First Comics News: When and how did you first know you wanted to be a writer?
Will Carlson: I’ve always been interested in writing. Growing up, it was always around. My mom is a huge reader, and my dad would listen to Stephen King audiobooks on CD. As far as writing comics goes. I used to tag along as a kid and go grocery shopping with my mom. I’d usually run off and head toward the VHS/DVD rack of rentable movies. I happened to catch a glimpse of the book/magazine aisle and saw a couple of comics. The two that
caught my eye at the time were movie adaptation comics of Hulk and Daredevil. Something about the Daredevil book stood out. The first words in the book are “Hell’s Kitchen”. As a kid, I was oblivious to what that meant to the character. But something
about the world Hell being in the book seemed edgy and cool. Years later, I’d frequently go to my local comic shop, sticking mainly to dollar books as I was able to get a lot more that way. I remember reading “The Warriors of Plasm” as a kid and being like, “I
want to do this. I want to tell stories like this.”
1st: Are there any writers that you look up to?
Will: Yes, I have several. Marv Wolfman. His run on Teen Titans was very important to
me. Mark Waid is also someone I look up to. He has written amazing story after amazing story. I’d feel silly if I didn’t give an obvious nod to Alan Moore. Watchmen was also super important to me and how I viewedstorytellingg. Swamp Thing and V for Vendetta. Others include Scott Snyder, Adam Beechen, Robert Kirkman, Aubrey Sitterson, Chip Zdarsky, Ed Brubaker, Greg Rucka, Sean Phillips, Jeff Lemire, Matt Kindt, Jason Aaron, and Joshua Williamson. I could go on for hours.
1st: What is the storyline in “Slim Kenny’s Ugly Universe”?
Will: For thousands of years, a galactic space corps has protected the various planets and worlds within the galaxy. One day, every member of the “D.O.O.M Dept.”, which stands for (Defend.Order.Obey.Moral), was called to return to “Rattaban- Homeworld of the D.O.O.M Dept.” Every member except one, Slim Kenny. The planet had been destroyed, and eventually Slim made his return to find it gone, along with his family. With his home world and family gone, he takes it upon himself to track down the ones responsible. Stopping at nothing to avenge his home world and family. Along the way, we find things out that reshape the galaxy and universe. We see Slim go from abottom-tierr hero to having to make some decisions and fight people, his heroes, other members in the D.O.O.M Dept never had to.
1st: Who is Slim Kenny?
Will: Slim was a member of the D.O.O.M Dept. He was always treated as not good enough. While every other member of the Dept was tall, muscular, and intimidating. Slim is skinny and Lanky. The Dept often gave Slim the missions that weren’t seen as serious. Oftentimes “Z-tier” threats. Slim always dreamed of being a part of somgalaxy-endingng mission and proving his worth to his peers. The Dept gave Kenny the nickname “Slim” from a very early age. It is now just seen as his identity and name.
1st: Who are the glowing blue people?
Will: When we are introduced to Slim, we find him still processing the sudden destruction and death of his homeworld and team. The blue people are ghosts. His teammates and brothers. Who sticks around and sometimes judges or guides Slim.
1st: Who are a few other characters from “Slim Kenny’s Ugly Universe”?
Will: The first issue introduces us to a few characters off the bat. Slim lives in an apartment with his friend Bren Oren. Who is also an underground rapper. Going under the name “MassDaClass” when recording and performing. MassDaClass is also a very gifted magic user. We also see our villain for the book, Dorian Maw. Who is seen as a protector, a hero. Dorian has two metal arms coming out of his stomach. He has also had some previous run-ins with the Dept. Beyond them, we have so many more. I’m looking forward to everyone getting a chance to meet these characters.
1st: Just how ugly is this universe?
Will: The ugly is meant to represent, at first, Slim’s outlook on things. His family and world are gone. No goodbyes, nothing. Also, it represents their absence. With the D.O.O.M Dept gone and him their lone survivor, every villain can finally thrive without having to move around in shadows.
1st: How many issues are you planning, or is it ongoing?
Will: I’d love to at least cover the first arc, so six issues. I do have enough story notes for quite a few issues. Depends on where this goes.
1st: What do you think of Thomas Tikas’s art on Slim Kenny’s Ugly Universe?
Will: The toughest part of any project is finding art that really connects with the version you have in your head while conceptualizing. When I first saw Thomas’s art online, I knew instantly this was the guy. We did a coupleof different character designs to get an understanding of what they look like. I gave some brief reference photos, but ultimately Thomas designed the look of the characters. The look of Slim and his suit made me so excited, and for a moment, I forgot it was my character, and that’s how I knew Thomas was the right guy for the book. I really can’t say enough good things about his art. Every page he has done for this book are some of my favorite pages I’ve ever seen. He has been an amazing person to work with.
1st: What genre do you most enjoy writing?
Will: Science fiction/Dark Fantasy. I love the cliche superhero genre. Suspense and thrillers intrigue me also.
1st: Which character in “Slim Kenny’s Ugly Universe” are you most like?
Will: As obvious as it might sound, Slim Kenny. I think everyone can relate to never feeling like they belonged. Needing to step up when duty calls. Being “haunted” by your ghosts. So I would say Slim is a character I very much resonate with the most.
1st: Which comic book would you most like to write besides your own?
Will: Great question…hmm? Well, Batman would be a dream. It would be so fun to play with those characters. He’s been a part of some of my favorite stories. Green Lantern, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Spawn, and Spiderman. Being a huge fan of Teen Titans and Daredevil, il it would be a dream to pen a couple of stories for that. I’m not sure who owns the license, but I would also love to do Men in Black. I love CyberPunk 2077 and the Remedy universe. So anything set in those worlds would be a dream.
1st: Who has helped you the most in creating “Slim Kenny’s Ugly Universe”?
Will: Well, I’ve got to give credit to the other people on the book. Thomas Tikas has helped by giving it his all and drawing some gnarly, smooth pages for this project. Just talking to him and learning what he likes to draw and not has helped me. Just the back and forth of figuring othe ut script to the page has been really eye-opening. Edgar really stepped up on short notice and made this his. Getting back the first batch of pages from him. I was stunned to say the least. So vibrant and just plays so well with Thomas’s lineart. He’s been very easy to work with. Always wants what is best. Telling me ways we could play with things and get it looking better. Edgar and Thomas have both been very helpful. Dave Lentz and his mastery. He has created the logo for the book and is handling letters. I’ve worked with Dave on other projects, and he is very knowledgeable and always helpful. Honestly, everyone in theindiey comic space has been very welcoming and supportive. Every line of advice is helping in creating this book. Every Wednesday, the comics I grabbed is helping.
1st: What do you have to say to those who pick up “Slim Kenny’s Ugly Universe”?
Will: Well, first…Thank you! This book has a passion project. I’ve had the idea for years and finally decided to try and get it made. If you like superhero stories but want something outside the big2 I’d say this is for you. It’s a love letter to the genre with a coupleo obvious tip-of-the-hat moments, but a story wholly original and at times crazy. I truly think everyone can relate to these characters in some way. Slim and MassDaClass team up to get the answers on who destroyed Rattaban. Going at any lengths possible.
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