Comics Bulletin logo
Search
  • Columns
    Random
    • Canon Fodder

      Michael Bettendorf
      July 30, 2014
      Columns, Comics Bulletin Soapbox
    Recent
    • The Full Run: Usagi Yojimbo – The Wanderer’s Road Part 2

      Daniel Gehen
      December 4, 2020
    • The Full Run: Usagi Yojimbo – The Wanderer’s Road Part 1

      Daniel Gehen
      October 30, 2020
    • Comictober 2020: DRACULA MOTHERF**KER

      Daniel Gehen
      October 27, 2020
    • What Looks Good
    • Comics Bulletin Soapbox
    • The Full Run
    • Leading Question
    • Top 10
    • The Long-Form
    • Jumping On
    • Comics in Color
    • Slouches Towards Comics
  • Big Two
    Random
    • 4.0

      Guarding the Galaxy: Rocket Raccoon and Groot #4

      Michael Bettendorf
      May 3, 2016
      Big Two, Big Two Reviews, Marvel Comics
    Recent
    • 4.5

      DCeased: Dead Planet #7 Presents a Hopeful Future (Review)

      Daniel Gehen
      January 22, 2021
    • Retro Review: Detective Comics #826 Remains a Holiday Classic

      Daniel Gehen
      December 3, 2020
    • Stan Lee

      nguyen ly
      November 7, 2020
    • DC Comics
    • Big Two Reviews
    • Marvel Comics
  • Indie
    Random
    • This Week in Boom!: Mermaids!!

      Michael Bettendorf
      September 16, 2015
      Boom! Studios, Indie, News, This Week in BOOM!
    Recent
    • Review: The Loneliness of the Long-Distance Cartoonist

      Daniel Gehen
      December 14, 2020
    • The Full Run: Usagi Yojimbo – The Wanderer’s Road Part 2

      Daniel Gehen
      December 4, 2020
    • 4.5

      TMNT: The Last Ronin #1 Lives Up to the Hype (Review)

      Daniel Gehen
      October 29, 2020
    • Reviews
    • Archie Comics
    • Boom! Studios
    • Dark Horse
    • IDW
    • Image
    • Oni Press
    • Valiant
  • Reviews
    Random
    • 3.0

      Review: 'Superman/Wonder Woman: Power Couple' is a Decent First Date

      Michael Bettendorf
      August 19, 2014
      Reviews
    Recent
    • 4.5

      DCeased: Dead Planet #7 Presents a Hopeful Future (Review)

      Daniel Gehen
      January 22, 2021
    • Review: The Loneliness of the Long-Distance Cartoonist

      Daniel Gehen
      December 14, 2020
    • Retro Review: Detective Comics #826 Remains a Holiday Classic

      Daniel Gehen
      December 3, 2020
    • Singles Going Steady
    • Slugfest
    • Manga
      • Reviews
    • Small Press
      • Reviews
      • ICYMI
      • Tiny Pages Made of Ashes
  • Interviews
    Random
    • Chris Roberson: Fond Memories and Talking Cats

      Michael Bettendorf
      May 19, 2012
      Interviews
    Recent
    • Interview: Jon Davis-Hunt Talks SHADOWMAN

      Daniel Gehen
      June 8, 2020
    • Interview: Becky Cloonan talks DARK AGNES and Her Personal Influences

      Mike Nickells
      March 4, 2020
    • Simon Roy

      Interview: Simon Roy on His Inspirations and Collaborations on PROTECTOR

      Mike Nickells
      January 29, 2020
    • Audio Interview
    • Video Interview
  • Classic Comics
    Random
    • "THE BEST OF WITZEND" is a Wonderful Celebration of Artistic Freedom

      Michael Bettendorf
      September 15, 2018
      Books, Classic Comics, Fantagraphics, Reviews
    Recent
    • Countdown to the King: Marvel’s Godzilla

      Daniel Gehen
      May 29, 2019
    • Honoring A Legend: Fantagraphics To Resurrect Tomi Ungerer Classics

