We all fight our own battles, both internal and external. But what if fighting one battle was also in the service of another? That question and more is posed in the all-ages, engaging cosmic adventure comic Commander Tomorrow. From the creative mind of Kevin Conn and written by Conn, with illustrations by Nate Lovett and lettered by Taylor Esposito, Commander Tomorrow follow Kyle Landon, who is wrestling with questions of who he is and where he’s going, all the while struggling with depression and anxiety. However, Kyle might have the chance to face his internal struggles when he gets the chance to become his favorite childhood cartoon hero, Commander Tomorrow.

Recently Conn, in partnership with Rocketship Entertainment, launched a Kickstarter to bring Commander Tomorrow to print in Rocketship’s Bottlerocket all-ages line. I spoke with Kevin Conn recently about the idea behind Commander Tomorrow, the inspirations for the behind the comic, what the story means to him, and what he hopes take from the book.

I’ve read the first volume of Commander Tomorrow and the love, care, and craftsmanship from everyone involved pops off of every page. The big and small moments pulled me in and you are genuinely rooting for Kyle and his compatriots from beginning to end. It’s so earnest and heart-felt that you’ll feel yourself moved long after you’ve put the book down.

 

 

FreakSugar: We’re friends on social media so I know how much Commander Tomorrow means to you. What can you tell us about the genesis of the comic?

Kevin Conn: So, the comic started as a Galaxy Quest rip-off to be honest. It was called Michael McDonald: Space Adventurer. Aliens hear the song “Sweet Freedom” and to me the lyrics have a sci-fi vibe, lol. And they come to Earth looking for their savior, Michael McDonald. But they land in Arizona and they see a karaoke host who looks like Mikey McD, and take him back their home planet to help them defeat an evil overlord. So YEAH. That’s a bit different, lol.

FS: What is the conceit of Commander Tomorrow?

KC: From there my friend Doug made a comment about a Fear Agent pic I posted and all he wrote was “CRUNCH TOMORROW: Robot Smasher!” That name stuck with me, I asked him I could use it. He said yes, so I began writing a standalone Flash Gordon-type comic. But again, it wasn’t clicking.

Finally, I decided to move away somewhat from the comedy and try writing an actual sci-fi comic. As this began to shape my depression was getting worse. So, in a sad sort of way, I started to look at this story as a swan song. Like “If I am taken off this planet, I’m gonna put everything in it.” It became a love letter to so much I loved. Making subtle references to tv shows, movies, cartoons, comics I loved.

Then it became more personal. I began to shape it as an underdog hero’s journey. While his age isn’t mentioned, technically Kyle would be in his late 30s because I felt like so many journey stories are for late teens. I feel like society makes us feel unintentionally like, “if you haven’t figured out your life by 25, you’re a loser!” That old way of thinking was when we weren’t living as long. And how we have more ways of exploring what makes us happy, what makes us strive for more. I wanted to write it for all, but it is for those who might think it’s too late for them to find themselves.

The metaphor is kind of a few things, like above you can find yourself at any age. The adventure can lead to finding closure, finding ways to heal all wrapped in a sci-fi fantasy.

FS: In addition to the titular hero, who else will we meet in the comic?

KC: The big bad is Zygore. A vicious villain but also has a crazed side to him. Not a good combo. His soldiers are called The Slymeborgz. A mindless robot race that are pretty much indestructible. Plus, like zombies, one touch of their slime will transform into a slymeborg. Kinda spooky scene. In fact the transformation scene, I told Nate “I’m thinking of Robocop when the villain come out of the vat of acid-“…but y’know, for kids!”

We also have a group of villainous mercenaries called The ColbaltBears. Which are TOTALLY a riff in the names like ThunderCats, SilverHawks, and Tigersharks.

Ascendor is like a Merlin character, in fact his look was inspired by the knight near the end of Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade.

But honestly the most important character, equally important to Commander Tomorrow is Vega. She is not a love interest; she is not a damsel in distress; and she is not a sidekick. This is her journey as well. With Books 2 and 3, that continues.

 

 

FS: What are some of your influences that inform Commander Tomorrow?

