, I used to watch the Japanese version, which was even before Saban created the Power Rangers! I did watch the “Mighty Morphin’” series in the ‘90s.
2. What was your initial thoughts when you started on this project?
SP: What fun! Who are these guys? What are all those thingies they put together? And then... what fun! Again.
PH: I was thrilled! I grew up watching tokusatsu and super sentai like Jaspion, Changeman and Flashman. Once, when I was a kid, I went to a comic store and saw a Changeman comic book. I said to myself, “One day that will be me drawing this!” And now here I am drawing the Power Rangers! It's awesome, isn't it?
3. How long did it take to create the first issue?
SP: It generally takes me 1-2 weeks to complete a full fifty page script. In the case of licensed material, like the Rangers, I originally write a synopsis and then wait for approval, so there's a gap between writing stages.
PH: Around 3 months.
4. What were the challenges in creating the first issue?
SP: First, coming up with an exciting story that would both introduce new readers to the Rangers while still enticing fans of the series - that's the idea behind the amnesia Red experiences. Secondly, though I don't think I'd call it a challenge, per se, getting all the "call-outs" correct - the phrases the Rangers cry out when they morph/use various zords/weapons/combos, was a bit daunting.
PH: To incorporate the new elements of the series and match those specifications.
5. Did you have any challenges when working with the source material?
PH: Not at all. The references were great, and I have watched all the episodes. Also [Associate Editor] Mike is aways backing me up.
6. What was your favorite part of working on the issue?
SP: I enjoyed creating a new villain, trying to give the story a real adventure style pacing, and so on, but the thing I think I enjoyed most was seeing Paulo's art.
PH: The freedom to create the monsters; I have lots of fun doing so. Also, I love drawing human figures and the Megazord sequence was really cool.
7. What source material were you given?
SP: Saban Entertainment provided a very detailed bible for the series.
PH: All episodes in HD video, and guides from Saban.
8. Did you have to follow a strict guidelines for the novels?
SP: The stories are original, but we want the characters and the world to remain very true to what the Rangers are in the TV series, as does Saban.
PH: Well, I need to follow the script, but the way it’s written allows me to use my own sense of storytelling. I can play around adding stuff in the backgrounds and so on.
Jesse Post: As Stefan pointed out, our self-imposed guideline is to make sure the books feel like a true extension of the TV series. Saban is doing a fantastic job with the new series and we want everything great about it to be in the books, as well. Saban also helps us with branding and continuity mistakes, which is exactly what you expect from a licensing partner. Saban is exceptionally good at it, though; they’re very story-focused.
9. How much creative input did you have?
SP: The plot, the story, and the dialogue are all mine.
PH: I think I have a lot. I can play around with the script, create the monsters; it’s pretty stimulating.
JP: Our process with these is the same as all of our original books: we create everything from top to bottom, with Stefan and Paulo (in this case) in the driver’s seat. After some welcome course correction from Saban, it’s back to these guys to polish it up into the gem you wind up seeing at your local bookstore!
10. Did you add any original story or character elements to the novels?
SP: New villains, but the design of the series and the Rangers are all as you see them on TV!
11. Does the novel reveal a city name or the characters' last name?
SP: Nope. We really stay true to the show's conventions.
12. The character designs are beautiful and provide a sense of personality. What was your inspiration for the character designs?
SP: This is a question for Paulo, who I think is doing a fantastic job! I do try to add personality in the way the characters speak, though.
PH: I show my manga influences in it, and I tried to make sure the art resembled the TV actors.
13. What are your thoughts on the final product?
SP: I'm very excited - and looking forward to hearing what the fans think of what we've done!
14. What can you tell us about the Issue 2?
SP: It's called TERRIBLE TOYS - and, basically, some very small Nighlok invade our world in the guise of toys. At first they seem very easy to fight, but when they join together into a single evil entity, they really give the Rangers a run for their money.
PH: It will be as cool as the first, with some epic megamode battles!
15. Are you guys planning an Issue 3 before the end of the year?
SP: Right now the plots for #3 and #4 have yet to be approved, so I'd hate to pass out details that might change, but I think I'm getting better as I go along!
JP: After “Terrible Toys” (out on September 4) we’re taking a break for the rest of this year to focus on the 2013 books, which will tie in to the brand new TV series. Although “taking a break” is kind of misleading when Stefan has already written the plots and Paulo is sharpening his pencils in anticipation of those approvals!