First Comics News: How did the idea for Global Impact first come about?
Dan Sehn: Nigel Flood and I were bringing properties to another publisher. I had published Impact International in the Argo Comics Anthology and saw he had a very cool international team of his own. When I heard his premise, the clash between the two teams seemed like an idea that was too good not to pursue.
1st: What was the initial conversation like between Argo Comics and Punt Press?
Dan: We had already been talking in group chats for that publisher, and Nigel agreed it was a great idea. As I ran through the story idea, he came up with the great Global Impact story title.
1st: Unlike other team-ups or crossovers, this comic is double-branded as both Impact International #3 and The Globalists #3. What’s up with that?
Dan: Yes, we both so happened to have 2 issues of these books already released and felt that the story worked well in the continuity of both storylines, so it was decided to have it act as issue 3 of both series. Personally, when I discover a previously published series, it’s sometimes a bit of work to figure out what order to read the specials and annuals in. Numbering the book as part of both series solves that problem.
1st: What can backers expect from the campaign in terms of tiers, exclusives, and stretch goals?
Dan: We have set up the tiers to offer a variety of covers, as well as allowing people to catch up on whatever they might have missed from either series in both digital and print formats. We are well on our way to our first stretch goal of offering a NIGHT RANGER/ APEX variant cover by Luis Felipe
1st: How do you handle continuity when merging two different superhero teams?
Dan: The storyline of the Globalists traveling to different universes with the goal of bringing their brand of “order” was a premise that made it easy for them to show up on Earth, Argo.
1st: What’s the writing process like when collaborating across publishers?
Dan: We had an open line of communication for any information needed, and I had already backed and read the Globalists to be familiar with what had been established. Beyond that, Nigel had enough faith in my work to let me craft the story and keep things rolling with the art and colors.
1st: How did you decide which heroes from each team would take center stage?
Dan: Certain characters were built better to play specific roles in the story, so that happened somewhat organically as the plot dictated.
1st: How did you ensure that each character gets their moment to shine?
Dan: Having done several books with guest characters, I have always been cognisant of not leaving any character undervalued. All get their moment to shine in this one.
1st: Were there any “must-have” moments or fights that were non-negotiable?
Dan: There were a few power clashes that seemed like we had to have. We tried to get creative and use the powers in interesting ways beyond “this character punches this character”.
1st: What was the biggest challenge creatively?
Dan: That was most likely for the artist in rendering such a large cast of characters.
1st: How did you strike a balance between action and character development?
Dan: The plot called for action, so that was the easy part, and discussions with Nigel about his characters allowed me to progress the reader’s relationship with certain members of each cast.
1st: For new readers, how would you describe Impact International?
Dan: Impact International is a superhero team working under the direction of the United Nations. With 12 countries making up the roster, they sometimes divide into two groups of 6 when needed, acting as Impact Gold and Impact Silver.
1st: And for those unfamiliar with Punt Press, who are the Globalists?
Dan: The Globalists are inter-dimensional conquerors. They rule their earth with an iron fist! They’ve outlawed religion, ended world hunger and war, and enforced one world language. The people of their Earth love them and worship them like celebrities. Now, they plan to bring this vision of peace to the whole multiverse.
1st: Which characters from both teams are the “anchors” of this story?
Dan: I think the United Nationalist is considered the anchor for the Globalists, and Impact International has 2 field leaders in Rama and Night Ranger. None are anchors to this particular story, but different characters do perhaps play a more pivotal role.
Are there natural rivalries or friendships that emerged between team members?
I think we see both of those occur at different points in the story.
1st: How do the philosophies or methods of the two teams compare or clash?
Dan: Well, Impact International is directed by the United Nations, while the Globalists have taken control of their world and seek to do the same to other Earths, so it is quite a clash in philosophies.
1st: Was there a character pairing that clicked during development?
Dan: Certain characters had powers that were interesting against their opponent. On a visual level, I like the pairing of Thunderlord Vs. The United Nationalist is on one of our covers.
1st: Is there a central villain or global threat tying the story together?
Dan: Well, it’s up for debate as to whether or not the Globalists themselves are villains, but we do start the story off with an alien invasion of Earth, Argo.
1st: Will readers need to be familiar with either series to enjoy this book?
Dan: No, it is completely self-contained, although previous issues of both will enrich your understanding of the characters.
1st: Are there callbacks or easter eggs for longtime fans?
Dan: Yes, we start that right off on page one, as people can see in the previous pages.
1st: Will Global Impact expand either team’s universe in future stories?
Dan: It does add another universe/ dimension to both universes. Whether either revisits them, only time will tell.
1st: How much real-world influence do you allow in this universe?
Dan: Both universes operate in real-world parameters, but the Globalists have veered further away from recorded history by far.
Do the teams have similar views on how to handle threats?
Dan: No, I would say that Impact International is a bit more diplomatic in their adventures.
1st: How did the creative chemistry between the Argo and Punt Press teams develop?
Dan: I have known Nigel for years, and Thunderzone did publish his book, The Squad, so we had a working relationship to bring this crossover to print.
1st: Were there any creative disagreements, and how did you resolve them?
Dan: No, it was pretty smooth sailing.
1st: Whose the creative team for this crossover?
Dan: I discussed the plot with Nigel and ran things by him as I wrote the story. Jardel Cruz did a fantastic job on the art, as did Téo Pinheiro on colors.
1st: What is the minimum pledge for a digital copy?
Dan: $6
1st: What is the minimum pledge for a print copy?
Dan: $8
1st: What is the URL for the Kickstarter?
Dan: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/dansehn/global-impact
1st: What makes this crossover so cool, no true comic fan should miss it?
Dan: If you are a fan of big super-team clashes like JLA/Avengers and Teen TitanX-Mennn then this gives you that with an indie twist.
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