As a reader who found themselves captivated by the vivid world of Bad Dream, I must say that this graphic novel has truly been a mesmerizing journey. The story felt so personal and intimate, like I was sitting on that bus with Nia, sharing her struggles, dreams, and ultimately finding solace in acceptance and community. It’s not often that a comic book manages to resonate so deeply, but Hickman and Maines have crafted something truly special here.
Nia Nal, or Dreamer as she’s known in DC comics, initially appeared on the small screen through CW’s Supergirl. However, she has since grown into a significant character within the DC comic book universe, joining the main continuity and becoming part of Amanda Waller’s new Task Force X in Suicide Squad: Dream Team, leading to an unexpected twist in Absolute Power. This journey begins, in terms of her comic book origins, with the graphic novel Bad Dream, which was announced during DC Pride 2022 and published earlier this year. Written by the original creator of the character for the CW’s Supergirl series, Maines, with art by Rye Hickman (of SFSX and Lonely Receiver), Bad Dream provides a comprehensive backstory for Nia, introducing one of the most distinctive and intriguing characters. ComicBook recently interviewed both Maines and Hickman to discuss Bad Dream, their creative process, and their aspirations for the impact it will have on readers.
For numerous individuals, “Bad Dream” by Nicole Drum, ComicBook, will serve as a fresh chapter in Dreamer’s narrative since it introduces her origin story for those who didn’t watch Supergirl. Can you explain the journey that led you from portraying Dreamer on TV to creating “Bad Dream”?
As the series neared its end during Season 6, I understood that it wouldn’t last forever. However, the character was incredibly significant to me personally, as well as to countless others. So, I arranged a meeting with DC Comics, thanks to our on-set representative. Essentially, I proposed an idea for a continuous Dreamer series, unaware of how ambitious a request that was. They responded, “We have a young adult line where we’re seeking more content, and currently, we don’t have a story about sisters.”
Initially, I expressed something like, “Well, Dreamer has a sister. Not so impressive, right? But that’s where things began, back in February 2020. With the pandemic giving me plenty of time, I had the chance to strategize and think. Eventually, I was introduced to the DC team, my editors, and we embarked on a quest for artists. We stumbled upon Rye, and it turned out to be just what we needed – a perfect match. An ideal team to breathe life into this story.”
As a devoted fan of Supergirl, I found myself captivated by the intriguing setup for this story. The scene felt instantly familiar to me, with nods to elements that longtime viewers would recognize from the show. One such element was Nia’s roommate, whom I remember fondly as Yvette.
After making necessary adjustments and alterations, it was clear that she resided in a community called Parthas, an alien society renowned for its inclusivity and safety for Earth’s aliens. However, I aimed to portray her as an outsider within this diverse community because, in today’s context, the transgender identity is increasingly politicized. Unfortunately, we often find ourselves in supposedly inclusive environments or spaces that claim to embrace diversity, only to discover that we are the catalyst for conflict. It seems like, “Yes, we love everyone, except…,” when it comes to matters concerning transgender individuals. I hoped to capture this feeling in Dreamer’s background, as she questions, “Why am I always the odd one out?”
One aspect I find truly captivating about comics, graphic novels, or any storytelling medium with visual elements, is that the text on the page only tells half the tale. The other half is conveyed through the art. Rye, could you share how you and Nicole collaborated on this project, and what was your unique experience working together? Given that Nicole has a personal connection to Dreamer as she’s essentially Dreamer’s creator, I’m curious about how you stepped into this role. Could you elaborate a bit on that transition?
Rye Hickman: Absolutely, I put a lot of thought into how this book’s narrative would align with the TV show’s visuals. I chose not to closely match them frequently, and the main reason for this decision was the creation of a Pinterest board by Nicole. This resource is incredibly valuable because it offers insights into her thoughts. For instance, when she describes a blue dress, it opens up a multitude of possibilities. Having a visual reference helps us align our interpretations much more effectively. Thus, I felt assured in making the visual decisions I did, as I felt my adaptations would complement rather than compete with the existing visuals.
As a seasoned connoisseur of art, I’ve come to appreciate that every artist has their unique process. So, let me share with you how my process unfolds when I sit down to create, especially in light of those captivating panels and dream sequences in your work that have left me spellbound.
Hickman: Creating those particular works brought me great joy indeed! To start off, I’d say it involves consuming as much coffee as one can manage. As for my process, I prefer arranging pages in large sections to have a broad perspective of the storyline, primarily to enhance the reader’s experience. By doing this, I find it easier to mix up the layout and keep things fresh instead of having a repetitive feel throughout the book. It was truly rewarding to have that freedom with this project.
