Kade: Sun of Perdition

Arcana Studio's Kade finally makes his triumphant return with new series artist Stjepan Sejic and returning writer and founder of Arcanad, Sean O'Reilly. With the ongoing success of Arcana's flagship character, the new series offers higher stakes, more twists, and outstanding art. Sean made the time for JXM again to discuss the release of his new book.

JXM: Tell us a little bit about the story of Kade: Sun of Perdition and why fans and newcomers alike will enjoy the series.

Sean: Kade was born a Child of the Black Sun, and it wasn't until his death as an infant that his powers were expressed.

"The Children of the Black Sun are the keys to the Kingdom of Heaven, and the chains to the Abyss of Hell."

As a Child of the Black Sun, Kade is the balance that tips the dark scale back towards the light, as he hunts the demons and The Fallen. Joining Kade in his battle is Ezra, another Child of the Black Sun, and together they have been hunting demons for nearly a thousand years. Now, as we join the two hunters again, another Black Sun is on the horizon and along with it, one of the most powerful enemies known to man.

I think I've taken the best elements from the first series, taken everything I've learned in the previous three years and have put together a book that I'm really proud of. I'm kind of relaunching the series but at the same time retcon'ing our humble beginnings.

JXM: Can you tell us a little bit about the new series artist Stjepan Sejic and how the two of you got together for the book?

Sean: Stjepan was shown to me by a friend and it was love at first sight. His work is incredible and has inspired me as much as anyone else has in the Kade universe. We have done one series together and we are planning on doing many more together leaving behind quite a tale.

JXM: What's the process that you and Stjepan have had when working on any given page?

Sean: I write the page and Stjepan is able to translate it directly to pages. There are a couple references I put in to try and help him, and if I visualize something in particular (Kade's crucifixion for example) I will provide a layout, etc. Stjepan is a true artist and an incredible friend. I know we're going to do great things together!

JXM: What brought about the decision to make a serious art change for the new series, not only in bringing in a new artist, but an artist with a completely different style? Was it the story? Or something else?

Sean: This was actually how Kade was supposed to be told. At the time I didn't have the resources or list of creators that I do now, and it was simply impossible. I mean it took me nearly two years to decide on Kade's next artist and the list I had was exhaustive. It was a hard decision right up until the moment I met Stjepan. So the art has matured and the story has also matured, and because we will see Kade in a whole new series it is much more serious and much more real.

JXM: After this series is all said and done, what can readers expect in the future from the Kade universe? Another Kade series? Spin-offs?

Sean: Actually probably the opposite. Ezra is on her last planned series and as of right now the only thing I want to focus on is the current Kade series. Once I can get another couple series' done I'll look at the possibilities of 'branching out' but for now, I'm quite content doing what I need to do to give Kade the best foundation possible. Kade #1 went on sale the last week in August and will wrap up in February. Already written is his next series that will be titled Kade: Shiva's Sun and will have Stjepan's great art and abilities in this series as well.

JXM: Is there anything in the works to have Kade brought to the masses through other mediums (i.e. movies, television, more toys, etc.)?

Sean: The video game deal is signed with Paradox Entertainment so we're hoping for a 2007 release. As well we're working with various people for financing a Kade movie. There are two groups that I'm very interested in to work with and hopefully we'll be able to get something in writing soon.