Review Fix chats with Stargate producer and “Dark Matter†writer and creator Joseph Mallozzi about his new Dark Horse series and his expectations for it.
For more information on the series, you can read our review of the first issue here.
Review Fix: What was the inspiration for “Dark Matter”?
Joseph Mallozzi:Â All of my favorite television shows, though often quite different in terms of subject matter, share a like theme. Dark Matter is my SF take on that theme…which, at the moment, I can’t reveal for fear of giving away one of the book’s big surprises.
Review Fix: How do you think “Dark Matter” stacks up with some of the other franchises you’ve created?
Mallozzi: While my writing partner Paul Mullie and I were certainly very involved in the development of the Stargate franchise, the television series was created by Brad Wright and Jonathan Glassner (working off the premise of the original Devlin and Emmerich movie). Dark Matter is our first original property, one that will, hopefully in time, find its way onto television as well. So far, however, I have to say that the process as been creatively rewarding and incredibly satisfying.
Review Fix: What was it like to work with Gary Brown?
Mallozzi: Garry was terrific to work with. He’s very talented and very collaborative. He really took the lead on establishing the book’s visual style and, with the guidance of our editor at Dark Horse, Patrick Thorpe, delivered a look and tone perfectly suited to the mystery narrative.
Review Fix: Will fans of your previous work dig this? Why/Why not?
Mallozzi: I think that fans of Stargate will enjoy Dark Matter. While very different terms of premise, DM does echo certain elements of Stargate, particularly its use of humor. There’s also an importance placed on the characters and their relationships, something that fans of Stargate always appreciated. If there’s one thing I took away from my years working of on the franchise, it’s that while a show’s premise may invite viewers to check it out, it’s the characters that keep them coming back.
Review Fix: What’s your favorite element of this series?
Mallozzi: The twists and turns and surprises in store. Paul and I had plenty of time to develop this story, these characters, and the various mysteries that will run through the series, so one of the things I’m really looking forward to is reader reaction to some of the upcoming revelations.
Review Fix: Without giving too much away, what should fans expect in the future of this series?
Mallozzi: Nothing and no one is what they seem.
Review Fix: What are your goals for this series?
Mallozzi: The game plan has always been to set Dark Matter up as a television series (or, possibly, a mini-series). We’re now in the process of sitting down with interested parties.
Review Fix: How would you sell this to someone in a comic book store?
Mallozzi: It’s got action, adventure, mystery, suspense, surprises, humor, and a weird kid who knows way too much about killstrokes. What more could you want?
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