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FCBD Interview: Creative Team Talks About Junior Braves of the Apocalypse

The Zombie apocalypse has been imagined in nearly every way by writers of all kinds, especially comic books. So, when someone brings somehting new to the table, people pay attention.

In this case, that "someone" comes in the form of three people, who make up the creative team of Junior Braves of the Apocalypse from Oni Press.

Greg Smith, Michael Tanner, and Zach Lehner imagine the apocaylpse is similar to many popular iterations: brain eating zombies, heart pounding escapes, and arguments among the survivors.

The difference? All the main characters are children! 

Read our interview below to learn more about Junior Braves of the Apocalypse which you can get for FREE on Free Comic Book Day!


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Free Comic Book Day: For those who might be new to your comic book, give us a quick rundown of the story.

Greg Smith: The basic story is a group of kids go out into the wilderness with their outdoor group and come back after a week of learning survival skills to a town overrun by zombies. They must use those skills to fight zombies, figure out where their folks are at, and survive the beginning apocalypse!

Free Comic Book Day: What has been your favorite part of the book or character to tackle?

Zach Lehner:  It was very fulfilling to get to know the boys and show how they interacted with each other as they grew through the story.  By the end of it they've been through a lot together, and it's nice to see them bounce off each other.

Greg Smith: My favorite part of the book is how the resilience of youth is showcased throughout the story.  It was great to show kids that they can literally do anything. 

Michael Tanner: The fun and challenge of writing essentially a team book. Utilizing all the characters in fun and interesting ways and directing their interaction. Greg and I are already working on the script for book 3 and it's fun to see relationships evolve. 

Free Comic Book Day: What initially got you interested in comics?

Zach Lehner: I started saying I wanted to make comics when I was 7.  I enjoyed drawing and I enjoyed making stories, and it seemed very natural to combine the two.

Michael Tanner: Bright colors and action. My first comic was an issue of Fantastic Four with a bright yellow cover with the Thing flying through a wall. 

Greg Smith: When I was a kid I was given comics to help with my dyslexia. It helped me become a better reader.

Free Comic Book Day: What other titles would you compare to yours? “If a comic reader likes _______ , they should pick up my title"?

Zach Lehner:  If readers like 'The Walking Dead,' or want to read it but can't for one reason or another, this is a great choice!

Greg Smith: Other titles that you can compare our book to would be The Walking Dead or the Lumberjanes books. If a reader likes either of those, they are going to probably like our books.

Michael Tanner: The Walking Dead, Lumberjanes or even something like the Amulet series. 

Free Comic Book Day: Tell fans why they should pick your book first on Free Comic Book Day!

Greg Smith: I would say that with all the choices that they our book is one they should choose because it is awesome. It also has zombies. Honestly they should pick it up to pass it on to a friend or family member.

Michael Tanner:  It's going to go fast and it's an exciting introduction to the world.  

Zach Lehner:   We have a lot coming for you to enjoy, so if you want to get invested in fun, courageous and endearing characters navigating a hostile and confusing wasteland, with more adventures to come, this is the book to read.

Free Comic Book Day: What is your favorite part about Free Comic Book Day?

Michael Tanner: Seeing stores packed with fans who are being exposed to new books and creators.

Zach Lehner:  I like to drag my friends who don't read comics down to the shop to press good books into their hands.  It's a great day to spread the love of some of my favorite stories!

Greg Smith:  My favorite part of FCBD is getting to hear people talking about sampling all the stories they are going to fall in love with.

Free Comic Book Day: Where do you plan to spend Free Comic Book Day?

Zach Lehner:  I will be signing copies of JBA at Challengers Comics in Chicago!

Greg Smith:  I will be signing at the Things From Another World store in Portland, Oregon.

Michael Tanner: I'll be at The Comic Bug in Manhattan Beach.

Find a comic shop near you to celebrate Free Comic Book Day 2016!
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