Disney and Dynamite continue to add new titles to their long-running comic collaboration. Zootopia will be the latest installment in January 2025, marking the property’s first ongoing comic book series.
Author Jeff Parker and artist Alessandro Ranaldi lead the book, which features a magical anthropomorphic character in which all of Zootopia’s animals are “free to strive to reach their full potential.” I am.
The Beat chatted with Parker ahead of his series debut.
Deanna Destito: What drew you to working on Zootopia?
Jeff Parker: Frankly, this is one of the most interesting Disney movies of at least the last 30 years. Beneath the clever humor and satire, there are a lot of big ideas about society and community.
Destito: Where in the timeline does this story take place?
PARKER: Immediately after the events of the movie, Judy and Nick are business buddies, taking on any job Chief Bogo might send them, and of course more if they can get it done. Nick is seen trying to adjust to his new role as public protector.
DESTITO: What was it like adding your voice to this world?
Parker: I think the reader will have to decide on that. I’m trying my best to make this as close to an extension of the movie as possible and not draw attention to my writing.
Destito: What was it like working with this creative team?
Parker: That’s great! Alessandro nails these characters perfectly. You can hear Bogo’s booming voice, feel Judy’s enthusiasm for her job, and Nick’s sarcastic humor, it’s all there. That wouldn’t be possible without an artist who can inhabit a character like he does. And I’m once again working with the great talents of Dearbhla Kelly on color and Geoff Eckleberry on lettering. This is a dream team for me. I’m biased, but I think it’s made in such a way that you can feel the worldview of the movie.
Destito: What will fans recognize from this film and what will be new?
Parker: Clawhauser is back! We know you want that, right? And there are plenty of new characters to round out the cast this time around, as we get to see Hopps and Wilde fight crime. I wanted to revisit former Mayor Lionheart, but there’s no room in this first storyline. This is a character that I fall in love with every time I watch the movie. Here are some other places in the city. I think readers will find it interesting. Oh, wait, Yax makes a brief appearance too!
Look for Zootopia #1 in January 2025.
Something like this:
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