Stephanie Phillips teases the grand finale to Taarna: The Last Taarakian and writing the adventures of Heavy Metal’s flagship character.
Of all the characters in Heavy Metal‘s extensive catalog of fantasy and science fiction titles, Taarna has embodied the celebrated publication’s genre sensibilities more than any other figure to the delight of fans worldwide. Comic book creator Stephanie Phillips (Harley Quinn) helms the miniseries Taarna: The Last Taarakian, joined by a rotating roster of artists, as Taarna finds herself caught in an epic, cosmic war, seizing her destiny with her new companion Shaan.
In an exclusive interview with CBR, Phillips teases what fans can expect in the grand finale to the miniseries, talks about working with the various art teams across the six-issue story and how The Last Taarakian expands the adventures and universe of the iconic Heavy Metal hero.
CBR: Stephanie, as this story reaches its end, how has it been being able to craft a new tale starring Heavy Metal‘s flagship character Taarna?
Stephanie Phillips: It’s been a lot of fun to tell a story about Taarna and expand her universe. She’s such a cosmic character, and that’s very different from the other stories I’m currently writing.
In a lot of ways, this story has highlighted what Heavy Metal does best: Blending fantasy and science fiction in all its bloody, no-holds-barred glory. How has it been leaning into that as Taarna battles the villainous Kako?
Phillips: I really enjoy getting to be creative about the way Taarna fights and how those fight scenes might work in different environments. Taarna’s universe allows for a lot of cool play between different characters and the universe.
With this miniseries, you’ve got the story divided into three distinct acts, each with their own art team. How has it been writing for each of these team’s creative sensibilities while maintaining that throughline for Taarna?
Phillips: Every artist working on this story is incredibly talented and it was interesting to get to see how each new artistic team approached the characters and story. Each team did a great job of keeping things cohesive while bringing their own sensibilities and take to the universe.
This final issue is illustrated by Al Barrionuevo and Bryan Valenza. How has it been working with them on this epic finale?
Phillips: One really cool element to the finale was getting to design new battle armor for Taarna (for issues #5 and #6). Al and Bryan created some of the coolest armor for Taarna that I hope we get to see beyond the issues we worked on together. It’s such a cool look. Both Al and Bryan are incredibly talented and a great team to close out the story with.
This story has revolved around the burgeoning dynamic between Taarna and Shaan. How has it been putting them together in this cosmic war?
Phillips: I felt like Shaan was a really good vehicle to help explore Taarna’s heroic calling. Shaan lets the audience see Taarna in a new way, and also pushes Taarna to form a more personal relationship with someone than she’s ever had.
Just to close out, what are you most proud of getting to put your own spin on in this Taarna story?
Phillips: I first saw Taarna in the Heavy Metal film, so it was really cool to have the opportunity to tell her story and expand the Heavy Metal universe.
Written by Stephanie Phillips and illustrated by Al Barrionuevo and Bryan Valenza, Taarna: The Last Taarakian #6 goes on sale June 9 from Heavy Metal. The entire miniseries will be collected and on sale in paperback on July 6.
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