DF Interview: Michael Moreci & Kyle Charles bring a hit sci-fi saga to a close in Roche Limit: Monadic

By Byron Brewer

The third and final arc of the Roche Limit trilogy arrives in March with the Monadic miniseries, by writer Michael Moreci and artist Kyle Charles.

The Earth is in ruins after the Black Sun's annihilation of the planet. Now, in the last remaining human city, its inhabitants fight for survival while a chosen few realize that their world may not be what it seems.

To get the full 411, Dynamic Forces spoke with both scribe and artist about this celebrated saga.

Dynamic Forces: Michael, what led to the decision to do a third and final arc of Roche Limit? Was it always planned as a trilogy?

Michael Moreci: Absolutely. I've had this exact ending for a long time, and while I'm excited to deliver that ending, I'm definitely sad to see the story end. But, I've always maintained that Roche Limit was meant to be a contained experience with something really specific to say, and that's exactly what we're sticking to.

DF: For the uninitiated, can you explain the storyline of Roche Limit and where we left off in the last arc please?

Michael Moreci: Basically, humanity discovers, in the future, this habitable planet that orbits a strange anomaly. We colonize the planet, hoping it to be a waypoint for our next big leap into space exploration, but instead, everything on the colony goes to hell. The colony isn't a grand step forward, it's a step sideways with humans taking all our bullshit from Earth right to this new colony. As that's happening, strange things start to happen because of the anomaly and come through the anomaly. This starts a chain of events that basically makes this planet a battlefield for the future of humanity in a practical, survival sense, but also in a very existential sense as well. The book is seeped in trying to understand the nature of humanity and our soul; there's some meaty stuff in there, without question. It's big space opera sci-fi told at a more intimate level.

As for where things are at now—in the second volume, titled Clandestiny, a military and science team travel to the planet on a mysterious expedition (this story takes place 75 years after the events of the first volume) and quickly discover things aren't what they seem. In the end, [SPOILERS] invasion by creatures from the anomaly is imminent on Earth, with only a small band of humans holding the key to saving the human race.

DF: So what do we have set for this final miniseries?

Michael Moreci: Monadic is four issues, and it really ties things together in a satisfying way. There's going to be lots of surprises. People who read those first two volumes, believe me, are in for some shocks when they understand what's going on throughout this story. I can't say too much for fear of giving anything away, but if you like Roche Limit, the finale will not disappoint.

And if you haven't read it, and you like sci-fi, I urge you to seek it out!

DF: Kyle, did you do any new designs for this final arc? If so, tell us about it.

Kyle Charles: We see the return of some old favorites from Volume 1, so I've been able to put my own stamp on them which is fun. Mike has a specific idea of what this setting and time looks like, so we've been more collaborative as far as designs go. He attached reference throughout the first issue which is handy. The style I'm using for Volume 3 is really different from Volume 2, so inherently I think character design and world building has a shift in tone. 

DF: As an artist, what has been your favorite thing – or greatest challenge – in doing Roche Limit?

Kyle Charles: My favorite thing about working on Roche is getting to do cerebral sci-fi. I can't say we re-invented anything, but I think that Mike's writing has a lot of layers and subtext, a bigger idea than what the plot may advertise. So that informs what I do visually. I like complexities and symbolism, it's easier to put it into the page with a story like Roche Limit. Biggest challenge is deadlines, ha ha. 

DF: So, Kyle, is Michael an easy writer to work with?

Kyle Charles: Hands down, Mike has got to be one of the best writers to collaborate with. It's why I'm signed up to do multiple projects with him. There's no ego, no power struggle, he's open to taking risks artistically. Mike's also a good friend, I had a few complications during RLC. I had a rough surgery, violent illness, a sour breakup and a bit of living on the streets, he was supportive through all of that mess. Can't thank him and our colorist, Matt Battaglia, enough. They're good people.

DF: Guys, if there was a chance and/or desire to take Roche Limit further, what story thread would each of you like to see expanded thus?

Michael Moreci: You know, so much of the story happened, intentionally, on the periphery. I've wanted to keep it small and intimate, for specific reasons, which meant a lot of things were left unsaid or shown. I think what might be especially cool would be to tell a story from the crew's POV as they explore the anomaly at the end of Clandestiny. Kind of this Alien-esque space horror might be a lot of fun.

Kyle Charles: Ha ha, LEE! I want to do a book on Lee and some other characters that are brought back as detectives in Volume 3. I just finished a scene with them and I'd love to do a The Wire-like story with those characters, just the day-to-day as a cop in this reality. Plus, I just want to draw Lee kicking ass for a series. 

Dynamic Forces would like to thank Michael Moreci & Kyle Charles for taking time out of their busy schedules to answer our questions. Roche Limit: Monadic #1 hits stores March 16^th!

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