We love comic books. Anyone who has followed the site over the last nine years has probably noticed some comic book coverage. Our interviews over the years have grown, transformed, and continue to evolve. What began as email interviews with comic creators worked its way to a video format, which was elevated by video conferencing (Zoom), and now we’ve recently added a podcast channel featuring a variety of shows covering a wide spectrum of the comic book industry, and soon the cosplay & convention communities. From past content being revitalized to previously unseen/unheard material finally getting the respect they deserve, and on-site interviews at comic conventions (like this one!), PodCultHQ will have a little something for everyone.
“Beyond the Synopsis” is a new show from PopCultHQ‘s podcast – PodCultHQ – where we interview comic book creators and discuss their latest project(s). It might be the next exciting issue of a miniseries or ongoing, an upcoming title launch, a pre-order push, or the release of a trade paperback, hardcover collected edition, or an original graphic novel. And while a synopsis provides a sample of what you can expect with any release, “Beyond the Synopsis” seeks to explore the project(s) even further, through the interview with the creator(s), and provide even more reasons for you to check out, pick up, pre-order, or snag yourself a copy.
For episode two of BEYOND THE SYNOPSIS, I spoke with creator/writer Zack Kaplan about his new sci-fi title at Vault Comics entitled BEYOND REAL.
Prior to the debut of BEYOND REAL, Kaplan has created & written sci-fi epics ECLIPSE, PORT OF EARTH, THE LOST CITY EXPLORERS, JOIN THE FUTURE, FOREVER FORWARD, METAL SOCIETY, BREAK OUT, and MINDSET. He also is working on new titles KILL ALL IMMORTALS and THE MIDNIGHT: SHADOWS.
RELATED: Listen to the Audio Interview of BTS – Ep. 2: Zack Kaplan of BEYOND REAL
BEYOND REAL asks the question — what if we are living in a simulation, but instead of a Matrix style computer/digital simulation, it’s an artistic simulation. After all, creation is artistic – so why wouldn’t the simulation be?
It’s WIZARD OF OZ meets THE MATRIX! It’s this year’s love letter to comics with seven artists and two colorists! And it’s your chance to question reality…
Here’s a look at the second issue of BEYOND REAL, which hits stands on Wednesday, March 6th!
BEYOND REAL #2
Written by Zack Kaplan
Art by Fabiana Mascolo & Toni Fejzula
Colors by Jordie Bellaire & Toni Fejzula
Letters by Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou
Covers & Cover Artists:
Cover A by John J. Pearson
Cover B by Toni Fejzula
Cover C by Conor Boyle
Cover D by Toni Fejzula (Virgin Variant)
Cover E by Conor Boyle (Virgin Variant)
An artist’s craft.
June lands in a strange geometric layer of life’s simulation, where dark creatures hunt corrupted souls who dare to pass over the boundary. With the help of a crew of cynical human survivors, June must come to terms with her new powers and escape this limbo before being formatted out of existence.
Time to watch to the interview!
BEYOND THE SYNOPSIS – Ep. 2 w/ Zack Kaplan of BEYOND REAL
Big thanks to Zack Kaplan for taking the time out to speak with us at PopCultHQ & PodCultHQ. Hit up your local comic shop or favorite online retailer and pick up BEYOND REAL – issue one is available now and the sophmore outing (which is wild AF!) is available this Wednesday, March 6th!
And head over to Collector’s Paradise and secure the ENTIRE five-issue miniseries SIGNED by Zack himself!
Head over there NOW!
Be sure to follow Zack across his
socials (below) for more awesome content!
Follow Zack Kaplan online!
Zack Kaplan is a break out science fiction comic writer and creator of such comics and graphic novels as KILL ALL IMMORTALS, BEYOND REAL, MINDSET, BREAK OUT, METAL SOCIETY, FOREVER FORWARD, JOIN THE FUTURE, THE LOST CITY EXPLORERS, PORT OF EARTH and ECLIPSE. After just a few short years, he has worked with publishers such as Image/Top Cow, Dark Horse, Aftershock, Vault, Scout Comics and DC Comics. His first three series were all optioned for TV adaptation, with PORT OF EARTH currently being developed by Robert Kirkman’s Skybound Ent. Zack has taught screenwriting and storytelling at the International Academy of Film and TV, located in the Philippines. He currently lives in Los Angeles.
Follow Vault Comics online!
ESCAPE ORDINARY
Vault is a critically acclaimed entertainment company that curates bold new science fiction, fantasy, and horror stories. We have been committed to working with historically underrepresented talent since day one. Purpose-built to create enduring fans, our expansive catalog of more than ninety original titles attracts a diverse and growing fandom. Launching new stories first as comics and graphic novels, Vault has partnered with leading companies like A&E, BET, Boatrocker, CBS, Netflix, Paramount, and others, to adapt its story properties to film, television, video games, and more. In 2023 Vault will launch Headshell, a line of graphic novels in collaboration with some of the world’s most iconic recording artists like Metallica, Def Leppard, the Beach Boys, Fall Out Boy’s Pete Wentz, Redman, and more.
Follow Jason Bennett online!
Jason Bennett (@TahoeJBennett) is a contributing writer & the chief editor for PopCultHQ. As a team member since PopCultHQ’s inception, Jason has written over 9,000 articles covering all aspects of pop culture. He established relationships with many of the comic book publishers with whom we work on a regular basis. Whether sharing news from the comic book industry, conducting spoiler-free reviews, interviewing creators, or working with publicity reps, he is dedicated in promoting those within the comic book scene, giving people a platform to share their projects, as well as always seeking to find ways in which PopCultHQ can grow and improve. Jason also attends comic conventions, representing PopCultHQ as a member of the press, and can often be seen at conventions up and down the west coast.
Follow PodCultHQ online!
PodCultHQ is PopCultHQ’s official podcast. Maintained & managed by Jason Bennett, PodCultHQ is a feature-filled, ear candy of content highlighting the comic book, cosplay, and convention communities.
You can expect exclusive interviews with comic book creators, previous video features returning in audio format (“Pants Optional” Zoom interviews), crowdfunding promotions (“Just Kickin’ It!“), a deeper dive into the comic book world (“Industry Insider“), unpublished material finally seeing the light of day (“From the Vault“), plus so much more. And, of course, idle chatter.
And be on the lookout for some new, fun & exciting, outside-the-box shows, including a talk show, a weekend wrapup broadcast, and an amateur rap competition for comic creators where you, the fans, can vote for your favorite each week through our toll-free number! Crazy, right? Yeah, we question our sanity a lot of times. Every now and then, it replies.
Celebrate your fandom with us… audibly!
Follow PopCultHQ online!
PopCultHQ is a professional entertainment media company covering all things pop culture, with concentrations in comic books, cosplay, and conventions. We have exclusive interviews with comic book creators, cosplayers, publishers, local comic shops, and entertainment celebrities. PopCultHQ is also active on the convention scene, covering many events on-site to obtain & provide exclusive content for our viewing audience. Celebrate your fandom with us!
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