We love comic books. Our interviews over the years have grown, transformed, and continue to evolve. What began as email interviews with comic creators worked its way to a video format, which was elevated by video conferencing (Zoom), and now we’ve recently added a podcast channel featuring a variety of shows covering a wide spectrum of the comic book industry, and soon the cosplay & convention communities. From past content being revitalized to previously unseen/unheard material finally getting the respect they deserve, and on-site interviews at comic conventions (like this one!), we will have a little something for everyone.
“Beyond the Synopsis” is a new show where we interview comic book creators and discuss their latest project(s). It might be the next exciting issue of a miniseries or ongoing, an upcoming title launch, a pre-order push, or the release of a trade paperback, hardcover collected edition, or an original graphic novel. And while a synopsis provides a sample of what you can expect with any release, “Beyond the Synopsis” seeks to explore the project(s) even further, through the interview with the creator(s), and provide even more reasons for you to check out, pick up, pre-order, or snag yourself a copy.
For episode two of BEYOND THE SYNOPSIS, I spoke with creator/writer Zack Kaplan about his new sci-fi title at Vault Comics entitled BEYOND REAL.
Prior to the debut of BEYOND REAL, Kaplan has created & written sci-fi epics ECLIPSE, PORT OF EARTH, THE LOST CITY EXPLORERS, JOIN THE FUTURE, FOREVER FORWARD, METAL SOCIETY, BREAK OUT, and MINDSET. He also is working on new titles KILL ALL IMMORTALS and THE MIDNIGHT: SHADOWS.
BEYOND REAL asks the question — what if we are living in a simulation, but instead of a Matrix style computer/digital simulation, it’s an artistic simulation. After all, creation is artistic – so why wouldn’t the simulation be?
It’s WIZARD OF OZ meets THE MATRIX! It’s this year’s love letter to comics with seven artists and two colorists! And it’s your chance to question reality…
BEYOND REAL #1
Written by Zack Kaplan
Art by Fabiana Mascolo & Toni Fejzula
Colors by Jordie Bellaire & Toni Fejzula
Letters by Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou
Covers & Cover Artists:
Cover A by John J. Pearson
Cover B by Fabiana Mascolo
Cover C by Luana Vecchio
Cover D by Jorge Corona
Cover E by Luana Vecchio (Virgin Variant)
Cover F by Fabiana Mascolo (Virgin Variant)
AVAILABLE NOW!!!
An artist’s discovery.
When struggling artist June is injured in a severe car accident that leaves her boyfriend in a coma, she begins to experience strange visual phenomena. Soon, she’s able to see that we are all actually living in a computer simulation. June must set out on a journey of possibility and peril into the metaphysical layers of the simulation to reach the world’s creator and save her true love from death.
Time to listen to the interview!
BEYOND THE SYNOPSIS Ep. 2 w/ Zack Kaplan of BEYOND REAL
If video is more your thing, we’ve got you covered!
Big thanks to Zack Kaplan for taking the time out to speak with us. Check back for more BEYOND REAL with both the preview for this week’s release of issue two, as well as the video of the interview!
Zack Kaplan is a break out science fiction comic writer and creator of such comics and graphic novels as KILL ALL IMMORTALS, BEYOND REAL, MINDSET, BREAK OUT, METAL SOCIETY, FOREVER FORWARD, JOIN THE FUTURE, THE LOST CITY EXPLORERS, PORT OF EARTH and ECLIPSE. After just a few short years, he has worked with publishers such as Image/Top Cow, Dark Horse, Aftershock, Vault, Scout Comics and DC Comics. His first three series were all optioned for TV adaptation, with PORT OF EARTH currently being developed by Robert Kirkman’s Skybound Ent. Zack has taught screenwriting and storytelling at the International Academy of Film and TV, located in the Philippines. He currently lives in Los Angeles.
ESCAPE ORDINARY
Vault is a critically acclaimed entertainment company that curates bold new science fiction, fantasy, and horror stories. We have been committed to working with historically underrepresented talent since day one. Purpose-built to create enduring fans, our expansive catalog of more than ninety original titles attracts a diverse and growing fandom. Launching new stories first as comics and graphic novels, Vault has partnered with leading companies like A&E, BET, Boatrocker, CBS, Netflix, Paramount, and others, to adapt its story properties to film, television, video games, and more. In 2023 Vault will launch Headshell, a line of graphic novels in collaboration with some of the world’s most iconic recording artists like Metallica, Def Leppard, the Beach Boys, Fall Out Boy’s Pete Wentz, Redman, and more.
