I caught up with the creators of Elena, Darren Pearce and Stuart Jennett. Elena is entering it’s third, and highly-anticipated, third issue. They’ve been quite busy publishing this awesome comic series. Here’s what they had to say.
Time definitely flies when you’re creating a great comic, admired by so many comic fans! You’re releasing issue three, to an anticipated audience. Tell us about the journey of Elena.
SJ: Well I guess it’s quite a tragic story in a lot of ways, taken from her mother at an early age, forced into a KGB research program, finally rescued by the CIA and recruited into a US homeland defense program, as an arc it’s pretty broad for sure.
We know characters evolve over time, and especially since conception. Have you made any changes to the character since the first issue? If yes, what?
SJ: As a character she’s grown through loss from childhood, but I think it’s the events in issue 2 that will have a number of real repercussions, as we move forward. I like to think she’s still pretty tough on the inside though, pretty resourceful. Issue 4 will show a more physical, action side to her abilities as we build to the climax of this first series. We’ve been mindful that she can’t be portrayed as an eternal victim, it helps flesh a character out to a degree, but it becomes boring for the reader after a point and now it’s time to see the tougher more confident side to her character.
Have you received any special comments about Elena being a great role model for women?
SJ: We’ve had a few, which is nice, at least we know it’s reaching readers on a number of levels, as it’s always been our intention to move away from the more sexualized super heroines of late.
DP: The Big Issue up North, which is a magazine distributed and by homeless people on the streets in the UK ran an interview about the series and also felt Elena was a great role model for women in the 21st century.
You like to add realism to your stories. Are you inspired by world events? If yes, how?
SJ: To a degree, there’s elements in the next two issues that touch on the Roberto Calvi ( God’s Banker) case from the 70’s and the series as a whole nods to the current world of terrorism and surveillance society that we exist in now. Even the ‘super’ powers of our heroes are rooted more in cold war research programs that you’d associate more with the Bourne movies that the more fantasy elements of the modern superhero comic. There is a conscious decision there to keep things as grounded as possible, we have to push it out a little in certain areas but as long as it’s in context.
DP: I think escapism is important but also keeping characters within reach of the audience is also something that Stu and I always wanted to achieve with the series.
Can you share any future stories for the series? Can we expect any spin-offs?
SJ: Not at this point I’m afraid, we do have it planned as a complete arc, so hopefully if we have success with this first series we know exactly which direction we’re heading in the future.
We noticed that comic publishers are using motion for their comic books. There has been a steady increase in creating motion comics. What are your thoughts on this?
SJ: It’s definitely something to keep an eye on for sure, for us at the moment it’s simply a time issue. I’ve seen some impressive results, so yeah I wouldn’t rule it out, I guess it’s a natural evolution of the comic book.
How many issues do you have planned for Elena?
SJ: This first series is four issues, but as I mentioned earlier depending on how we go with series 1. But we do have another already planned.
Do you have any new projects in the works? If yes, what?
SJ: I’m currently writing the second series of Chrono Commandos for Titan comics at the moment, so I’m hoping to start the artwork for that at some point later this year once I wrap on Elena. I’ve a few other sci-fi projects in development as well so I’m always keeping busy.
DP: I’ve been involved in a movie project in Hollywood for a while now and we hope to be getting the green light in the next few months. I’m also working on a couple of other projects including a low-budget horror film.
Do you have any advice for aspiring comic writers?
SJ: Even if it’s just to save your own sanity, keep going!
DP: And always follow your gut instinct when it comes to the story!
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