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Check out Geek Out Nation’s interview with Chris Dingess, the writer of MANIFEST DESTINY. MANIFEST DESTINY #4 comes out tomorrow, 2/12.
Jeremy James: Manifest Destiny was a hit from issue #1, applauded wildly by critics from USA Today, MTV and Slate among others. What the heck gave you the idea for Lewis and Clark “monster hunters”?
Chris Dingess: I was drinking and complaining about how all someone needs to do to have a hit is jam monsters into history, fiction and non fiction. I said, “You could just take Lewis and Clark and say they were really hunting monsters in the american frontier.” Then I realized it wasn’t terrible idea and I could have fun and maybe make money with it. So I stopped complaining and here we are.
JJ: What is the most unusual comment you’ve heard from fans and critics about Manifest Destiny?
CD: For me, it’s when someone says/writes “The concept is plausible.” No it’s not plausible at all. It’s about monster hunters for god sakes!
JJ: You are also known for the writing you do on the popular SyFy series Being Human. With all of the supernatural genre television shows on right now, what is the approach you’ve taken to set Being Human apart from the rest?
CD: I think we, meaning all of the writers, LOVE all the horror and supernatural stuff in this show. However, we always approach each story with a focus on the humanity of each character. That’s the relatable stuff and it’s what drives the show.
JJ: How is writing for comics different than writing for a general tv audience? Is there another dimension of creative freedom in comics, or do you just lay it all out on the table regardless of what you’re writing?
CD: The pacing and timing of reveals is a bit different and you’re focused a bit more on visual elements with a comic. It’s like your calling out and describing every single camera shot.
The biggest freedom would be the fact that you don’t have to worry about a budget. There are so many brilliant ideas that come out of a writers’ room that are basically stillborn because of a show’s budget. And a lot of them aren’t even complicated or full of effects and explosions. It can simply come down to a matter of time. With a comic it’s wide open.
