For some 30-plus years, Lee Loughridge has been making comics magic as a noted colorist. Whether it’s on projects like The Good Asian, Y The Last Man, and Batman Adventures, Loughridge’s careful and inventive approach has made great stories utterly amazing. Now, though, he’s trying his hand at writing his debut story with a forthcoming ComiXology Original series, MidState.
With MidState, Loughridge (who act as writer as well as colorist) is joined by artist Mack Chater and letterer Rob Tweedie. Together, they’re telling the story of “disgraced clairvoyant Paul Rinaldi” as he “teams up with the town’s rookie detective in an attempt to get to the bottom of the many missing persons cases.” A psychedelic twist on your standard slice of gritty noir, MidState is as interested in bringing in the true crime vibes as much as it is melting your brain amid its dissection of memory and identity.
MidState #1 is due out today (March 12). In the lead-up, Loughridge was kind enough to answer a few questions via email, including crafting his very first comics story, the book’s interests in lucid dreaming, his fondness for crime tales, and some teasers for the story proper.
Courtesy of ComiXology.
AIPT: What’s it like stepping into the writer’s seat for the first time on MidState?
Lee Loughridge: It’s been fun, I have always written but as of the last few years I finally decided to get organized and started putting teams together. It’s fun developing from an idea to a script to full art and who knew I would be a total lettering snob…
AIPT: Can you give us your best elevator pitch for Midstate?
LL: Paul Rinaldi is a pathetic, middle-aged, self proclaimed clairvoyant living in small town West Virginia. Paul lost his psychic practice after being accused of fraudulent behavior. A string of missing persons, coupled with terrifying visions, gives Paul purpose and a new found relationship with the towns newest detective Abigail Dahlin. Paul and Abi set their sights on the town’s newest resident, Dr. Mark Jounce. Dr Jounce is a highly respected, 62-year-old paraplegic. The Dr. believes he can communicate with the Devil during the “midstate.” This “state” is the length of time the soul stays with the body just after death. More dialogue with the Devil means more killing needs to happen. Let’s see if the village idiot and the rookie detective can stop him before its too late.
AIPT: What about this story specifically made it so essential that you’re the one telling it?
LL: I had a dream where a guy in a wheelchair was talking with a corpse, he said the Devil was speaking through the dead body….then I woke up. I was scared shitless. I wrote the idea down and decided to chase down a story involving my dream. I took it as a nudge.
Courtesy of ComiXology.
AIPT: The book seems to focus (in part) on lucid dreaming. Why is that interesting to you?
LL: I have had lucid dreams for years; they are super difficult to control. That state between sleeping and consciousness is tough to control. I always end up trying to fly, but once I think about falling I usually do.
AIPT: MidState feels wonderfully bizarre in its approach to true crime and thrillers. Are there any specific influences or inspirations?
LL: I really wanted to write a story with the tone of a Stephen King film. Small town, strange characters, etc. I also grew up in a small town, so I wanted to explore that.
AIPT: I feel like noir has had a resurgence as of late. Was there any worry about telling another crime story, or does this stand out enough to negate those possible concerns?
LL: I agree. This is a horror mystery with a touch of noir. There can never be too much horror in my opinion.
Courtesy of ComiXology.
AIPT: Paul is an interesting lead for a psychedelic mystery story. What can you tell us about him, and do you identify with him or pity him more?
LL: The lead Paul is the pathetic guy you have to root for but aren’t too pissed if he falls flat on his face. I mean that’s just how it always goes for Paul. I know a lot of people like Paul, always in their own way, blaming someone else for their shortcomings, so he was easy to write.
AIPT: You do have collaborators here in art from Mack Chater and letting/design from Rob Tweedie. What did Mack and Rob bring to this project specifically?
LL: I wrote this story with Mack Chater in mind. I worked over him years ago and loved his art. Every panel, I envisioned what Mack would do, and he surpassed that. Rob is a brilliant designer and long time friend. I twisted his arm to get into the lettering game. He crushed it.
AIPT: A kind of follow-up to that last question, but is it harder to be an artist working with other artists? Is there that minor nagging urge to overcorrect or maybe do something yourself?
LL: I think it’s easier being an artist working with artists. I can better communicate an idea and if I can’t I will just demonstrate it. The fact that I get to cake-decorate Macks art is the best part of it.
Courtesy of ComiXology.
AIPT: Are there any similarities you’ve gleaned from writing comics versus coloring comics?
LL: I think for me the only similarities are getting shit done. Staying on a schedule and delivering.
AIPT: What moments/tidbits can you tease from the first issue that feel especially important? And maybe anything from issue #2?
LL: Issue #1 is really a soft opening to give the reader a feel for the characters and the town itself. It ultimately lands with a hard ending. I will tease that I want to keep the reader wondering just what the hell is going on for the first several issues. Once the reader thinks they have a handle on the story I then turn it on its head and give it a twist no one is expecting.
AIPT: Why should anyone read MidState?
LL: I think this is a story that can speak to anyone. We root for characters while trying to help them solve a crime. The reader is in this together with the characters. But remember, I’m gonna flip it on everyone in the end.
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