Kevin Moyers & Nick Defina Interview!

PF: Thanks for taking a few minutes to talk to us guys; Septagon Studios was formed by Nick, Philip and Domenic Defina. Kevin, what brought you to join the team?

Kevin: Nick ran across Scorn's artist, Philipp Neundorf, and Philipp pretty well got us connected. I wonder if I owe him agent's fees.


PF: Nick, according to your official website, Septagon Studios is said to be best described by the word “versatility”. Can you give us any insights as to what makes this publisher any more versatile from any other?

<img src="http://www.projectfanboy.com/images/reviews/scorn1.jpg" hspace="10" align="left">Nick: What makes Septagon Studios versatile is our approach and how we handle and adapt our strategies to the works of our creators. Also, the projects we plan on releasing. We are an art oriented company and we would like to introduce different styles of art into comics with undiscovered talents from across the world. We are always looking for cutting edge art, and various styles that are unique and unconventional. The same can also be said about the stories we plan on publishing.


PF: Pulled from a June 2007 interview on [url]www.comicnews.info[/url], Septagon Studios was said to be publishing at least four different creator-owned projects over the course of 2007 and 2008. What other projects do you have in the works and will they still meet the 2008 deadline previously released?

Nick: We have projects already lined up for 2008 and others are still being discussed as they are currently at the contractual stage. We are planning them strategically as we want our projects to be refined and ready before release.


PF: Who were your major influences in comic books?

Nick: I can’t really say that it was any specific writer or artist; however publishers did play a big part in my life. Some of my influences include IDW, Image Comics, Dark Horse Comics, Marvel Comics, Virgin Comics, Oni Press, Dreamwave Productions. These publishers inspired me and still do till this day.

Kevin: Fear. I know it's not a person, but fear got me started. When I turned 26, I got into a huge panic thinking I hadn't accomplished anything and never would. I just started writing comics and went down other avenues from there.


PF: Kevin, in the previously mentioned interview with comicnews, you have been working with Philipp S. Neundorf on Scorn and seemed quite excited about his work. How has that working relationship been developing?

Kevin: He and I get along quite well, though we've only communicated through email. Scorn wouldn't be what it is without him. Ultimately, I'd love to one day fly him in and take him through Chicago so he can see all of the real settings of Scorn.


PF: Have any problems arisen from working with an artist who is literally, geographically speaking, half a world away?

Kevin: No. I've never had an easier time working with an artist, or anyone for that matter. He's a fast worker, and he interprets my scripts perfectly. We've done four books together and I've never had him change one panel that he's drawn.


PF: What can you tell us about Scorn’s main character, Michael Riggs?

Kevin: I pulled him out of how I felt at 19. I was always angry and stressed. He's unhappy, doesn't fit in, overreacts in an aggressive manner. Writing him was very cathartic.

PF: Do you plan to bring Riggs into any future works after the mini is complete?

Kevin: I'd get into that, but you'll really have to see what happens at the end of this mini-series before I do so I won't ruin the ending.

PF: With the early death of Michael’s mother, an unhealthy relationship with his seemingly alcoholic father, and murder of his long time friend Glen; the title Scorn seems appropriately named. Were there any influences in your life that gave you the idea for the story or do the creative juices just ooze from your head and flow onto paper?

Kevin: I guess I haven't always been really close with family, though that has changed with time, and I've always been protective of people I care about, so I guess that goes into the story, and I guess the rest would be ooze.

PF: Michael seems hell-bent on bringing some vigilante style justice to Glen’s killer, along with anyone else who gets in his way. Has Michael given up everything for his version of justice and become a fugitive living outside the law for the rest of his life?

Kevin: It really does seem that way. Although he's on the side of good, he's still a vigilante, and still technically a murderer, and sadly there are many courts that would convict someone like Michael.


PF: When Glen dies in the first issue of Scorn, why are the police of no help? Are they simply incompetent or is crime and corruption plague the department’s police force?

Kevin: Not to disparage the Chicago Police Department, but when you are in a big city, there is a lot of crime, and sometimes it takes a while to get the job done. When it comes to gang related crime, I think it must be harder, because you have so many people covering tracks.


PF: Scorn is said to be a four issue miniseries. When will issues three and four be available?

Nick: Issues 3 and 4 will be available later on in the year with the mini series wrapping up in the fall. The books are placed on a bi-monthly schedule.

PF: Well thanks again for joining us fellas. We hope to see future work from Septagon Studios, and keep on keepin’ on brothas! Holla!