SYFYWIRE Interview: Marc Sumerak New Serenity Handbook Author

Cider 07/08/2018 Leave a Comment

EXCLUSIVE: THE FIREFLY TRAVELER’S COMPANION TO THE ‘VERSE IS ALLIANCE-APPROVED AND A MUST-HAVE FOR ALL BROWNCOATS

Calling all space cowboys! You can now traverse the galaxy with two new books based on Joss Whedon‘s cult TV show, Firefly.

Published by Insight Editions, Hidden Universe Travel Guides: Firefly: A Traveler’s Companion to the ‘Verse and The Serenity Handbook: The Official Crew Member’s Guide to the Firefly-Class Series 3 Ship were penned by Marc Sumerak, a veteran pop culture writer, well-known for his contributions to Marvel Comics.

“Getting to write brand-new material for any property that I love is always a joy, but there’s definitely something special about Firefly,” Sumerak told SYFY WIRE. “There’s a reason this show has endured for so long after it’s short initial run and has inspired so many fans along the way. So getting to tap into that magic for these books and translate it onto the page was certainly a dream come true!”

The Traveler’s Companion isn’t on sale yet, but we’ve got some exclusive page reveals with art by Livio Ramondelli.

“[I] Knew he’d bring something amazing to the project,” Sumerak said. “Once I finally laid eyes on his art, I couldn’t have been more pleased. He captured the tone of the series perfectly and brought each and every location to life in its own unique way. Whether depicting a thriving moon or a desolate blackrock, Livio’s illustrations made me want to hop on my boat and pay each world a visit!”

“For me the most excitign part of writing these books was to get to write in the voices of the characters from the series,” Sumerak added. “For instance, while the bulk of the Traveler’s Companion to the ‘Verse happens to be written like an official travel guide that even the Alliance could get behind, there are notes scribbled throughout the book from the crew of Serenity that add perspective and, hopefully, a whole lot of fun. It was such a pleasure to get inside the heads of every single one of them. Except maybe Jaynem. Honestly, I still feel a little dirty…”

And who is our writer most like from the show? His answer involves plastic dinosaurs and a sudden, but inevitable betrayal:

“Without a doubt, it’s Wash – and not just because I’ve juggled a few geese in my day. He had such a fun, quirky, carefree personality, but when things got serious, he was always willing and able to do whatever it took to get the job done and deliver everyone safely home. Plus, that would make my wife Zoe, which seems like a pretty perfect fit for my own relationship dynamic at home. I know when to make her laugh, she knows how to make me focus, and when we’re together, we’re the perfect team!”

While the series was canceled after just one season and followed up with a single feature film, Serenity, Mr. Sumerak would be totally down for any kind of revival.

“If the show were ever to return in any capacity, I’d be absolutely on board!” he said. “Certainly, there would be a lot of challenges that would have to be addressed along the way, both in terms of production and plot, before they could get that boat sailing again, but that never stopped Mal before. If the fine folks behind the scenes could find a way to make it all come together, I would be up for more adventures. And [if] they decided to use the Serenity Handbook or the Traveler’s Companion in any way shape or form as they chart their course, I would be absolutely honored.”

The Serenity Handbook is currently on sale, but the Hidden Universe Travel Guides becomes available on August 28. Head to the following media gallery for more exclusive page reveals from each book.