DF Interview: Back to the present with Scott Kolins and Past Aways

By Byron Brewer

History comes alive in an unexpected manner in Past Aways, a new Dark Horse Comics series from artist Scott Kolins (The Flash) and writer Matt Kindt (Mind MGMT, Unity).

The series centers around a group of time travelers that gets trapped in the past (our present) and finds themselves unable to die due to the rules of time travel. Fortunately — or unfortunately, depending on your perspective — those rules appear to be changing when objects and creatures from the distant past start mysteriously showing up to accompany them. Is time falling apart entirely?

To get the answer to that question and more, Dynamic Forces did something a little different this time around: we went to the artist! Here is what the talented Mr. Kolins told us.

Dynamic Forces: Scott, tell us how this series you are doing with writer Matt Kindt came about.

Scott Kolins: Matt wrote me asking if I was interested in making a new book with him at Dark Horse Comics. We had previously made a short story together at DC – so we knew we could do this. The timing was perfect for me and after a phone call discussing the details more – we got started on Past Aways #1. Matt had already secured the book idea with Dark Horse and then showed me his outline and then we started designing and really getting into it.

DF: What is its premise? Were any of these story concepts your contribution?

Scott Kolins: Past Aways is five scientists from the future getting stranded in our primitive time and while trying to get home lots of crazy time-related monsters and events get in the way. This all came from Matt. So then Matt asked me what I liked to draw and we started filling in the monsters and events and decided more details about the scientists – who Matt had already begun with backstories and agendas. I had some suggestions for the main cast that Matt also incorporated seamlessly into his plans. You’ll see that contribution on the sixth cover.

DF: So these time travelers have traveled to ... NOW? Explain.

Scott Kolins: I can’t explain time travel. Sounds exciting, though!

DF: What can you tell us about the protagonists?

Scott Kolins: I love what Matt added to the first cover of Past Aways! The cover blurbs are genius! Art has a box near him that says: “Team Leader. Believes math and science have an answer for everything. Also believes everyone loves him.” Next to Margaret is: “Bipolar weapons specialist. Thinks leader is an a**hole.” I love these. Go check out the others on the cover!

DF: Did you do a lot of character design? Which one is your favorite to draw thus far and why?

Scott Kolins: Went about 3 rounds, I think? Most designs were pretty close in the initial drawing (because Matt started with solid ideas) – then we just tweaked stuff like Art’s glasses or I would modify the uniform shapes or the pockets. I’m still modifying a bit as I do the issues. You can’t predict how these things will play out and you can’t replace experience when knowing how a design plays out.

DF: Who are we looking at as big-bads in this book?

Scott Kolins: That’s a big surprise. Read and enjoy.

DF: How is it working with Matt? Can you describe the process?

Scott Kolins: Matt’s great. We’re both very creative and giving this book everything we have. We both constantly share ideas on this issue and the next one and we keep adding to the mix every day. More twists – more gadgets – more ideas. Dialogue gets tweaked – panels get redrawn. We are never satisfied. The issue isn’t really done until it has to go to the printer.

DF: It's a well-known fact that many of Matt's SF comics get optioned for film treatments. Exciting?

Scott Kolins: That would be incredible. Working on creator-owned material is very rewarding – just in the comics phase. I love making and creating – and then after it becomes this thing that the public can enjoy and make it their own is very cool too.

Dynamic Forces would like to thank Scott Kolins for taking time out of his busy schedule to answer our questions. Past Aways #2 from Dark Horse Comics is in stores now.

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