Nothing Better than Ezra

With the rousing success of Arcana Studio's first EZRA series EZRA: EGYPTIAN EXCHANGE, the independent publisher is set to unleash her second outing, EZRA: EVOKED EMOTIONS. The series gives a more in-depth look at the consequences of EZRA's powers and her existence, and delves deeper into the darker side of the character while packing in all the action that was a staple of the first series. Publisher, creator, and writer, Sean O'Reilly and artist, Alfonso Ruiz return as the creative team of the book. But don't expect more of the same from this dynamic duo, as the story takes new twists and the art pushes itself in new directions. JXM sat down with Sean O'Reilly to chat about EZRA and the new series.

Make sure to check out the Exclusive Preview of EZRA: EVOKED EMOTIONS below!

Ezra

JXM: Where did the idea for EZRA originate?

Sean: There were two unique ways that EZRA came to life...she began as a Child of the Black Sun in the original KADE storyline. She was also meant to be a gothic demon hunter, and be the lighter and more fun version of KADE. Originally named Ravyn, the character was about a month old when we did our first promo piece on Newsarama. Another company began a lawsuit because their character was named Ravyn, so with literally 24 hours to print I had to come up with a new name. I didn't want to go through a lawsuit everytime I made up a character's name so I wanted something so different, and so original that I wouldn't have to worry about it. EZRA was a strong sounding name, albeit a 'male's name' and it simply stuck.

JXM: What would you say makes EZRA different from most other female comic book heroines like Elektra or Witchblade? What makes her unique?

Sean: I think she offers a more fun attitude...she's surrounded by doom 'n gloom but always maintains a fairly upbeat attitude around everything. EZRA has little jokes, quips and insults that she spews out while kicking some demon ass. She's also quite insecure when she's by herself and it's only around KADE that she truly opens up.

JXM: Being that EZRA is a female character, where do you get your inspiration to write in a realistic female perspective?

Sean: I think EZRA stems from two sources of inspiration. I think idealistically EZRA is the girl that every guy wants...she's tough, fun, sexy and she can be passive and sincere when you're alone with her. The second source of inspiration actually stems from my wife Shell...we've been through some tough times and she's always been all the qualities that EZRA has embodied.

Ezra: Evoked Emotions

JXM: Tell us a little bit about the story of EZRA: EVOKED EMOTIONS.

Sean: This is really a coming of age story for EZRA. She was a loner, living off of the streets using her skills to just get by. EZRA has always been a medieval mercenary for hire, and was always motivated by money. But what happens when she finds out she's ageless? That she has all the time in the world to acquire wealth? Money just doesn't seem as important. In EVOKED EMOTIONS, EZRA realizes that for her to move forward in her new 'demon hunter' life, she has to go through the closet and get rid of some of her past demons. And she has some nasty ones in there...

JXM: What would you say separates this series from EZRA: EGYPTIAN EXCHANGE, in terms of story and art?

Sean: Storywise I have to say it's much more engaging...we have always described EGYPTIAN EXCHANGE as a medieval romp. Just a fun book where you get to escape from your reality. With EVOKED EMOTIONS it's just the opposite as EZRA now has to face her reality. The story starts out very similar to where we left off, but it begins to spiral downwards into a much darker place. By the third issue the entire series won't even have the same feel to it. It's been fun throwing EZRA into this dark world, as her charm and beauty are still gleaming in it. In terms of art, Alfonso Ruiz is still at the helm and I am SO thankful for that. As for the colours, we've gone with a more realistic painted tone in this series. I think the art is simply stunning and is some of the best that Arcana has produced.

JXM: For those entering EZRA's world for the first time, will this series be a good point for them to jump on?

Sean: This is a great point for people to jump on as this story will really help transition people from where EZRA is coming from to where she is going. This is a big transitional phase in EZRA's life, and to follow her along with it would help many readers understand the world we are creating.

JXM: Can fans expect seeds planted throughout this story for future series?

Sean: Definitely. There are two BIG seeds in there. One is obvious (the KADE/Black Sun future) and the other is hinted at. There will be one more EZRA series for sure and it's going to be hellish!

JXM: Give us the scoop - will KADE make any surprise appearances in EZRA: EVOKED EMOTIONS?

Sean: In the first issue there is a flashback and we briefly see KADE...outside of that you'll have to read the series...