A Truthful Interview

   With the launch of Truthful Comics latest title the indie publishing world has a potential powerhouse in it's hands. Backed with witty writing and gorgeous artwork, Project: New Wave has what any comic book needs to succeed; but will it be enough? In this exclusive interview we go inside the mind of the true mastermind behind Truthful Comics' Project: New Wave, "Mr. Truthful Comics" himself; Manuel A. Carmona. See what goes on behind the scenes, how he sees the industry, where he sees Truthful Comics in the next ten years and so much more. 


So Manuel, when exactly did you came up with the idea for Project: New Wave?

I've been working on this project since the 90's but I finally was able to put my ideas together after joining forces with my brother Alvaro Cortez Ortiz Jr. He's really been a major force behind the development of this project.

Alvaro will be the the main writer on your book from issue...?

He'll be the writer starting on issue #2 and he's already written a one-shot that I've worked on and we intend to fully develop as a graphic novel. 


Why did you decide to let Alvaro write your comic?

Simple, he’s a genius when it comes to writing and I’m not. LOL! No in all seriousness, ideas come easy for me and I can elaborate a story with little difficulty, but turning ideas into a full script is damn near impossible for me. My strength is the art so I’ll stick to the art and let the master do his thing. Quick story, when I first posted some Project: New Wave artwork on a forum Alvaro and I used to be a part of way back when, he immediately gravitated towards the characters so... I approached him about needing help with the writing and being who he is; he immediately agreed to give me a hand. He then proceeded to sent me a full script… all I need to say is I cried tears of joy that day. The rest as they say is history.

Cool! And what's the premise behind Project: New Wave?

Project: New Wave is based on a team of orphans who are put together as a military sanctioned team created for the sole purpose of dealing with threats too big even for the NAVY SEALS or the ARMY Rangers. As the story continues you'll soon realize there's a far more sinister plot running in the background hidden from the World, and even from our young heroes themselves and once they eventually find out; all hell is going to break loose. I hope the readers enjoy the ride as much as we are creating it. 

Is Project: New Wave going to be a long running series or a mini-series?

To be honest I think I’ll be putting them out as long as I can draw, eventually I’ll do an issue or two a year so I can squeeze other side projects as well. I have so many stories I’d like to tell, and time waits for no one. So far I’ve drawn the first five issues and I’m currently inking the 3rd issue of Project: New Wave so there’s gonna be Project: New Wave coming your way very soon. 

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Why self-publish? 

Why not? Don’t get me wrong, it must be nice to have a huge corporation pushing your book but the way I see it, self publishing grants you full control of your creations and let's be honest; nobody cares about your project as much as you do anyway.

How do you separate yourself from the thousands who self publish their books every year?

That’s a good question. It’s tough, especially since I’m a bit shy approaching people; I don’t know exactly how conventions are going to work out for me. I do plan on always giving fans a bit extra when they decide to spend their hard earned cash on my books. With each comic book I put out, I’ll be creating new extra content to go along with it, be it information on how I created the characters, character sketches, stickers, interviews just like this one, a personalized letter to the fans; something to show fans I really do care about them putting their trust in me and giving me their money. 

Is Project: New Wave set in it’s own Universe or does every Truthful Comics book share the same Universe kinda like Marvel Comics or DC Comics?

When Corey, Alvaro and I created our own comics we didn’t know each other so we all have our own Universe BUT after discussing this topic with them we decided that yes; they all live on the same “Planet Earth” in present day and will indeed cross paths with each other eventually... some sooner than others. ;)

So where can fans get their very own copy of Project: New Wave?

At first, I was trying to get Project: New Wave in as many comic shops as I could but then I realized that what I’m really looking for is a true connection with the audience; and for them to be become true fans. I want to meet them in person, I want them to see who I am face to face and make a connection; there’s something about a face to face that buying online will never replace; you can't replace human interaction. I want to hand them their comic book  sign it for them, talk with them, look them in the eye and thank them personally; I choose that over mass distribution.

I like the way you put it. So what’s in store for our brave heroes? What can we expect from the 
Project: New Wave crew?

I can guarantee you one thing, you’ll see growth in these characters, you’ll see them evolving and growing as normal human beings would. I see the story ending one day, they aren’t immortal; all good things must come to an end… just not yet. But I want the fans who give them a chance to get familiar with them and see what makes them tick, to know how they’d react in a specific situation; I want people to love these characters like I do! 

To Be Continued...


**Stay tuned for PT.2 of this interview coming in August

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