Interview: Jeff Parker “Hopps In” To Talk ‘Zootopia’

Dynamite and Disney are hopping into a whole new year and a whole new title in their partnership comic line. January sees the launch of the ongoing series Zootopia, a continuation set in the world of the hit 2016 film.

Heading up the title is writer Jeff Parker and artist Alessandro Ranaldi, who have worked in the Disney space recently through Negaduck and Disney Villains: Hades respectively. The Dynamite Entertainment series is described as the following:

It’s another beautiful day in the bustling city of Zootopia, where every animal is free to strive to realize their full potential — and one of the most successful among the pack is Tripp Zebrando, owner of the PB&J cell phone company. Their high-tech devices have become the can’t-miss gadget for every citizen of Zootopia, and they’re about to launch their latest flagship model with a huge publicity event. Everything goes awry when someone has it out for PB&J, set on sabotaging the event and the company by bringing the whole house down — right on top of the unsuspecting crowd!

Luckily this is a case for ZPD’s finest, as Officers Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde rush to the scene to keep the peace, contain the chaos, and investigate the mystery at the bottom of it all. As they sniff out clues and culprits, their discoveries in the aftermath of this seemingly isolated incident will lead them down tracks into the biggest case since the disgraced downfall of Deputy Mayor Bellwether, as seen in the iconic original film.

Ahead of the new series of adventures, Parker agreed to sit down with us and answer some questions about the exciting new series.

Scott Redmond: Jeff, thanks for taking some time for us, it’s always appreciated. It’s been almost ten years since Zootopia hit the big screen, but the passion for it and the desire for more seems to be quite strong out there. What is it about this film and its story that you think allowed it to resonate like it did and stand the test of time?

Jeff Parker: It didn’t play to a formula I think we’re used to seeing in big animation and when you stop to examine more, you realize it’s got some fairly heavy themes and ideas running under that entertaining story of Judy trying to make her path in the big city and her career. And redemption and valuing a character like Nick.

SR: In the same vein, what was it precisely that drew you to this particular project?

JP: Its crime stories with animals, how can I resist? I really like the movie and the world built within. It struck a chord with me and lots of viewers.

SR: Working on adaptations I imagine isn’t always the easiest. In the sense of trying to walk a fine line of what is established (and desires of the right’s holders) while still finding a way to freely tell stories that speak to you the writer. In this case, there is also an anticipated sequel film on the horizon. What is your approach when working on these types of stories adapting characters and worlds from other mediums?

JP: No, it’s not, you’re right. I don’t think about the sequel or what might be in it because they aren’t going to tell me anyway and it wouldn’t really help — I am looking forward to seeing it though. I’m trying to think purely in terms of stories that stand on their own with what the movie established. It helps that Zootopia suggested such a big world for them to run around in. 

 SR: It was mentioned in the announcements that this is to be a procedural type of story. Seems very fitting for the characters and their chosen profession. Can readers expect more case-of-the-week style one-off stories or perhaps more long-form story-arc based mysteries to be solved or perhaps a bit of both?

JP: You are on target with A Bit of Both! You should be able to pick up most of the issues without having seen previous ones and roll with it, but all of the first six issues do also build to something so just get ’em all.

SR: Building from that, without spoiling things of course, where will readers find Officers Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde in this new story? Also, what aspects of Zootopia as a space (or characters) are you excited to spend more time with along the way?

JP: You will find them right back in that ready room with Chief Bogo sending them out to deal with whatever he decides they should. Just because Judy got kind of locally famous in the movie doesn’t give her any special consideration with the assignment detail, and of course it’s frustrating because she always wants to chase the biggest case. Nick may be more legit now, but he still has all his old grifter skills that help him deal with the underworld.

SR: Alessandro Ranaldi is fresh off another Disney book and is definitely bringing the energy to this one in the preview pages released. What has it been like working with Ranaldi on this series so far?

JP: That guy is amazing. He has to convince you this is the world of Zootopia that took hundreds of artists to bring to life, and nail the acting of the main cast. And he does it! You will easily hear those familiar voices when you see him draw Hopps and Wilde, Bogo, Clawhauser and more. I hope this makes his creative profile go through the roof.

SR: Before we wrap things up, is there anything else about this book you’d really like to share with our readers to get them anticipating the first issue even more?

JP: Our heroes are using every crime-fighting tool in their belts, they aren’t just rolling up in the cruiser. They will go undercover!

SR: Thanks again Jeff for your time.

JP: My pleasure, Scott!

All interested parties can pick up the first issue of Zootopia on January 8th, 2025 from your local shops or anywhere comics are sold online.