“I just had a packet with part of my scripts, and the synopsis and pitched it to him. A couple weeks later, I sent him a follow-up e-mail and asked if he was interested in working with me. It just went from there,” Faulkner said.
The script Faulkner submitted to Pierro was for “Souled,” a five-part science fiction mini-series about the crew of spaceship Another Man’s Trash.
“They end up crash landing on the planet where they were making a delivery. … It kind of deals with corporate greed and corruption and how far people will take it,” Faulkner said.
The idea for “Souled” grew out of the economic crisis that began in 2008, and the controversy over government bailouts for failing companies.
“Going into work, I would hear on the radio about this bailout and that bailout, and what they were doing with the money. They were just squandering it, even though it was just being handed to them. That was the inspiration: How far would they go?” Faulkner said.
While Faulkner is responsible for writing the books, illustration is being handled by comic book artists Aric Hutfles and Zach Bassett, as well as a team of inkers and colorers. Hutfles designed the cover of “Souled,” and Bassett drew the pencil sketches for the interior and the cover.
“There’s a full team. It’s gone through several hands,” Faulkner said.
Throughout the process, Faulkner said he was able to offer suggestions and give input for each panel. Comic book writers have to work closely with artists, Faulkner said, because so much of the story is told through the illustrations.
“You don’t actually have to get into the character’s head as much because it’s a very visual medium,” Faulkner said. “Instead of describing the anger, you have to tell the artist, ‘She’s angry.’”
While a student at George Rogers Clark High School, Faulkner took several creative writing courses and even won two awards for his short stories. However, “Souled” is his first attempt at professional writing, something he always considered a hobby.
“Souled” will debut at the Mega CON Convention in Orlando March 25 and will be available from www.cosmictimes.net. The website also features a free PDF with all the book’s concept artwork and an interview with Faulkner.
In the meantime, Faulkner is busy pitching more scripts and trying to improve his skills.
“I’m not planning on quitting. (I’ve had a) little bit of success. Hopefully it will go a little bit further,” Faulkner said.
Contact Rachel Parsons at rparsons@winchestersun.com.
