A Whimsical, Dark, and Personal Journey

Comic book luminary Rick Remender doesn’t shy from pushing boundaries. With his series The Seasons, debuting through Image Comics, Remender collaborates with artist Paul Azaceta to craft a narrative that defies convention, celebrating whimsy and personal storytelling. During a recent Zoom chat, Remender unveiled the creative process, inspirations, and challenges shaping this unique endeavor.

Rediscovering Whimsy in Comics

Remender’s motivation for The Seasons originates from shared reflections with Azaceta. They observed shifts in the modern comic book market. "During the pandemic, Paul and I noticed comics drifting from whimsy and joy," Remender recalled. Inspired by legends like Hergé’s Tintin and Jeff Smith’s Bone, they embarked on creating something absent in today’s scene. Embracing "show, don’t tell" became crucial, inviting the art to narrate organically.

“There’s joy in letting art breathe,” Remender emphasized. By rejecting safe choices, they focused on character nuances, crafting a tale that balances visual elegance with narrative depth.

A Story That Marries Visual Elegance and Narrative Depth

The first issue of The Seasons unfolds with Spring, one of four sisters embodying its titular theme. Her seemingly simple quest to retrieve a letter sets the stage. "It’s just a young girl on a Vespa chasing a letter," Remender described. However, this premise unfolds into a visually rich and character-driven sequence. Spring’s adventure leads to unexpected places — rooftops, bird nests, and stray cats.

“It may seem unnecessary,” Remender admits, “but it’s about living in smaller moments.” Azaceta’s artwork elevates these details, reminiscent of classic Tintin adventures, providing a meaningful experience beyond typical comic tropes.

Balancing Mystery and Accessibility

At its heart, The Seasons delves into a supernatural mystery involving a Faustian relic. This artifact skews perception, offering a reality-reflecting world. "That’s the hook," Remender said. This Bradbury-esque dilemma spins an immersive and mystifying world.

Leaning into ambiguity was deliberate. “In TV and movies, people despise mystery,” Remender reflected. Yet, for The Seasons, elements are intentionally veiled. This storytelling choice creates anticipation, with clarity dawning by the third or fourth issue.

Building a World with Care

Set in an alternate 1920s Paris, The Seasons invites readers into a timeless adventure. “By excluding modern tech, we’ve crafted a fresh storytelling environment,” Remender noted. This world, refined over years, emerges as a vibrant narrative tapestry.

Initially, the story started with Autumn, the eldest sister. Yet, they decided to center it around Spring’s journey. This strategic shift enriched the storyline, giving it depth and coherence.

Embracing Love and Risk in Creativity

For Remender, The Seasons marks a return to heartfelt creativity. “I’m no longer catering to trends,” he declared. Passion drives the project, forming its core gravitational pull. With Azaceta and colorist Mat Lopes, the series melds classic adventure with moral complexity.

A New Chapter for Comics

The Seasons promises to enrich the comic landscape, counterbalancing a genre saturated with fast-paced tales. Its whimsical, mysterious, and emotional narrative sets a new course, or perhaps unearths forgotten paths.

“Our mission is to create with love,” Remender concluded. "While results remain uncertain, well-crafted stories will always find their audience." With The Seasons, hopes are high for a lasting impact when the first issue launches on January 29.