INTERVIEW: Corey Pruitt (@UpToTASK) on The Leaders of the Free World

When I initially reached out to Corey to interview him on The Leaders of the Free World, I was writing for Screen Rant. I was a relatively new hire and was naiive to how things were run there and quickly learned that my views and opinions on writing were not reciprocated by them. I left and finally have been able to retreive this fantastic interview with Corey, who was gracious enough to take the time to speak to me about his fantastic comic, The Leaders of the Free World.

Q: Okay so Cong Li definitely has inspiration rooted in young Goku, right?

A: A little bit. I’ve always been a fan of Asian culture and wanted to add that element into my book. I’ve always loved it when comic teams have an actual deity on their team. Like Thor, Hercules, Hippolyta, etc. I wanted that for my team but with a twist. Growing up I was a huge fan of anime and hip-hop. So Cong is definitely a combination of two of my biggest loves combined into one character.

Q: How long are you anticipating the first arc to be?

A: I wrote four issues that will complete the first arc. I think that is a solid way to kick off these characters. My formula is like this; Issue 1 introduces the threat. Issue 2 is the big fight scene. Issue 3 is the more informative issue, explaining more about what the threat is and how the team will resolve it. And issue 4 will be the final resolution.

Q: In the first two issues we are thrust right into the thick of things with some great character introductions, are we going to explore the world itself more once the team takes care of the invasion?

A: Absolutely. My goal is to make everyone feel like they are dropped into a world that has already existed and has been operating for years. Establishing that the Godsend have been here for years already was an ambitious task, but I’m hoping that everybody can follow along easy.

Q: With a character name like Brotha Nature I gotta ask... did you come up with it first?

A: UGH this one hurt HAHAHA. I came up with the concept of Brotha Nature 10 years ago, when all of this was just a joke to me. Since that one guy went viral and took the name, I decided to change it but with a twist. See he’s a wrestler, so he has the corny wrestling name. But when he realizes that he’s bigger than just wrestling, he will settle with his superhero name “Eco”.

Q: The hip hop references are woven into the story so well and gives the reader a soundtrack in their heads, how long do you spend each issue finding songs to integrate into the story? Are there any plans for a Leaders of the Free World Spotify playlist?

A: I’m a huge comic book fan, but I’m also a huge music nerd as well. So after I write each issue I go through each panel and think of any tracks that come to mind. I listen to so much music throughout the day I can come up with references instantly. And actually, there IS a Spotify Playlist! Everyone can go “Rhythms of the Free World” & “Cong Li’s Surreal Mix”, BOTH on Spotify!

Q: It seems today that every comic or graphic novel is being adapted on screen. If things were to go well and Leaders of the Free World were to follow suit, give us your dream casting for each member of the team.

A: GREAT question. Here’s my cast:

Cong Li: Leo Wu

Medic: Vanessa Hudgens

Eco/Brotha Nature: Trevante Rhodes

Doctor Séance: Voiced by Edward James Almos

Tech-Neek: Auliʻi Cravalho

Tech-No: Kekoa Kekumano

Moonshine: Charlize Theron

Doohickey: UUUUUHHHHH…any random Corgi LOL.

Q: With this being a crowdfunded comic, does that put more pressure on you and the rest of the creative team to deliver your best product possible knowing that people have invested in you and your story?

A: Like you have NO idea! I not only have to convince people to give me their money, I must DELIVER in hopes that they’ll come back for the next one. So I try to have each issue end with a cliffhanger or a HUGE moment to make folks even more interested in coming back. Thank God my artist Eli is such a trooper when it comes to my scripts. I ask for a LOT from that man, but he ALWAYS delivers. I’ve always said that if the only thing that comes out of this book is Eli getting signed to a big comic company then I would call that a win.

Q: Being a black comic book creative, how important is diversity between the pages of your book for you?

A: At this point it’s not just important for me, but I feel like it’s also a requirement and a responsibility. When I used to go to comic panels I never saw people up there that looked like me. I still loved the creators, but I wish that there was someone up there that resembled me. With creators nowadays like Bryan Edward Hill and David Walker putting out amazing content, I felt compelled to give it a try myself. Characters like Black Panther, Luke Cage, etc. are now making great noise in the comic fanbase and introducing a lot of black people to their stories. It’s such a great feeling that I want others to feel that way. I want my Asian friends to feel how I felt seeing Black Panther on screen. I want my LatinX friends to be as excited for representation in comics like I was. It’s a long road, hell Black Panther was introduced in the 60s. But we’re here now. And still got so far to go.

Q: Ultimately what are you plans for this book? Do you see it becoming a universe in and of itself with offshoot comics, crossovers, etc., or do you want to keep the story contained to the main story?

A: My plan is to expand it as far and wide as I can. I want people from each country to feel represented. As soon as I get the ball rolling, I want to launch an initiative where people from different countries around the world can create their own hero and come up with a name, origin, etc. and have them be an actual part of the comic! The main team will always be around, but this is bigger than just the main team. There are already heroes, villains, aliens, gods, etc. who have been roaming around for years. I’d honestly like to do a mini for each character, but maybe in the future. I’m also currently writing a story that takes place in “The Free World”. It will have implications that will rock the team and the whole world! Stay tuned!

The third issue of The Leaders of the Free World is currently in the works and the Kickstarter is live. You can find Corey at his twitter account @UpToTASK, or support his podcast @SuperSuitShow. Thank you again Task, cannot wait to read issue three!