      Daniel Gehen
      February 15, 2019
    • Reliving the Craziest Decade in Comics History: An interview with Jason Sacks

      Mark Stack
      January 2, 2019
    • Classic Comics Cavalcade
    • Classic Interviews
  • News
    Random
    • This Week in Boom!: Unghostly Ghosts

      Michael Bettendorf
      August 19, 2015
      News, This Week in BOOM!
    Recent
    • 2020 Ringo Awards Winners Announced

      Daniel Gehen
      October 26, 2020
    • BAD IDEA Announces 2021 Publishing Slate

      Daniel Gehen
      September 29, 2020
    • A Full Replay of NCSFest 2020 is now Available

      Daniel Gehen
      September 15, 2020
    • Press Release
    • Kickstarter Spotlight
  • Books
    Random
    • Review: 'Out of Nothing' is the Antidote to Our Sick Times

      Michael Bettendorf
      July 23, 2018
      Books
    Recent
    • Collecting Profile: Disney Frozen

      CB Staff
      November 22, 2019
    • Collecting Profile: NFL Superpro

      CB Staff
      August 31, 2019
    • “THE BEST OF WITZEND” is a Wonderful Celebration of Artistic Freedom

      Daniel Gehen
      September 15, 2018
    • Review: ‘Machete Squad’ is a Disappointing Afghan Memoir

      Jason Sacks
      July 31, 2018
    • Review: ‘Out of Nothing’ is the Antidote to Our Sick Times

      Jason Sacks
      July 23, 2018
    • Review: ‘Bizarre Romance’ Shows Rough Edges in the Early Days of a New Marriage

      Jason Sacks
      July 10, 2018
What's New
  • Collecting Profile: If I win Powerball, I will buy Amazing Fantasy 15
  • DCeased: Dead Planet #7 Presents a Hopeful Future (Review)
  • Collecting Profile: Batwoman
  • Collecting Profile: Daredevil
  • Collecting Profile: Floronic Man
  • Review of Cheetah in Wonder Woman 1984
  • RSS Feed
  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • Google+
  • Contact Us
  • Write for us!
  • Visit Video Game Break!
Home
Interviews

Interview: Michael Moreci and Matt Battaglia Indoctrinate Us

Michael Bettendorf
July 14, 2016
Interviews

Michael Bettendorf for Comics Bulletin: Hey guys, how’s it going? Thanks for sharing Indoctrination #1 with me. The hype is well deserved. 

I ‘spose I’ll just jump right in. The atmosphere of Indoctrination hit me in the chest from the get-go, so much so that the setting is almost a character in and of itself. Part of that comes from the political undertones that seep onto the page through the setting and dialogue. Could you talk about that some, how that materialized from the script and the visual decisions that went into it? 

Matt Battaglia

Matt Battaglia: Thanks for reading it, man. Atmosphere and tone were the first two things we talked about when starting in on this book. It’s pretty crucial to the story we’re telling. We want the reader to get into the right kind of fearful headspace. Visually, we wanted the opening to be this miserable crack of dawn experience for the characters, like you’re rolling up on this scene just as the sun is coming up – it’s just miserable and you’re staring down at a corpse. This continues in issue #2 and for the rest of the book, I try to change the tone of the palette in each scene. So, the opening is really warm and then we cut to this super cold jail cell.

Michael Moreci: I think what’s also going on is the way Matt and I, especially Matt, are breaking down every page. Everything at first is indirect and fragmented, reflecting the mindset of our characters. These are not stable people we’re dealing with, and we wanted to reflect that are strongly as possible on the page itself. We’re trying to take as many risks as possible, in the story itself and the ideas we’re presenting, but also in how the story is being told.

CB: Absolutely. You two are doing a lot in respect of ideas as well as construction of each page. Matt, your panel structures often stray from typical six or nine panel grids. There’s unique panel density and use of white space in the gutters of the page. Could you tell us a little bit about these decisions?