As a dedicated art enthusiast, I find myself transitioning from a meticulous process person during my pencil sketches to an unleashed creative spirit when I move on to inks. While I’m constructing intricate perspectives and grids with my pencils, I often immerse myself in the world of podcasts or audiobooks, finding them ideal for this technical phase. However, once I switch to inks, it’s a whole new canvas, brimming with creativity. In fact, I’ve even curated a Dreamer playlist to keep my artistic spirit soaring.
As a devoted fan, I’d say: I might not need much time for this piece, yet I immerse myself in it completely, aiming to tap into the right emotional state. Whether it influences my thought process or not, I find it comforting and empowering to approach things this way.
As a cinephile and storyteller who has spent countless hours immersed in the world of film, I can truly appreciate the cinematic feel that your work evokes. It brings me back to my own experiences, such as sitting on a bus with a character I’ve come to know and care for, feeling like I am part of their story. Although I am firmly rooted in reality, your words transport me to another dimension where the characters and their struggles become a vivid extension of my own life. The depth and intimacy you’ve managed to capture is truly remarkable, making your work a must-read for anyone seeking an emotionally resonant and immersive experience.
As a passionate admirer, it’s truly heartening to hear that “cinematic” is a compliment because my focus has primarily been on creating captivating comic narratives and visually striking illustrations. In crafting my work, I’ve drawn significant inspiration from dream-inspired comic series like The Sandman, appreciating the innovative ways artists there pushed the boundaries of the medium. Indeed, their creative approaches have served as a source of inspiration for me.
Later on, it may not have been clear, but I found myself leafing through… My workspace is filled with James Jean’s art books, where in many of his sketches, there’s this chaotic yet stunning fluidity. I guess I wanted to capture a bit of that essence somehow, although I didn’t quite manage it.
Do you have a favorite moment in the book, like a favorite panel or a favorite piece?
Hickman: This is actually an easy answer. I really, really, loved the ballroom sequence.
It was a delight to create the various characters who took center stage, each with their unique quirks. Additionally, the freedom to experiment with unusual layouts for these characters was simply thrilling. There’s a two-page spread featuring a prominent star smack in the middle – quite an enjoyable exercise in design. I had a fantastic time throughout the process.
Nicole, What about you?
As a gamer immersed in this captivating world, I can’t help but feel it might just be the ballroom scene that takes my breath away next. There’s something truly magical about Yvette’s grand entrance, adorned in gold for the very first time. From the moment I began crafting this scene, a hazy idea formed – I wanted to bring Yvette to life encircled by Saturn’s rings. I strived to create a golden chain mail look, and the more I thought about it, the more I became determined to flawlessly incorporate gold, weaving it elegantly around her Afro puffs.
Witnessing Nia’s dual-world connection for the first time, as Yvette emerged as a stunning golden deity, was an incredibly fitting and iconic moment – one that truly encapsulated the feeling of their union.
As a gamer, let me tell you, the anxiety attack scene had me hooked! The moment on the fire escape between the characters was just breathtaking – pure perfection. I can’t get enough of the dream sequences; they’re simply mesmerizing. One character in particular stands out to me – Sybil. I’ve been dying to create a character like her ever since I first started sketching, and it feels surreal that she came to life so perfectly. In fact, she was one of the first characters I had envisioned, and when I said “Michelle Pfeiffer as Sindel in Mortal Kombat” during brainstorming sessions, Rye just nodded and said, “Say less, got it.” Everything about this book is just spot on. I can’t stop thinking about it!
As someone who has gone through the tumultuous journey of adolescence myself, I find “Bad Dream” to be a relatable tale that transcends the boundaries of typical teenage experiences. Regardless if you identify as a cisgender or transgender individual, a member of the LGBTQ+ community, or simply Suzy with her physics book, we can all find common ground in this story. The novel delves deep into themes of identity and self-discovery, and the search for a sense of belonging within a community.
In Maines’ opinion, what stands out most is the message that there are individuals who care for you deeply, regardless of your various aspects or identities. It’s essential to understand that these elements don’t need to conflict with each other. As you correctly pointed out, this truth applies to all of us. Although this is a tale, the lesson it imparts resonates with everyone. We’ve all experienced instances in our lives where we felt compelled to adapt, to hide parts of ourselves, and believe that we can’t always be our true selves.
As a person with diverse experiences and identities, I find it incredibly heartening to encounter communities that embrace differences and uplift each other. Nia’s journey resonates deeply with me, as she discovers such a community composed of aliens and queer individuals who not only tolerate but thrive on their unique qualities.
Bad Dream is on sale now.
This interview has been lightly edited for length and clarity.
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2024-08-08 07:11