Interview with Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep editor Bryce Carlson

Of the 36 novels Philip K Dick authored, probably none has garnered the mainstream attention that Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep has. Surely part of the fascination with the story is the 1982 movie Blade Runner, that was based on the novel which itself has a cult following. But as one of many stories by the author to have made the transition to film, the movie itself is not the only enduring snapshot of the story’s importance. Many of the themes in this book originally published in 1968, are still widely used plot devices in science fiction especially the never ending debate of what truly makes us human. But Dick’s influence is not limited to this particular story or to science fiction films but is also felt by many of his fellow authors. A new 24 issue maxi-series published by Boom! Studios will attempt to not only directly translate the original novel into a different format but also to help showcase how the author has influenced this medium as well. The editor for this series Bryce Carlson recently took some time out from his busy schedule to answer a few questions about this project for The Dollar Bin.

Brian - Can you tell us how this project came to Boom Studios? Is this a property that Boom has been pursuing or a pet project for anyone there?

Bryce - The Philip K. Dick Estate approached us about this project and we immediately jumped on it. For many of us, this is a dream project. We all love Dick’s work and being able to help bring Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? to comic book fans is a special opportunity that we are all excited about.

Brian - This will be a comic that is heavy it terms of the amount the reader will have to actually read in terms of what might be a typical words to picture ratio. Was this a subject of concern while developing the project or seen as the only way to truly tell the story as the staff felt it should be?

Bryce - This is definitely something that we knew when taking on the project. It wasn’t so much of a concern as an acceptance of a challenge. The challenge is what makes this project so great. Putting in every word, every comma, every hyphen—it’s not easy but it’s worth it. At the end of the day, we’re happy to give the audience, fans and newcomers alike, a timeless story accompanied by fresh, beautiful art.

Brian - Can you give us some insight as to how each issue is developed? Is a script written by editorial using the original text and the artist goes from there or is there another process?

Bryce - Ah, the million-dollar question. Yes, a script is produced that captures all of the text. It also contains panel description that is derived from the novel for the artist to work from. He takes it from there and voila, a great comic book is made.

Brian - How was the artistic staff chosen for this unique project? Is Tony Parker scheduled to be the interior artist for the entire series?

Bryce - We looked high and low for the right artist for this project – and Tony is just perfect. He’s got a great style and attitude and is very versatile. And yes, Tony Parker is scheduled for the entire series.

Brian - Was it important to distance this project from the movie adaptation Blade Runner or is staying faithful to the book the only concern?

Bryce - Staying faithful to the book is our greatest concern. Blade Runner created a world based on the novel but also spun out into its own direction. Our goal is to simply present the novel as purely as possible.

Brian - This is set to be a 24 issue series. What kind of release schedule can we expect for this series? Will this try to be a monthly title?

Bryce - People will be looking for my head if something goes awry but yes, this is a monthly series. No breaks. Just two wonderful years of Philip K. Dick in comic form.

Brian - Trades and collections have become such a big part of the industry. What can we expect for collected editions? Will this be something that we will see in multiple trades in the forms of chapters or will Boom shoot mainly for bigger editions?

Bryce - We are planning on six trades that collect four issues each. Of course, it would be a crime to deny the world a definitive collection after the series ends.

Brian - The covers we’ve been able to see so far have been incredible. Are multiple covers going to be available for each issue in the series and who are some of the artists involved?

Bryce - The covers are gorgeous and continue to amaze us each month. And with such great artwork, it’s only natural that we present multiple covers. Expect to see work from Moritat, Brett Weldele, and Scott Keating.

Brian - Something that might catch the attention of a lot of comic readers will be the “BACKMATTER” feature. Can you explain to readers what this is, how it came about and if it will be a feature in each issue?

Bryce - Backmatter is the “bonus material” featured at the end of each issue. It ties in to the main vein of the comic and supplies interesting information that fans will enjoy after reading the issue. There are a few comic books that currently make use of backmatter (CRIMINAL, INCOGNITO) and it’s something that is not new to comics. There will be backmatter in every issue. It’s all for the fans.

Brian - The first issue’s “BACKMATTER” was written by Warren Ellis, the second issue is from Matt Fraction and the fourth by Ed Brubaker. That’s a pretty fantastic start for this very interesting feature. Can you give us a tease of who we can expect in future issues?

Bryce - We don’t want to give too much away but Farscape creator, Rockne S. O’Bannon will be writing some backmatter for an issue. We have some awesome ideas that we think will really connect with the audience and educate them on Philip K. Dick.

from 1975 Rolling Stone pieceBrian - Can you tell fans about the call for help for Paul Williams that was featured in the closing pages of issue #1?

Bryce - Paul Williams was the ROLLING STONE journalist that brought Philip K. Dick to the masses, praised his talent, and became his devoted friend. Due to an accident in 1995, Paul now requires full-time care. The fund is taking donations so that we can support the man that helped expose such a brilliant mind to so many people.

Brian - Last question, obviously this is a very unique piece both in its original format and with what Boom is attempting in the comic format. Are there other projects in the works at Boom to follow in the footsteps of DADOES or will time and the success of the series be the deciding factor there?

Bryce - At this moment, we are taking our time and devoting it fully to Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?. We may publish a similar project in the future, but in order to do DADOES justice, we have to make it our primary focus.

Issues 1 & 2 of this series are in stores now. Special thanks to Boom Studios and especially Bryce Carlson and Chip Mosher for their assistance with this article.

Comments

[Robert]

Seems like the story is in good hands.

[Terence]

Great interview! Really digging the written pieces on the site now!

[Brian Eison]

Thanks for reading, I'm glad you both enjoyed the interview.