FCBD24 Interview: The Real Maleficent
Mar 12, 2024
Disney and Dynamite proudly present Maleficent, Queen of the Forbidden Mountain! Her realm is shrouded in darkness, and evil, and full of all things that go bump in the night. Her soul is cold, hardened by a lifetime of small-minded wanderers seeking to steal her powers to satisfy their mortal greed. Her patience wears thin. Her mystical might grows. It is a matter only of time before she descends the mountain and unleashes her horrible magics upon the powerless people below.
We caught up with the series writer Soo Lee to learn more about what inspired the extraordinary characters, what we can expect from their upcoming titles, AND to rifle through some really fun rapid fire questions!
Check out the full interview below and be sure to head to your local comic shop on Saturday, May 6 to celebrate FCBD in all it’s glory! To find a participating comic shop near you, use our FCBD Store Locator.
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?
Soo Lee: This series isn't the story you already know about Maleficent. This story places you in a world that has already established Maleficent as a character, before Sleeping Beauty was born. We get a glimpse into what she's capable of and as the main character of her own story.
FCBD: What are some of the core themes present in your book? What do you hope readers take away from your title?
Soo: I want the readers to imagine a world where Maleficent rules. I want her darkness to be present in the background and throughout the book.
FCBD: What part of the book was most fun to write?
Soo: I really loved drawing the scenery because they're just as important as the characters. It sets the mood and the environment around her and I think it establishes who she is.
FCBD: Can you share some of the inspiration behind certain characters, settings, etc.?
Soo: My inspiration came from the original animated movie. The backgrounds are so beautiful, Eyvind Earle really laid out the ground work for that universe. I wanted to be true to it, in my style.
FCBD: If you could meet your characters, what would you say to them?
Soo: I'd ask Maleficent if she can teach me her powers!
FCBD: Many newcomers will pick up comics for the first time on FCBD – what was the first comic you remember reading?
Soo: It's been such a long time ago, I don't remember what exactly the first comic book I read was. I do remember picking up Hellboy, Vertigo books, and Batman titles and being really excited about western comic books then. Some of my favorite books were DC's Elseworlds.
FCBD: What is your favorite part about working in the comic book industry?
Soo: Getting to actually create comic books!
FCBD: Tell us why everyone should read comic books!
Soo: It's a great way for escaping reality, even for a moment. It's nice to be able to lose yourself in a universe completely different from yours and visually follow along with the plot, like watching a movie in stills. I think it's one of the most unique visual mediums out there and it's for everyone to enjoy despite age or gender.
FCBD: Now, we have a series of rapid-fire questions for you! They’re, ya know, mostly related to comics... Answer as quickly as you can and try not to over think it!
Do you listen to music while you’re creating?
Soo: Yes! I usually have a playlist and it ranges from rock, death metal, to pop and soul. Sometimes I'll have a set album depending on the project but usually it's whatever gets me in a good mood.
What’s your favorite comic book genre?
Soo: Autobiographies and slice of life.
Are you more productive in the morning or at night?
Soo: I used to be a night owl because of life circumstances but now I'm trying to find a balance.
What do you and 10-year old you still have in common?
Soo: Anxiety.
If you were a comic book character, would you rather be the hero or the villain?
Soo: The villains. They're always more fun!
Everyone in the world gets to choose a power, but the more people that choose the same power, the weaker that power will be. What do you choose?
Soo: Invisibility. If my power got weaker I can just pretend I'm a ghost and spook people.
If there was one fictional item you could have in real life, what would it be?
Soo: A magic lamp.
If you were sucked into a game like “Jumanji,” which game would you at least want to be put into?
Soo: Castlevania.
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Rating: All-Ages
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