By: Emma Vaughn
In today’s interview, we dive deep into the mind of bestselling author James Carman, the creative force behind ‘HyperParanøid: An Ascension Story.’ This thrilling sci-fi graphic novel takes readers on a wild ride through a dystopian future where an AI hybrid-being named LC is imprisoned by an extraterrestrial group known as the Eon Breeders. As she battles to free herself and a group of unlikely allies, the graphic novel explores themes of rebellion, tyranny, and the power of working together.
We’ll discuss the inspiration behind Carman’s gripping story, his creative process, and the challenges of blending complex characters with high-stakes action.
What was it like for you personally and professionally when you became a bestselling author?
When I heard the news, I was ecstatic. Especially seeing ‘HyperParanøid’ standing right next to Stephan King’s ‘Outsider’. What an honor. I have always written stories,but having you own work listed as a bestseller is truly aspirational. It makes me willing to embark on the creative journey all over again.
What do you find exciting about creating a sci-fi world like the one in HyperParanøid?
World building is the finest part about creating sci-fi magic. I invent the rules for how reality, science, and conjuring works. Will the physical laws of this universe differ from ours? Does gravity vary from place to place? Is that why you can’t get out of bed? Are governmental, religious, and cultural norms bizarre and extreme, or nonexistent? Can song and dance trigger portals to other dimensions? Does death really mean dying, or does one supersede certain death with a crystal key? Your trousers are edible and hallucinogenic, so you must eat them to begin your journey.
How did you decide on the unique mix of characters for the story?
I wanted a range of narcissistic “thought leaders” for the setup of HyperParanøid jail. I wanted the inmates to be unwilling to collaborate with each other because each one thinks they know amidst a sea of idiots. The jail is a crucible with an alpha-male general, a Wall Street asshole, the Noble prize-winning science girl, an angry feminist, a social justice warrior, and an AI artist-dreamer who thinks singing will save us. And in my story, it DOES.
Can you tell us more about LC’s character and what makes her special in the fight against the Eon Breeders?
LC is a unique being. She was created as a human-AI hybrid in an AI weapons factory on the Honshu island of Japan. Upon her ‘birth’, she killed 27 workers. She ran to survive. She rowed a boat to Okinawa before she was captured. That was before the AI wars. Ever since she has been imprisoned in one jail after another. On the Saturnian Moon Fortress of Titan, she lived with an Iridian monk. As she clawed out his heart, he flooded her with a transmission of wisdom that enlightened her. She embodied his knowledge and became nonviolent. Ever since, she believes dancing and singing will set humanity free.
What challenges did you face in bringing this graphic novel to life, from writing to working with the artists?
I originally wrote HyperParanøid as a film script. During COVID, I met with a production designer friend, Jaf Farkas, and we decided to turn it into a graphic novel. Little did we surmise how much was involved, so many paintings! That was the main challenge. It was a marathon! Each frame had to be conceptualized, penciled, inked, colored, and lettered. Each sequence had its own color scheme. Covers were created and Nick Danzi gave the book an overall design. It had all the pangs of a tumultuous birth.
What do you enjoy about writing graphic novels compared to other types of storytelling?
There’s something special in creating images to accompany a written story. The world is more complete. Designing the visual style and sequencing of the imagery is wonderfully fulfilling. Every page is a mini story and then these are shaped into scenes, sequences, and acts. As a finished product, it lives and breathes on its own legs with a heart beating. The gift is there, ready to be shared with the world.
‘HyperParanøid: An Ascension Story’ in available on Amazon.
Published by: Khy Talara
