INTERVIEW: ‘Goliath Girls’ explores power of sisterhood

ComiXology Originals recently debuted the second issue of Goliath Girls, their ongoing online comic series that follows the adventures of three teenage girls who try to save the world from nasty kaiju (monsters). At the same time issue #2 was released, a special edition of #1 hit the market as well.

Goliath Girls is set amidst wartime, and it’s up to the power of sisterhood to overcome the darkness. The three central characters — Zelda, Eunice and Juliet — are joined by their pet kaiju, Ginger Spice, in this manga-influenced publication.

In issue #2, readers will find them facing off against a giant space ape, in addition to obstacles of both the romantic and parental kind.

The series is the brainchild of writer Sam Humphries (Harley Quinn, Blackbird) and artist Alti Firmansyah (X-Men ’92, Star-Lord and Kitty Pryde). Recently Hollywood Soapbox exchanged emails with Humphries about Goliath Girls. Questions and answers have been slightly edited for style.

What can fans expect if they are considering checking out issues #1 and #2 of Goliath Girls?

Lots of action, lots of fun and big reveals. Goliath Girls is a story about three best friends who raise a kaiju. Now that the kaiju is grown, they have to protect their baby from the world, and vice versa. It’s about hope during wartime and the power of sisterhood.  Think Pitch Perfect meets Godzilla, but during big emotional turning points, instead of bursting into song, giant monsters battle each other.

What is it like working with artist Alti Firmansyah?

She’s terrific. Alti and I worked together on Star-Lord and Kitty Pryde at Marvel, and we had such a great time together. We’d been talking about doing a new book together ever since, and Goliath Girls is a wonderful fit. Her art perfectly and vibrantly illustrates the book with a manga feel.

Have you always been a big fan of the kaiju genre? Who are some of your favorites?

Yes! Godzilla is definitely top of the list!

Why was it important to have English and Japanese editions published at the same time?

Our book should have great appeal to Japanese readers of manga and the kaiju genre, so we are excited to experiment with the same day release. Digital services like comiXology are removing traditional barriers and building connections between markets. These services give publishers and creators the ability to reach readers all over the world, instantaneously. We are evolving into a global connected comic book marketplace — the connected market. 

Was it difficult to write from the perspective of three teenage girls?

Eunice, Juliet and Zelda are an amalgamation of people I know, friends and colleagues, or even people I know from afar on the internet, split apart and recombined to create original characters. They’re in their early 20s. Mostly I just try to put myself in their shoes and write from an honest, emotional perspective.

By John Soltes / Publisher / John@HollywoodSoapbox.com

Goliath Girls #1 and #2 are available from ComiXology Originals. Click here for more information.