Comic Related talks with Pogrom creator Matthew Tomao
Earlier today we had the pleasure of speaking with Hypergraphia’s President and founding member, Matthew Tomao. Matthew is the writer and creator of the upcoming Devil's Due limited series Pogrom, a fiery new story scorched with historical conspiracy and religion gone awry.
Comic Related: I know we’re here to talk about your new comic Pogrom, but before we begin, what is your background in comics? How did you get started?
Matthew Tomao: My "background" in comics is virtually nonexistent actually. Except for the fact that I fell in love with the storytelling medium to such an extent that I founded a company to produce and publish my ideas.
CR: Wow, this is your first series. You certainly couldn't tell that by looking at Pogrom. Thankfully, I have a bit of perspective on your series as I was lucky enough to pick up a copy of the convention exclusive Pogrom being distributed directly by HyperGraphia back in August.
Will there be any changes in your creative team (Josh Medors, Robbie Ruffs, Michael Geller, etc.) as the title makes to move Devil’s Due?
Matthew Tomao: My creative team is stellar, and thankfully, the talent roster has remained exactly the same even within Devil's Due's involvement.
CR: Good to hear! Josh's art and Robbie's colors really created a tone that worked well with the story. I'm happy to hear they will remain with the series at Devil's Due.
How would you describe the Pogrom story?
Matthew Tomao: I would describe Pogrom as a cautionary tale; one that illustrates the inherent dangers of blind devotion and the unspeakable horrors humanities inhumanity has wrought upon the world. Readers will immediately feel the cold, dark undercurrents of the secondary and maybe even a tertiary stories flowing throughout the book, and hopefully the undertow doesn't get them...
CR: How long have you been developing this story?
Matthew Tomao: Nearly five long years.
CR: As the series evolves, do you plan to expand the interactive website designed in conjunction with the story? How do you see the internet playing into the story you want to tell?
Matthew Tomao: Yes, over time, PogromtheComic.com will eventually evolve to match Pogrom's story progression. Once we find the time and resources to program those features that is! We intend to reach out to our fans through the internet and provide them with an immersive and interactive web experience they can really sink their teeth into.
CR: In the series we have the seven deadly personified and in one scene of the exclusive, they are depicted together. Was that for visual impact or do they work in unison with each other as a kind of dysfunctional group? What can you tell us about them?
Matthew Tomao: The Seven Deadly Sin's Avatars rarely work in unison.
The sin's avatars are a deceitful and conceited lot, and are primarily concerned with their own twisted machinations. The Avatar's primary goal revolves around influencing and corrupting humanity to the point an ordinary person would commit a horrific act tied to that particular sin. The sin then "feeds" upon the negative emotions released by such an act.
The main reason they appear en masse in Pogrom Issue One "Visions of Vice" is to prevent their imminent destruction.
CR: In that group we have a doctor, an ad exec, a pimp, an abusive father, a politician, an attorney and a preacher. Are there any other professions you would like to have rolled into the mix had you had an eight choice?
Matthew Tomao: Actually, during that particular scene in the book, Gluttony is referring to the seven trapped souls of the Earth's seven greatest transgressors of the Eternal Law contained within the Soul Sphere. Speaking of the number Eight, that number holds great significance in the series, but the readers will have to wait until issue seven to find out...
CR: What is the world of Pogrom like? How does oppression and political intrigue play into the quest to track down the “sin spikes”?
Matthew Tomao: Pogrom's world is a post-apocalyptic, theocratic dystopia. Mankind is oppressed by the Presipope's despotic regime. The "new world's" politics are harsh and unforgiving. If you don't obey, you are tortured or killed, or both, it's as simple as that. Keep in mind, Pogrom was once Inquisitor General Sabbath, the most feared enforcer of the Presipope's commandments before he died. Sabbath brutally tortured men, women and children at the whim of the Presipope and the Synod.
Imagine dwelling in a society ruled by fear and reprisal, THAT is Pogrom's world.
CR: In the opening monologue of the exclusive, you have the Presipope deliver a running monologue that clearly parallels a certain Commander-In-Chief’s war on terror speeches. Do you plan more real world parallels and social commentary through the series?
Matthew Tomao: Pogrom's entire series is steeped in real-world parallels and social commentary. There are SO many metaphors in the book my editors forced me to cut a few of them out! For example, issue two takes places in the plague-ridden ruins of the former United States capitol, and the Avatar of Sloth feels right at home...
CR: Did you have any literary influences (either inside or outside comics) that helped in pulling together Pogrom’s story?
Matthew Tomao: Dean Koontz is a major literary influence of mine as well as Chuck Dixon and Alan Moore.
CR: There is the question of controversy which is even raised in the initial press release from Devil’s Due. What do you think may raise an eyebrow or two in terms of your series?
Matthew Tomao: I mentioned this in Pogrom's press release, "I feel it is my duty as an artist to upset the sensibilities of others, and force them to view the world through unfettered eyes." In my opinion, I feel the majority of laypeople take their religion at face value and are reluctant to dig deeper, fearing what they may find. I decided to delve deep into the dark side of Christianity, and show people what could happen if the secret plans of certain "extremist" elements of our government came to fruition.
Readers should check out TheocracyWatch.org. It's a fascinating website.
CR: I'm betting your series will cause quite a few comic readers "get with the Pogrom" as it is an artfully done little horror series. The thought put into building the world is evident here. Are there any parting thoughts you would like to share with potential readers?
Matthew Tomao: Yes, Chuck. I do. I guarantee the fans that Pogrom is a unique comic experience and you have never "lived" anything like it before. I dare you to pick up a copy and not be blown away!
CR: Thank you for taking time out to talk with us.
Matthew Tomao: Thanks for your time Chuck!
Learn More About Pogrom:
Pogrom's current series is scheduled to run for seven issues. Matthew already has plans for a second mini-series and a possible on-going series. Issue #1 of Pogrom is due to hit store shelves in March 2008. Retailers can look for the title in January’s Previews (page 270, JAN083541). Issue two will hit store shelves the following month. You can learn more about Pogrom by visiting Hypergraphia Comics, Devil's Due Publishing and PogromtheComic.com.
