Interview by: Neil Patel
A comic that fuses politics with superheroes, can be seen as either propaganda or just too biased. But according to Cris Jensen, a writer who spent four years in the military and studied Political Science in school believes that “Politics can work in comics as long as the writer isn't trying to stuff their point of view down the readers throat.”
He’s written Indivisible, a thriller that takes cues from current events happening in the world. The story centres on Gideon Jacobson, a soldier turned politician who moonlights as the vigilante Reset in the year 2042. Jensen recently spoke about the Kickstarter project and reading his first comic, Superman #423 which was the final appearance of the silver age version of Superman.
He’s written Indivisible, a thriller that takes cues from current events happening in the world. The story centres on Gideon Jacobson, a soldier turned politician who moonlights as the vigilante Reset in the year 2042. Jensen recently spoke about the Kickstarter project and reading his first comic, Superman #423 which was the final appearance of the silver age version of Superman.
I. What do you remember most about your first comic?
How much of a bad ass Superman is and how I wish I was born on Krypton!
II. You’ve been in the army, has that affected you as a writer?
No I don't think it has. I think it gives me more of an open mind and understanding into the world out there. Life, especially as a soldier, isn't always as glamorous as Hollywood makes it out to be. Plus it gives me an understanding into writing the background of Indivisible, terminology, etc.
III. Do politics and comics mix?
Absolutely. However, that's a big however, it has to be done right. Politics can work in comics as long as the writer isn't trying to stuff their point of view down the readers throat. The political story CAN NOT be biased. Being biased and forcing certain issues down peoples throat is simply not cool, whether its a liberal or conservative view. Being a Poli Sci student, it's easy to write it in a non bias way. Because we tend to look at politics as a whole and not with an ideological eye. Plus people already hate politics anyway, so you have to be smart as to how you write it.
IV. How can you describe writing Indivisible?
I'm not sure. It seemed like its story was always in me, always wanting to come out and make itself known to the world. As I started writing, it all just started flowing, and it all just seemed right. It was weird actually.
V. In the story a lot of citizens start to take the law into their own hands, do you condone Vigilantism?
This is a tough question. I want to say both Yes and No. If done right and in the lines of the law I don't have a problem with it. But how will proper justice be served? The vigilante shouldn't have the power to be judge, jury, and executioner.
VI. Did you look at current events when it came to creating “the war” in Indivisible?
Yes definitely. I wanted this story to be grounded in some of our current real world issues we have today to give the reader a connection to not just to the characters, but to the world they live in as well.
How much of a bad ass Superman is and how I wish I was born on Krypton!
II. You’ve been in the army, has that affected you as a writer?
No I don't think it has. I think it gives me more of an open mind and understanding into the world out there. Life, especially as a soldier, isn't always as glamorous as Hollywood makes it out to be. Plus it gives me an understanding into writing the background of Indivisible, terminology, etc.
III. Do politics and comics mix?
Absolutely. However, that's a big however, it has to be done right. Politics can work in comics as long as the writer isn't trying to stuff their point of view down the readers throat. The political story CAN NOT be biased. Being biased and forcing certain issues down peoples throat is simply not cool, whether its a liberal or conservative view. Being a Poli Sci student, it's easy to write it in a non bias way. Because we tend to look at politics as a whole and not with an ideological eye. Plus people already hate politics anyway, so you have to be smart as to how you write it.
IV. How can you describe writing Indivisible?
I'm not sure. It seemed like its story was always in me, always wanting to come out and make itself known to the world. As I started writing, it all just started flowing, and it all just seemed right. It was weird actually.
V. In the story a lot of citizens start to take the law into their own hands, do you condone Vigilantism?
This is a tough question. I want to say both Yes and No. If done right and in the lines of the law I don't have a problem with it. But how will proper justice be served? The vigilante shouldn't have the power to be judge, jury, and executioner.
VI. Did you look at current events when it came to creating “the war” in Indivisible?
Yes definitely. I wanted this story to be grounded in some of our current real world issues we have today to give the reader a connection to not just to the characters, but to the world they live in as well.
VII. How did you find the artist Ricardo Carbajal?
On the internet. I was in need of a great artist that was willing to listen and understand what I had in my mind. The artist also had to have a sense of creativity. I would give him small details of what was on my mind, he would draw what he believed my imagination for the art was, and send me the pencils. If I didn't like a certain thing he would be go back and fix the small details. He almost always draws exactly what I had pictured in my mind. This is a great connection to have. An imaginative connection if you will. We rarely have any redraws.
VIII. Why did you make the protagonist a politician?
I literally want to put JFK's quote into work in every single sense of it. "Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country."
IX. What do you think readers will get out of reading Indivisible?
I want them to understand how fortunate we are to live in such an awesome country. Even with different points of views, religions, races, colours, etc we are still the envy of the world. I also want it to be understood on how important it is to serve it. Not joining the military per se, but serving the community and other forums of public service.
Editor's Note: To stay up to date with all things Indivisible, head here!
On the internet. I was in need of a great artist that was willing to listen and understand what I had in my mind. The artist also had to have a sense of creativity. I would give him small details of what was on my mind, he would draw what he believed my imagination for the art was, and send me the pencils. If I didn't like a certain thing he would be go back and fix the small details. He almost always draws exactly what I had pictured in my mind. This is a great connection to have. An imaginative connection if you will. We rarely have any redraws.
VIII. Why did you make the protagonist a politician?
I literally want to put JFK's quote into work in every single sense of it. "Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country."
IX. What do you think readers will get out of reading Indivisible?
I want them to understand how fortunate we are to live in such an awesome country. Even with different points of views, religions, races, colours, etc we are still the envy of the world. I also want it to be understood on how important it is to serve it. Not joining the military per se, but serving the community and other forums of public service.
Editor's Note: To stay up to date with all things Indivisible, head here!