Homies On A Spaceship — Discussing ‘Florence & Normandie’ With Co-Writer Rodney Barnes

The 1992 Los Angeles riots touched off after the acquittal of the four white police officers who mercilessly beat Rodney King. The riots began in South Central LA, at the intersection of Florence and Normandie, which serves as the title of a softcover graphic novel that was released last year by writers Rodney Barnes and rapper Xzibit as well as artist Jonathan Wayshak.

Instead of simply documenting the fighting, the creative team decided to use the event as a way of introducing an alien invasion. Now this unique story is about to see new life as a crowdfunded hardcover edition with new material. In an interview with Comicon, Barnes discusses the campaign and how the project came to life through Xzibit’s unique pitch.

Tom Smithyman: Is it true that Xzibit’s pitch to you was “I want to see my homies on a spaceship?” What was your reaction when you heard that?

Rodney Barnes: Yes! We were talking comics in general, and he just said it. For the rest of the conversation the wheels were turning in my head, and I landed on the basic concept for Florence and Normandie.

Smithyman: How did you choose the Rodney King riots as a setting for an alien invasion?

Barnes: It’s a combination of history meeting geography. Pretty simple to tell an alien invasion story – so many great ones are already out there. But if you can add an element of history and context to the situation, I think it adds a layer to the narrative.

Smithyman: What do you remember about the riots? Where were you at the time?

Barnes: I remember them clearly. Scary times. I was just starting my career at the time. Think I was a production assistant on a few films back East. The biggest takeaway for me was that the world was changing in a way that I really couldn’t imagine. I’d seen tapes of riots but had no grasp of their effect on the cities they spawned in. Now, I get it.

Smithyman: What is your relationship with Xzibit and how do the two of you collaborate on writing this story?

Barnes: We’re friends! He’s a brilliant guy and truly understands the entertainment industry. Our collaboration really centered on me pitching ideas and his insights on those ideas. It was pretty seamless.

Smithyman: The initial version of this story was published last year. What is new in the crowdfunded version?

Barnes: More of everything! I love books. I love hardcover books. And the chance to see an expanded version of this story with aspects of process – both Wayshak’s and my own, is truly exciting!

Smithyman: Jonathan Wayshak drew the book. What was the back and forth like with the three of you?

Barnes: Jon’s a pro! So there really was only me getting out of the way and him working his magic. I love Jon as a person; he’s confident, knows what he wants and just executes. There wasn’t much back and forth, just happily watching Jon’s process play out.

Smithyman: You have a successful limited series in Batman: Full Moon. Do you take a different approach to writing a story like that, or is writing simply writing?

Barnes: Simply writing. Whether it’s a TV show, movie, or a comic, the approach is the same. Sit in my chair, open a vein, and pour blood on the page. Then pray to God it makes sense in the end!

Smithyman: Since you introduced aliens to the Rodney King riots, what are some other places you’d like to see them pop up? The Last Supper? The signing of the Declaration of Independence? JFK’s assassination?

Barnes: All great choices!!!! There’s no bad place for aliens to show up. Hell, I’m looking out of my window hoping to see some right now!

Smithyman: Well, if you see any, please let me know! And good luck with the campaign.