Wanting Second Chances: Talking ‘Betweeners’ With Writer Adam Carter

When is an exorcist not an exorcist? In the case of Betweeners, a new graphic novel to be released on April 30th, it’s when an exorcist is also the possessed. CBC reporter and comic creator Adam Carter wrote the supernatural tale, which features artwork from Armin Ozdic, colors by Gui Sabino, and letters by Hector Negrete. In an interview with Comicon.com, Carter discusses how he came up with this unique idea as well as the universality of wanting second chances.

Tom Smithyman: What’s a nice CBC news reporter like you doing writing about dark things like exorcisms in comic books?

Adam Carter: Well, I’ve always loved ghouls, goblins, and all the seediest nooks and crannies of humanity’s underbelly. That’s the thing about reporters – generally speaking, we’re not always the cheeriest people around.

Smithyman: Tell me about it! In most stories, the possessed are inhabited by a demon or some seriously bad dude. You’ve turned the notion on its head by having a flawed human soul possess another flawed human. How did you come up with the concept?

Carter: It started with a pretty simple idea: What would an exorcism story be like if you stripped away most of the religious iconography? The Exorcist is legendary for a reason, but those are themes everyone has seen many times over in the decades since its release.

But then I needed a compelling reason as to why an exorcist wouldn’t use the usual religious trappings because otherwise, it’s kind of like fighting demons with one hand tied behind your back. Then it hit me: what if this person couldn’t because they were also possessed?

Smithyman: Betweeners is a graphic novel. Were you at all tempted to make it a limited series? What led you down the path of telling the entire story at one time?

Carter: Honestly, one of my favorite things in the world is discovering an interesting comic that’s a finished product. No delays, no interdimensional crossovers derailing things – just an author and artist’s vision, beginning to end. Monthly comics can be great, too, but I wanted to be able to hand people a completed story arc.

Smithyman: In all of your reporting, have you ever witnessed an actual exorcism, or are your depictions based on interviews you’ve done and movies you’ve seen?

Carter: I’ve seen a lot of uncommon things in my line of work, from the aftermath of mob hits to serial killer trials – but so far, I have not been called in for any exorcisms.

Smithyman: Talk about your creative team of artist Armin Ozdic, colorist Gui Sabino, and letterer Hector Negrere. How did you connect with them, and what is the collaboration like?

Carter: I found all three online, and very quickly, their stuff stood above the other submissions I had been getting for the book. Armin’s pencils and inks are phenomenal. It has been wild to see my ideas come to life through his work. Then, Gui adds such a layer of depth and mood through greyscale texture, and Hector connects everything through his deft use of text. I really can’t wait for people to read it.

Smithyman: You seem to be tackling some pretty heavy themes here, from redemption to the nature of fatherhood to fate. What do you want readers to come away with after they are done with Betweeners?

Carter: Though this story is obviously an extreme example (what with the eternal damnation and all), what I really hope is that people still relate to these characters. There’s a universality in wanting second chances – I think everyone would like a do-over for something in their life and to know redemption, grace, and acceptance can be earned after a mistake.

Smithyman: Suppose you had the chance to come back from whatever comes after and inhabit the body of someone living. Who would you pick and how would you try to steer their life?

Carter: A) I love this question, and B) it is so, so hard to answer, hahaha. Ethical concerns aside, the honorable response would likely be to pick a political leader and use their power for the betterment of as many people as possible. Barring that, I think I’d like to be Jeff Goldblum for a bit – I feel like that would be a great time.

Smithyman: Maybe you could have Goldblum run for office! Thanks for taking the time to chat, and best of luck with the graphic novel.