Impossible Jones fans have something to look forward to this year. A graphic novel about a criminal who gains superpowers (and uses them to his advantage) is mistaken for a hero is getting a new edition thanks to creator Karl Kesel.
The Beat spoke with Kesel about the book’s ongoing Kickstarter campaign.
Deanna Destito: How did Impossible Jones come about?
Karl Kesel: I literally woke up one morning and realized how to write “Plastic Man.” And I’ve never spent any time thinking about Plastic Man, so I don’t know where that idea came from. When I approached Dan DiDio about pitching the Plastic Man idea (without going into details), he told me that DC wasn’t looking for the Plastic Man idea at the time. So I revisited the idea and mixed in a little bit of Harley Quinn (a character I really loved writing). And therein lies the basis of Impossible Jones. (The name is an homage to Al Capp’s character in Li’l Abner. Specifically, the name “Stupifyin’ Jones,” which I’ve always loved!) IMP with David Hahn Once I started working on this character, it seemed like it was really coming to life and starting to write itself. It’s going in a direction I didn’t expect. (This is often the case.) I like to think that the end result is greater than the sum of her parts.
DESTITO: What is your favorite part about playing in this universe?
Kessel: It’s hard to say. I have a deep love for all the core supporting players – I created Polecat and Captain Lightning in second grade! – and like the more subdued scale of the IMP books. New Hope City only has five or six heroes (including IMP), so it’s not like the Avengers and FF and X-Men are swarming the city. Plus, I like how even with the addition of villains, our heroes remain the underdogs. And while IMP faces at least one very powerful enemy, the tone of this book is much more street-level, like the early Lee/Ditko/Romita Spider-Man comics. It’s the tone I really enjoy and feel has the most potential.
Destito: The witty dialogue is definitely appealing, at least to me. How easy is it to get into your characters’ heads, and are you modeled after someone you know personally?
Kessel: I wouldn’t say I based someone’s character on a real person. I often cast actors as specific characters, at least in my head. In my opinion, Spanish actress Ursula Corbero is perfect for IMP both visually and tonally (as seen in Money Heist). In the past, Tom Hanks would have been great as Polecat, and a young Robert Redford would have been perfect as Captain Lightning. When it comes to understanding what’s inside their heads, most of the time the characters tell us what they’re going to do (or not do). They really write themselves a lot, reveal new layers and surprise even me.
DESTITO: What is this current Kickstarter IMP about?
KESEL: Impossible to Love (aside from its love comic homage cover and title) is as fast-paced and action-packed as any IMP adventure. IMP is the last hero in New Hope to survive after a brutal battle that sidelines all the other heroes. city. She suddenly finds herself made a law aide without anyone knowing that she is actually a wanted thief, and uses that position to find one last big score that will establish her life. I decided. She and Demolition, a delinquent gun loaner who uses power to no avail, begin to cross paths, and she finds herself drawn to him. Unfortunately, she is also ordered to bring him. Complications arise…
The book will be about 60 pages, including back matter and pin-ups. It also comes with a great alternate cover by Terry Dodson (who is still drawing) and Ty Templeton (a fun IMP Infinity cover, already completed).
DESTITO: Why did you choose Kickstarter for this project?
KESEL: We did the entire IMP project on Kickstarter. This is a great way to get ideas out of the field and into people’s hands. Plus, the Kickstarter comics community is the best! Everyone is so kind and always looking out for each other!
Destito: Do you have any teasers for longtime fans?
Kessel: Well, there’s a reason “Impossible to Love” has the subtitle “Prologue.” This essentially self-contained story sets things in place and sets things in motion that will be important in IMP’s third arc. This arc depicts whether IMP’s basic plan will come together or fall apart. (And between you and me, even *I* don’t know how things will turn out yet!)
Something like this:
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