Discussing ‘CYN’ With Writer/Artist Ibrahim Moustafa
by Benjamin Hall
Writer/artist Ibrahim Moustafa is one of the creators of the upcoming graphic novel CYN. Moustafa has past experience with publishing in comics via his work with Marvel (Wastelanders: Wolverine #1). This graphic novel falls into the science fiction and western genres. The tale follows a young woman seeking a new life after a very troublesome one. It is seeing publishing by comics publisher Humanoids.
Benjamin Hall: What makes CYN differ from other sci-fi westerns?
Ibrahim Moustafa: In CYN, the “Sci-Fi/Western” bit is more the setting than it is the story. So, the story is unique to the character of Cyn and her companions in the book. While a dusty tale of a stranger with a sordid past rolling into town is well-explored territory, this stranger and her sordid past are very unique to the genre. I’m excited for readers to experience something new in this familiar genre!
Hall: Why do a story with the lead character seeking redemption?
Moustafa: I’ve always been very compelled by stories of people trying to be better than they were, especially when they were made to participate in a cycle of violence against their will. Someone trying to break out of that programming (figuratively, and literally in Cyn’s case) is always going to intrigue me.
Hall: What makes CYN a good choice for a lead?
Moustafa: It’s not so much that she’s a choice for a lead, but she’s a character whose story is right for the telling. She’s someone who is trying to be better, and I think those kind of characters are always worth our time.
Hall: Could readers possibly see more stories set in this universe? Specifically with any of the side characters from CYN.
Moustafa: They can right now, in fact! CYN is a followup to my 2021 book COUNT, which features her in a supporting role and takes place in the same world. Available wherever fine books are sold!
Hall: Can you say anything about the respective contributions of colorist Brad Simpson and letterer Hassan Ostmane-Elhaou
Moustafa: Brad and Hass are geniuses and I’m super-lucky to have them as collaborators. I’m proud of and humbled by their work on the last 3 books we’ve done together, and I lobbied early on to get their names on the cover because I want everyone to know that they’re an integral part of the team.
Thanks to Ibrahim Moustafa for his answers and time!
CYN is due out from Humanoids today, June 19th.