KC: This book has so many inspirations. Specifically, my writing is totally influenced by my all-time favorite author, who helped me going and was the first voice that made me not feel I was alone: J.M. Dematteis, who helped me keep going.

Big Trouble in Little China (see Vega description above, lol). The Last Starfighter as well. The 80s cartoon The Adventures of the Galaxy Rangers too and honestly a lot of music. Like the Synthwave band, Gunship. Plus, soooo many comics over the years. Again, this is a love letter as well.

FS: On to the Kickstarter itself, what can you tell us about the campaign?

KC: The campaign is so cool! I think the pins will attract a lot of folks who have brought back as a huge hobby. I love the trading cards, they look amazing. I specifically wanted them to have that 90s Marvel & DC trading cards look to them. Also, the print portfolio is incredible! So many great artists contributed! From Freddie Williams, Dean Haspiel, to Pop Mahn and Reilly Brown. Too many to list! Plus, while I love the softcover, the hardcover art by Leanne Hannah pops!

FS: Rocketship has been making its name as a publisher in the past few years. What was it about partnering with the company that was attractive to you?

KC: I’ve followed Rocketship a long time. I thought it was a brilliant idea publishing webcomics in print. I personally believe webcomics and all ages comics have really helped the industry thrive, so bringing that to print is a great idea. I also know Tom from the classic website he-man.org, when I was posting videos as Unemployed Skeletor. Knowing him and how he thinks, I believe Rocketship will continue to grow and thrive.

FS: Beyond being entertained, what do you hope readers take away from the book?

KC: An action figure line, lol. No honestly, I hope it helps. Young and old. I work as a peer specialist. Basically, we share our story about depression, anxiety, addition, PTSD or other painful topics to openly talk about and show those who might be afraid to open up, to at least see they aren’t alone. All of us are struggling in some way. The sooner we realize we aren’t so different, the sooner we see that these struggles also give us strength we may not know is there. But in this day and age it’s difficult to get by. I hope those who read this can see it’s okay to ask for help. It’s okay to share with your loved ones. We are all connected and that is a power within that can light that spark inside us all even in our darkest moments.

But also, action figures would be cool too.

 

 

FS: Do you have other Commander Tomorrow stories stewing?

KC: Yes, I do. this story is very personal to me. I wrote the book kinda as a standalone (but I did drop subtle clues for the next adventure), meaning there is and ending like A New Hope. But being a kid from the 80s I was raised in trilogies so ultimately I see my story as that. Then I’m done. However, I see CT kinda like The Phantom where there are many iterations of the character. It’s like what’s said in the first SpiderVerse film: “Anyone can wear the mask” So like Matt Wagner’s Grendel I want different versions and have them written by others to share their personal stories. To give many types of people their own hero.

FS: What are you reading right now?

KC: Currently I’m reading Turtles of Greyskull, SilverHawks, Flash Gordon, Transformers…wait I’m seeing a pattern here.  The New Gods, Absolute Superman and WW, GLC (big fan of Kyle Rayner; that’s why CT’s name is Kyle ). The Moon is Following Us, Friendly Neighbor Spider-Man, Gunslinger Spawn, The Missionary, and whenever JM writes a new comic.

FS: If you had one final pitch for Commander Tomorrow, what would it be?

KC: The final pitch is if you like Pixar-esque stories. A fun adventure but with characters you can relate to and a deeper story that perhaps make you feel seen. Plus, for kids to ask questions to their parents about life, the challenges as well. Kids are so curious, hopeful and their imagination is infinite at that time. Carl Sagan has talked about that. How the older we get we lose so much of that. I don’t have kids, but when I’m with my friends and see the wonder they have, it’s awesome. Because I feel the older, we get we think losing that is part of “growing up” but our wonder, our imaginations can and should always be our superpowers. We should never let go of them. Because with those combined, like Voltron, hope is formed and our strength can shine.

As of press time, the Kickstarter for Commander Tomorrow has more than doubled its initial goal, with 15 days left in the campaign. Make sure to check out this fast-paced tale set in an expansive universe and with a positive message for the young and old alike!