A P.E.I. comic book artist has found himself drawn into the convergence of two pop culture mega-franchises.
Former Kensington resident Troy Little, (who now calls Charlottetown home), will create the artwork for an upcoming crossover comic featuring characters Rick and Morty from the Adult Swim cartoon of the same name, and the world of pen and paper fantasy game, Dungeons & Dragons.
Officially titled, “Rick and Morty vs. Dungeons & Dragons,” the four-issue miniseries is set to publish its first edition in August. The series is being co-written by fantasy author Patrick Rothfuss and comic book writer Jim Zub.
Little does a lot of work with IDW Publishing, which is co-publishing this project with Oni Press, so they approached him several months ago to work on it.
It’s an exciting prospect, explained Little, as the two properties seem like a match made in heaven.
“I think the idea of tying these two properties together are going to be really fun and interesting.”
Since the comic series was first announced earlier this month it has made headlines across the internet.
‘Rick and Morty’ has become a pop culture phenomenon since its pilot episode aired in 2013. Its third season concluded in late 2017, but a fourth season has not been confirmed.
With the show in limbo, fans are left to consume their beloved character’s adventures through other media, so news of a new comic series generated a lot of interest.
Little said he has received a lot of positive feedback since the news broke and is encouraged by the fan reception of the concept.
The premise of “Rick and Morty” also lends itself well to this kind of crossover between franchises because of the interdimensional nature of its storyline.
The story of the show focuses on unwitting teenager Morty Smith who gets dragged through the universe and alternate realities by Rick Sanchez, his nihilistic, alcoholic, super-genius grandfather.
“It’s great because it’s unpredictable. It can literally go anywhere. It’s a kind of brilliant insanity,” said Little.
Despite the hype surrounding the project, Little added that he’s unfazed by the sometimes prickly nature of fandom.
“I survived Hunter S. Thompson fans with the ‘Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas’ book – I can survive this,” said Little, referring to his 2015 comic adaptation of that novel.
Anyone looking to catch up with Little about this project or one of his other works can do so at the East Coast Comic Expo, which is slated for May 19, in Moncton, N.B. Zub is also one of the special guests at this year’s event.
@JournalPMacLean
Some examples of Troy Little’s work includes:
- “Chiaroscuro” series, published by IDW Publishing in 2007
- “Angora Napkin” first released in 2009, Little has since done a sequel and continues to write an online comic based on this book
- “Powerpuff Girls” series based on the Cartoon Network animated series, from 2013 to 2014
- “Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas” which was an authorized adaptation of the Hunter S. Thompson book of the same name
- In addition to his comic book credits, Little has also worked extensively in the animation industry including on shows like “Franklin” and “The Ren and Stimpy Show” and an adaptation of his work, “Angora Napkin.”