Battaglia: Mike and I originally discussed just wanting to have pages that are generally super dense and tight. Claustrophobic. Which allows us to then do pages like in the first issue with Denton where we flip it and you can really feel the void. I do have a pretty strict grid that I start from – in that I have a set guide grid in my page template, and then I riff from there. In issue 2 we play with the structure even more. Since this is really my first foray into doing full comics – it’s been a learning process for me and Mike’s been helping push me from my comfort zone. 

Indoctrination1

Mike, you’ve never been one to shy away from political and social themes. You typically grab ‘em low and force them to reveal themselves. Burning Fields was critical of privatized military operations and meddling in things we ought not to meddle in. Could you talk about the fuel for Indoctrination?

Moreci: Absolutely. See, for me it’s all about political and cultural ideologies. In my mind, we’re all indoctrinated in one way or another. Meaning, we all, at least to some degree, adhere to the norms of our family, our church, our community at large, etc. And those norms differ from place to place, family to family. And adhering to them, it’s totally fine—we all do it. The problem is when those norms get radical. The even BIGGER problem is when radicalized norms become mainstream.

It’s funny, because as the book is getting more and more exposure, I’m seeing lots of references to ISIS, and while I think that’s apt, no one has mentioned how radical the U.S.’s mainstream politics have become and the violent effects that radicalization is engendering. The book is just as much about that as it is ISIS or any other death cult. I mean, just because Trump doesn’t identify himself as a cult leader, doesn’t make him any less so—or any less dangerous. And that, right there, is the heart of Indoctrination. Radicalism in all forms, and its deadly consequences.

Battaglia: The thing that makes this book so much fun to work on, is that Mike and I are both (I think) plugged in. Indoctrination is very much a synthesis of a wide variety of topics and arguments and discussions that we’ve gotten into. I think it lends the book a pretty wide variety of thoughts. To add to Mike’s points about the fears of radicalization – I’d say that the way people build and maintain their ideological bubbles creates a rich ground for you to view your political ‘rivals’ as enemies, we’ve stop trying to bother to understand one another and it’s become a search for whichever strongman will enforce the wills of your chosen group.

CB: Oh certainly. Wilkins lays it all out when he says, “…that way, it’s not the person who’s poisoned – it’s the faith.” That idea brings out an interested duality that can be seen or attached to any set of ideals. Like you said Mike, it’s ever-present in radicalized mainstream media. Muslims, or anyone that simply looks like they are from the Middle East, are lumped and judged together when a small, radical percentage performs atrocities. Christians are viewed as Bible-thumping, right-wing, homophobes, xenophobes, etc. Liberals are gun hating hippies that want to live in a free, drug-filled society where people can do whatever makes them happy. Conservatives are gun toting, uneducated people who only care about themselves. I could go on and on. But these sorts of views are what are presented in the media. One drop poisons the well, right?

It turns the responsibility and focus away from the individual and points the blame at the faith/ideals. That, in turn, breeds fear and hate. Fear mongering is a huge tool and we’re seeing that in our current political climate. It’s terrifying.

The other side of this coin, is that all ideals, faiths – and of course, cults – have the propensity to be breeding grounds for this type of thinking. One could argue that while sure, it isn’t the faith that is bad, it’s the person, one has to consider if the faith/ideals are still part of the problem due to the very nature of them. Which I suppose, brings me to my next question. 

You play with the idea of blurring the line between right and wrong in Indoctrination. There’s a thick fogginess of gray between the black and white. How does that tie into your thinking for indoctrination as a construct, but also for Indoctrination as a story? 

Indoctrination2

Moreci: I’d say we’re all indoctrinated in one way or another. Into family customs and traditions, church morals, community rules and standards, etc. We’re born into a certain way of thinking, all of us, and that’s okay. Strong communities and families are essential for the health and well-being of our own selves and the entire world.

