Review Fix chats with Liithos’ Director of IP and Development Nate Murray talks all about the Trace War comic book Kickstarter and why it’s a series hell-bent on changing the industry.
About Trace War:
Trace War takes place in a far future Pacific Northwest in a world that has been ravaged by climate change, global wars, the arrival of mysterious pockets of dark energy called “The Trace,” which has led to the collapse of global civilization. Chapter One follows the saga of Ash Naranjo, born without arms and transformed by TechGyn – high tech nanotechnology – Ash grows up an outcast. When his enclave is attacked by the oppressive Freelanders, Ash joins the Order, an ancient organization dedicated to restoring humanity’s lost knowledge. Having lost everything – his former life, his family, his home – Ash now finds himself in a war to save all of humanity. But can he save himself? This series promises to be a compelling blend of action, science fiction, and Garvin’s trademark narrative depth.
About Liithos:
Liithos is an international team of talented developers who are dedicated to creating AAA immersive experiences, in games, comics, and more. We are pushing the boundaries of what we can achieve, using industry-standard tools and cutting-edge technology. More than a game company, Liithos is active in improving the lives of our team members, allowing them to work from wherever is best for them. As a team, we’re dedicated not just to building better games, but better lives. We work together to create an inclusive and welcoming studio atmosphere where each individual is empowered to be their best, both personally and professionally.
Review Fix: How did you get involved in comics?
Nate Murray: I’ve been in love with comics since I was a kid. My uncle was an indie comic artist for a company called Blackthorn. He took me to San Diego Comic Cons when it was still a comics forward show.
In 2012 I joined IDW Publishing working for Jerry Bennington. We created a number of new divisions for IDW and that grew my career quickly.
Review Fix: How is it different from the game industry?
Murray: Comics are smaller in some ways, but completely unlimited in others. They’re a smaller audience than video games because they’re less interactive, but there’s also no limit to the creativity you can show on the page. We can tell incredible sprawling stories in comics with no concern about budget, physics, or any other details that might be limiting when it comes to video games.
Review Fix: Who inspires you creatively?
Murray: Going bigger. I want to push every time. I’ve been lucky to always work with teams that feel the same. Every time I end a project, the thing that gets me excited for the next one is what will be bigger, better, and newer than anything I’ve done before.
Review Fix: How are your comics different or special?
Murray: Trace War is special because of the talents involved. It’s not often that you can attach this much of a celebrated team to a book that doesn’t have a long history. Our artists are all hugely talented with great track records, John Garvin is responsible for an incredible body of work, and our editor is the former Editor in Chief of IDW. Getting all this talent in one place to tell a brand-new story to launch an IP is very special.
Review Fix: Will fans of your work on Days Gone and Syphon Filter be at home with this comic? How is it similar or different?
Murray: They will find familiarity in the deep world-building that John Garvin is known for. He truly builds worlds brick-by-brick. Everything feels lived in and rich. There’s some different elements in the trace itself and the cast of characters he created for our world. His fans will recognize that this is created by Garvin, but nothing here will feel recycled.
Review Fix: Why is this Kickstarter important?
Murray: Kickstarter is an open conversation with a community. This is becoming the premiere way to launch an IP or idea because it’s a 30 day conversation with your biggest fans. You get to post things, answer questions, and go in-depth in a way that isn’t offered in other platforms. For us, this Kickstarter is important because it lets the core community we’ve built over the last year get something special, and it lets us open the conversation with the comics community as a whole as well.
Review Fix: What about this comic? Sell us. Sell us hard.
Murray: Paul Pelletier. Tony Harris. Brett Booth. John Garvin.
That’s the sale. I’ll put that team up against anything the Big 2 is publishing right now. Take one look at this art and you’ll be hooked, read a page, and you’ll be a fan for life.
Review Fix: Who do you think will dig it the most?
Murray: I do think the Days Gone fans are in for a treat. But if I had to mention some other works from my community, fans of books like Saga, Y: The Last Man, V for Vendetta, or Dune will feel at home here. People who want a well-constructed scenario for their action.
Review Fix: How do you want your books to be remembered?
Murray: I want people to be benchmarks of quality that people measure their own creations against.
Review Fix: Any possibility of a game based on the comic one day?
Murray: That is the road map we’re on.
Review Fix: What are your long-term goals for your work?
Murray: To make fans excited, and inspire them in their own endeavors.
Review Fix: Why should someone support your work?
Murray: Back the kickstarter or, if you’re interested but not in a position to do that, share our Kickstarter page link and follow us on social media so you can keep in touch.
Review Fix: Anything else you’d like to add?
Murray: Thank you to everyone who’s given Liithos a shot so far!
Review Fix: What’s next?
Murray: World domination.
Review Fix: Where can people find out more?
Liithos Website – https://www.liithos.com/
Liithos Shop – https://web3.liithos.com/
Twitter – https://twitter.com/LiithosEnt
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/LiithosOfficial
Linkedin – https://www.linkedin.com/company/liithos/
Youtube – https://www.youtube.com/c/LiithosEntertainment
TikTok – https://www.tiktok.com/@liithosent
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