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FCBD19 Interview: Scout Comics Creator Discusses the Moral Dilemmas Present in Midnight Sky

The folks at Scout Comics posit a very confounding question which frames the plot of their Free Comic Book Day original: What would you do if you discover your son isn't really your son?

In Midnight Sky, a mother discovers that her true son has been replaced by an invader, and that she has been nurturing this invader for the last 15 years. Under the cover of darkness from the burnt-out sun, the mother learns that light is the only way to truth, the best chance at survival is to trust no one, and that, shockingly, her daughter’s blood may be the one last hope for humanity.

Scout Comics presents an utterly compelling tale about what makes a family, and just how far one will go to protect that bond.

We spoke with Midnight Sky writer, James Pruett, about the moral dilemmas presented in his Free Comic Book Day title, and how our responses to those dilemmas make us human. Check out the full interview, along with some preview pages below. Also, make sure you check out our PREVIEWS Prevue to see all the preview pages available for Scout Comics’ Midnight Sky. 


Free Comic Book Day (FCBD): Set up your title for those that might be new to your comic book: What will new readers need to know before diving into your Free Comic Book Day issue? Who are the characters and what’s the storyline? Free Comic Book Day, FCBD, Scout Comics, Midnight Sky

James Pruett: What would you do as a mother if you discover your son isn’t really your son? He may look like him, act like him, but deep down in your soul you just know…that he’s been replaced. Then your worst fears are realized when the light shines on his face just right and you accidentally see his true appearance for yourself. But he isn’t the only one you discover…your neighbor, your friend, even your husband. Do you scream? Do you run? Or do you fight back? And to make things more complicated you discover your daughter is the best and, perhaps, last hope for mankind? But how? Enter the dystopian world of the Midnight Sky where the sunlight has long since faded leaving only the eternal darkness behind and your best hope for survival is to trust no one.

FCBD: What did you enjoy most about writing/drawing this comic?

I enjoy the world-building aspect of it. Working with Scott Van Domelen is a true collaboration as we are always bouncing ideas and concepts off each other. It’s always rewarding when you have an artist that is as involved with the characters and their direction as you are as a writer.

FCBD: Why should people pick up this Free Comic Book Day title?

Midnight Sky is ultimately about family. What it means and what you would do as a parent to make sure your kids survive in a world that has been turned upside down. It reaches deep into the foundation of what encompasses a family. Is it just because you share the same blood, or does it go much deeper than that? When you’ve nurtured what you thought was your son for 15 years and recently discovered that he isn’t who you thought he was, is he still your son? Are you still his mother? Do you protect him when you realize that he replaced your true son and his whereabouts are unknown or do you run as far away as you can? Being a parent, I can definitely relate to the struggle that, Jennifer, our main protagonist must feel when being confronted with this dilemma.

FCBD: What other comic books would you compare to this title? “If a comic reader likes _______ , they should pick up my title?”

Walking Dead meets B.E.K. (Black Eyed Kids).

FCBD: Looking to the future, is there anything you can tease about what's upcoming for the title and its characters?

I think readers are going to be in for an exciting ride as our emotionally confused mother must trek across a Florida that no longer has a visible sun, as it’s been hidden behind a cloudy barrier and the world is now in a constant darkness, with her two children- one an imposter that replaced her son when he was an infant and she has raised unknowingly, and her daughter, whose own blood seems to be the key to destroying this onslaught of invaders that appear as exact replicas of the humans they are replacing, all will trying to discover the means to find and save her missing true son.

FCBD: What got you into reading comics?

I don’t recall if this was the actual first comic I ever bought, but I do remember the cover for Amazing Spider-Man #112 as being the comic that resonated with me in September 1972. I saw it on the spinner rack at my local convenience store and had to have it. I’ve been hooked since.

FCBD: Many newcomers will pick up comics for the first time on FCBD—what was the first comic you remember reading?

As I mentioned last question- Amazing Spider-Man #112.

FCBD: What is your favorite part about working in the comics industry?

Working with so many talented creative people. I love the fan interaction part of it, too.

FCBD: Tell us why everyone should read comic books!

There is no other medium that combines great art with inspired storytelling and allows your imagination to travel all across the universe. The only restriction is what you allow. There really are no special effects budgets holding you back. It’s a truly unique art form.

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

The possibilities of bringing new readers that have never experienced comics into retail stores and, hopefully, they’ll discover this great new world is more than just movies and will develop the passion that I feel about comics.

FCBD: Where do you plan on spending Free Comic book Day?

I’ve been invited to participate in Free Comic Book Day at one of my favorite comic shops, Yancy Street Comics in New Port Richey, FL. Steve is a great ambassador for comics, both mainstream and independent.

Free Comic Book Day, FCBD, Scout Comics, Midnight Sky
Free Comic Book Day, FCBD, Scout Comics, Midnight Sky
Free Comic Book Day, FCBD, Scout Comics, Midnight Sky
Free Comic Book Day, FCBD, Scout Comics, Midnight Sky

 

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