The problem comes when pervasive thinking becomes radicalized and destructive. I mean, think about Trump. What’s this guy’s strength? Besides being a fucking con man, he has a unique ability that all cult leaders have—the ability to tap into the anger and vulnerabilities of people. They prey on people at their worst, and when you do that, well, you get people not only thinking at their worst, but acting at their worst as well. Unfortunately, we live in an angry world right now—times are changing, and people are having a really, really hard time accepting certain aspects of our evolving culture. And many of our leaders, instead of inspiring people to be better and ensuring that the world is changing for the good, are entrenching themselves with the people’s anger because, well, it’s easier. Trump is just the extreme example because the shit he says is so crazy and overtly racist that it’s beyond even the worst of our politicians.

The same goes for other, more dangerous and deadly cults. It’s all about exploitation and promising a better world to come. ISIS wants to tear down the world and build it anew (that’s literally their doctrine); Trump wants to make America great again. But the road to these alleged utopias are littered with hatred, anger, and bloodshed. I don’t know how anyone can create a perfect world under such conditions. It’s like I said in Burning Fields—you can’t kill your way to peace. Same thing in Indoctrination—you can’t hate your way to utopia.

Battaglia: I’d just step in and state that American culture has basically lifted up the government and politics as the ultimate religion, which is frightening. We’ve handed so much power and control over to agencies which the people have no control over, a Congress that general works to perpetuate itself, and Presidents with unchecked power. People are pissed, because their rights are trampled upon regularly, you have a police force that’s mostly unchecked, we’ve given up a litany of civil liberties in order to feel “safe”. However – the most scary thing, to me, is that the wave that’s coming – the solutions that are being espoused by Clinton and Trump are to bring more government. To take more control. Society continues to give up freedoms to feel “safe”, the American notion of individual liberties has been superseded by identity politics that aim to force people into broad groups based on surface level qualities. As you said – we’ve gotten to this place where if you disagree with someone you simplify them down to whichever -ist you’d like to label them and then you can happily walk on never bothering to understand. It’s this attitude of dismissing those you disagree with as some kind of stereotype that leads people to supporting Trump, because he is the greatest kind of F-you to that notion.

CB: Well said. That way of thinking is contradictory, but those types of leaders are able to twist it to make their followers believe that it’s ok, that there’s nothing wrong with it. Or in more dangerous scenarios – that it’s the only way. Trump’s whole, “tell it like it is” mindset is comical because it’s all lies. It’s not how it is. It’s how he wants his followers to believe how it is. Then of course, the blame game comes into play. It’s all a big game of misdirection, elaborate parlor tricks. 

I don’t have much of a transition here Mike, but I have to ask about the lion. Trent seems to have some ghosts from his past haunting him. It’s a case he’s still bent up about. What can you tell us about Trent and the Lion’s Den? 

Moreci: Wellll…there’s not much I can say here. Let’s just say that the tattoos and what they mean are important to the threat that’s being encountered, and equally important to Trent and Georgia’s history. Especially Trent. Just remember—no one is exactly who they say they are…

Battaglia: YEP. Also – there will definitely be a usage of a lyric from Springsteen’s Lion’s Den on one IFC.

CB: Right on! We certainly get a glimpse of that early on with Wilkins and Huxom. I suspect that Wilkins will grow on me. This idea is crucial to the mystery genre. I think back to TV shows like Twin Peaks and Broadchurch, where so much of the story rests in people hiding who they truly are. The setting is huge in these types of shows as well. In both mentioned TV shows, the story takes place in small, close-knit towns where everybody knows everybody. Tell us about the setting for Indoctrination. Any particular reason you chose Texas/the South?

Battaglia: Huxum’s my favorite. I think he’s generally speaking most in line with my world view. Let’s just say things get crazy! I’ve got family in San Antonio, but the location plays more into the narrative as we go on – however to say too much would be telling.

Moreci: For sure, there are specific reasons for choosing Texas, logistically, but there’s something about Texas that has that really American feel to it. I think that’s a big part of the book, that sense of Americana.

