Interview with Thomas Valiant Creator R.J. Shaw

     Indie Comics Underground  spoke to R.J. Shaw about his comic - Thomas Valiant - Now funding on Indiegogo

​Your graphic novel Thomas Valiant is currently funding on Indiegogo. For those that are unfamiliar, what is Thomas Valiant?
​    Thomas Valiant is an attempt to bring back great comic storytelling, in word and art. I want the story to be in the vein of classic X-Men and Justice League of America. And so the story itself is about a disgraced superhero (Thomas Valiant) who brings together a team of misfits, mercenaries, and former villains in an attempt to reclaim the title of Hero.

Thomas is not trusted by his former Legion of Justice teammates. Will we come to understand why they feel this way about him?
​   Actually, no. This story is just an introduction to the characters and the world of Thomas Valiant. And it concentrates on introducing the reader to both through action and suspense. I have written a lot of back story for each of the characters and the world, and the break between Valiant and his old team is significant, but the first issue is not the time to get into all of that. However, that being said, some of that history will be incorporated into the extra perks of the campaign – the script, the map, and the text side of the cards.

Are Thomas and his new team considered outlaws or are the authorities just highly suspect of them?
   One (Ostrich) is an old villain; two others (Phantasm and Feral) are wanted for breaking the conduct rules for super powered individuals in the city they live in; two others (Pulse and Disk) are mistrusted for their questionable military service (i.e. they became mercenaries); and Valiant himself becomes suspect by trying to bring together such a team.

What are Thomas Valiant's powers?
    If you’re a comic fan, think of a cross between Mr. Fantastic and Plastic Man. If you’re a D&D fan, think of a cross between a slime and a gelatinous cube. If you’re an anime fan, think Rimuru Tempest. And if you know them all, put a little bit of each of them together.
    However, up to the point of the story, Valiant mainly used his powers for disguise and deception. But, being the head of this new team, he will have to start using them in a more offensive way.

​We know from the description that Thomas and his new team will be at odds with The Legion of Justice, but will there also be super villains in the story?
​    Yes and no. The ‘heroes’ of this world (like the Legion of Justice) have become tainted or jaded to such an extent that they act more like traditional villains than heroes. Nothing like “The Boys,” but pompous and arrogant to the extent that they sometimes get others hurt and/or killed. To me that’s the most dreaded kind of villain – one that thinks he’s a hero.

​Why is it important to you to create a true superhero story?
​    Because no one else is doing that right now. Actually, no one has been doing that for decades. And there’s never a time in history when people can’t enjoy and, at the same time, be inspired by seeing true heroism.

You have put together a fantastic team of talents to work on this comic. How did the team come together?
​   My team - Renzo Rodriguez and Nik Axe – both contacted me when I announced (on my YouTube Channel – The Fourth Age) that I would be doing a graphic novel. Both asked if they could be part of this project. It appears that my constant droning on about the “nature of a true hero” on my channel has really struck a chord with a lot of people. And two of those people just happened to be amazing artists.

If this book is successful, and there is no reason to believe it won't be, what does the future look like? Can we look forward to more Thomas Valiant?
​   Yes. Although I would like to introduce different kinds of characters in different parts of this world, the mainstay for what I will be producing over the next few years will be Valiant and his team. I love this world (and so do my artists) and I want to tell as many stories about it as I can.

---

Back Thomas Valiant on Indiegogo

Follow R.J. on Twitter: @rjoftheisland