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Comics depicting one of the most famous chapters of the Armenian history have become popular among comics fans in U.S. The idea of comics showing the Armenian history belongs to Roger Kupelian, famous Hollywood producer, writer and matte artist. He was making visual effects for such films as “Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End”, “The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers”, “Constantine”, “Terminator Salvation” and others. Roger agreed to answer questions of the Armenian News-NEWS.am reporter and told about his East of Byzantium project. 

Are you currently working on any film projects or you are mainly engaged in the East of Byzantium?

I have developed other projects but put them on hold as the impetus is to put East of Byzantium onto the fast track. People also forget I am a very busy participant in the Hollywood Visual Effects industry. I have to pay bills too.

How did the idea of East of Byzantium come into your head? When did you launch the project and do you have any ideas how to present the Armenian history through comics or other means?

The Vartan Mamigonian and Armenian Wars Mythology has always played a part in my upbringing. You can thank my parents for that. Once the tools presented themselves, the imagery began to flow. The point of the Graphic Novels(online comics etc) were to serve as a foundation for televised or cinematic projects, a kind of 'bible' if you will. But at the very least the goal is to provide an exciting and sublime experience for young (and young at heart) readers. The secondary goal was to reach beyond the Armenian world and make this an internationally appreciated story (which is why I simplified the approach and focused more on the visuals). My goal is to reinvent and reinforce a mythology for our modern age we can draw strength from.

You have recently cooperated with Serj Tankian and prepared illustrations for his “Glaring Through Oblivion” collection of poems. Do you plan to launch other joint projects with Tankian or other Armenian celebrities?

Serj and I have discussed other projects but we are both quite busy with our current roster of upcoming releases. Who knows. There are always ideas. Both of us serve on the advisory board for TUMO, for example. As far as other Armenian celebrities, I am sure the future holds the answer to that.

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