CB: I’m interested in how things are going to unfold. You two have the foundation to a fascinating thriller going for you. Before we wrap up, is there anything else about Indoctrination you fellas want to talk about? What other projects are you excited about or working on?

Indoctrination Cover

Battaglia: There’s more I could say – but I think I’ve ranted enough for one interview. At the moment I’m just trying to get Indoctrination wrapped and make it the best book I can produce. I think my art’s getting better with each successive issue.

Thanks!

Moreci: Right now, I’m chipping away at my novel (due out from St. Martin’s in 2017) and writing a few secret DC projects; I’m having the time of my life doing both, I kid you not.

CB: Right on, guys. I’ll be keeping my eyes out for those projects. I appreciate you taking time out of your busy schedules to talk to me about Indoctrination. It’s always a pleasure. One more thing before I let you go – As a longtime fan of Roche Limit, I want to say congratulations as the final chapter came to a close this past week. 

Indoctrination #1 dropped in June from Z2 Comics. Make sure to talk to your LCS to add this to your pull list. You won’t regret it.

Summary
Interview: Michael Moreci and Matt Battaglia Indoctrinate Us
Article Name
Interview: Michael Moreci and Matt Battaglia Indoctrinate Us
Description
An interview with Michael Moreci and Matt Battaglia over their new comic, "Indoctrination."
Author
Michael Bettendorf

IndoctrinationMatt BattagliaMichael MoreciZ2 Comics

Share On:
Tweet
Leading Questions: Let’s Talk About Ourselves
Tiny Pages Made of Ashes 7/15/16: The Largesse of Small Books

About The Author

<a href="http://comicsbulletin.com/byline/michael-bettendorf/" rel="tag">Michael Bettendorf</a>
Michael Bettendorf

Michael graduated from the University of Nebraska - Lincoln in 2012 with a BA in English with a focus in Creative Writing. When he's not spending time with his wife, he's working on creative projects and drinking enough coffee to take down a small horse.

Related Posts

  • What Looks Good for the Week of July 1, 2020

    Daniel Gehen, Jason Jeffords Jr.
    June 29, 2020
  • Interview: Michael Moreci – “Roche Limit” and Questioning Reality

    Michael Bettendorf
    December 29, 2015

Latest Interviews

  • Interview: Jon Davis-Hunt Talks SHADOWMAN

    Daniel Gehen
    June 8, 2020
  • Interview: Becky Cloonan talks DARK AGNES and Her Personal Influences

    Mike Nickells
    March 4, 2020
  • Simon Roy

    Interview: Simon Roy on His Inspirations and Collaborations on PROTECTOR

    Mike Nickells
    January 29, 2020
  • Interview: V.E. Schwab on revisiting Red London in The Steel Prince

    Stephen Cook
    March 13, 2019
  • Interview: David Foster Wallace and Hellblazer, words on Wyrd with writer Curt Pires

    Stephen Cook
    February 27, 2019
  • “The Night Has Teeth” An Interview with Sarah deLaine, Artist of Image Comics’ “Little Girls”

    Jason Sacks
    February 26, 2019
  • Interview: Caitlin Kittredge talks the future of Witchblade

    Daniel Gehen
    February 12, 2019
  • Interview: Andy Nakatani and the Future of Weekly Shonen Jump

    Daniel Gehen
    December 19, 2018
  • INTERVIEW: Todd Matthy talks robots, princesses, and bridging the divide with storytelling

    Stephen Cook
    September 13, 2018
  • INTERVIEW: Gallaher & Ellis discuss THE ONLY LIVING GIRL

    Daniel Gehen, Thea Srinivasan
    September 7, 2018
RSSTwitterFacebookgoogleplusinstagramtumblr

Comics Bulletin is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for website owners to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com, audible.com, and any other website that may be affiliated with Amazon Service LLC Associates Program. As an Amazon Associate, Comics Bulletin earns from qualifying purchases.

All content on this site (c) 2018 The Respective Copyright Holders