BOOM! Studios: TAKE 10! is an interview series asking writers and artists about their new series or graphic novels.
Webseries and TTRPG star Aabria Iyengar (Critical Role, Dimension 20), fan favorite webcomic artist Mari Costa (Life of Melody), colorist Angel De Santiago, and letterer Jim Campbell take readers to new realms and adventures in THE FADE, a new, magical coming-of-age story from the award-winning BOOM! Box imprint in November 2024.
A once fearless high schooler, Jeannie wasn’t prepared for the aimless feeling of being a college freshman, but that’s all about to change! Mirror myths take on new life in the modern age, as countless people claim to have passed into a realm called “The Fade” in their dreams via a viral internet sensation. But what awaits Jeannie and her best friend Arno on the other side? Royal quests, ancient prophecies, or something far more dangerous…?
1. What was the most challenging aspect of working on this series?
Aabria Iyengar: Learning to embrace the extra dimension of visuals in storytelling! It’s just a thing I haven’t gotten to think about too much in my time working in actual play!
Mari Costa: As with any work set in contemporary times, I will inevitably be forced to draw a car.
2. Could you explain the title?
AI: The Fade is the name of this fey realm, but I wanted a name that also pointed at the fear of losing yourself inside of the fantasy you consume or create in your own head.
3. What is the elevator pitch for the series?
AI: If you went to sleep each night and lived a whole second life full of magic, romance, and adventure, would you consider your “true self” the person you are while awake or when you’re asleep?
4. What does your writing and drawing space look like?
AI: I wish I had a delightful answer for this, but the truth is that 90% of the time it’s just me in bed because my sweet dog bullies me into hanging out there all day. She likes to step on me. 🙂
MC: Right now I’m in the process of moving internationally so it’s VERY chaotic, but normally I like to surround myself with very pink and cutesy aesthetic trinkets and blind box dolls for emotional support. Me and the girlies love to grind it out. I also have at least 2 distinct lists and checkboxes to track progress so I can reward myself accordingly!
5. What was your biggest inspiration for The Fade?
AI: Beyond my lifelong love of isekai fiction, I think the biggest inspiration is that feeling you get when you’re in the middle of a DnD campaign, and all of your memories of sessions feel a real and concrete as your childhood ones. It’s all real.
6. What are you reading now and what’s on your pull list?
AI: Novelwise, I’ve just started Gideon the Ninth! Comics: I’m a little X-Men baby til I die, so bopping around Marvel til I get my fix.
MC: Currently I’m not reading anything in particular, but I JUST got myself copies of Tiffany’s Griffon and Please Be My Star by my extremely talented and beautiful friends and peers that I’m desperately excited to dig into.
7. Describe your ideal way to sit down and read a comic or graphic novel.
AI: Gimme a big chair, wrap me in a blanket, and give me a nice cup of coffee I can immediately forget about until it’s stone cold and I’m in comic HEAVEN.
MC: In bed or curled up on a big sofa and fully locked in to read it all in one sitting. Or, sitting on the floor of the Barnes & Nobles.
8. What is your favorite writing/drawing snack or drink?
AI: Per my last answer, I love a cup of coffee with oat milk that I’ve ignored for at least an hour.
MC: I love a big carton of blueberries!! They are the perfect little snack. For drinks I’m partial to either tea or matcha when it’s cold or a refreshing diet coke when it’s hot (not sponsored).
9. Who would you cast in your dream movie or TV adaptation of the series?
AI: Oh, I think Amber Riley would be an amazing Jeannie!
MC: I’m SO bad at remembering actors’s names (or at knowing about celebrities in general), but honestly I think Aabria’s come up with such a diverse and fun cast in The Fade that I think this would be the perfect opportunity to look for new young, up-and-coming talent. Alternatively, I feel in my heart like Brennan Lee Mulligan could wear a lot of different wigs and pull it off.
10. What piece of advice would you give to the main characters? What about the villains?
AI: Ah, I’d tell Jeannie and Arno that they’re totally valid in their feelings, because early adulthood is terrifying and strange. But beyond that, the responsibility for creating a life of excitement and adventure is on them! Go out and find your story!
MC: This is not exclusive to Jeannie or Arno, this is advice I would give ANY eighteen-year-old about to go to uni: It’s not that serious. For Sarwinna: No notes. You’re doing amazing, sweetie.
THE FADE #1 will be available on November 6, 2024 at your local comic shop. Digital copies can be purchased from content providers, including Kindle, iBooks, and Google Play.
