Battlestar Galactica Reimagined With Mad Science

Marketing Director Keith Davidsen wears a lot of hats at Dynamite Entertainment, and one of them involves talking to creators who make books for D.E. such as the upcoming Battlestar Galactica: Gods & Monsters #1 (SEP161544). With art by Alec Morgan, this new book kicks off with Baltar’s mad science unleashed upon the masses, and Davidsen talks with the title’s author, Karl Kesel, to see what he can tell fans before the new series hits comics shops this November.

Battlestar Galactica: Gods & Monsters #1 (SEP161544) is in comic shops November 2.

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Keith Davidsen: When you think back on the reimagined Battlestar Galactica series, was there any special moment of the show that really hooked you and - in particular - influenced your new story?

Karl Kesel: In all honesty, there are so many great moments, and I've watched the series so many times, it's impossible for me to think of the moment that hooked me. I do remember being shocked by the revelation that Boomer — a character I had quickly come to enjoy and care for — was a Cylon, a bad guy! But that's one of the things the show did so well: blur the line between "good" and "bad."

I also remember being blown away by the first episode of the first season, when the Cylons attack the fleet every 33 minutes, and no one's getting enough sleep, and they have no idea how the Cylons are doing this or how to stop it. It made the Cylons feel like an alien race that operated on a whole different level from humanity. It emphasized how desperate the fleet's situation was, yet also showed the determination and unbreakable spirit of mankind. I'm not sure those moments influenced my story, but they certainly informed it.

Keith Davidsen: Of all the characters in your story, which one were you most looking forward to writing, and what about that character appeals to you?

Karl Kesel: Who doesn't love Gaius Baltar? He's a wonderful character — equal parts ego and paranoia. It's said that everyone is the hero in their own inner movie, and no one personifies that better than Baltar. The thing is, he's also his own worst enemy. And I love his relationship with "Head 6," the Cylon only he can see. Is she a subconscious manifestation of his guilt? His genius? Both? Neither? Plus: Gaius can be pretty damn funny. And that's desperately needed in the generally grim world of Galactica.

Keith Davidsen: Why should fans of the television show pick up Battlestar Galactica: Gods & Monsters #1?

Karl Kesel: I'd like to think if you're a fan of the show, you'll be a fan of the comic. All the characters everyone loves are here: Sharon, Helo, Adama, Tigh, Roslin, D'anna, Apollo , and, of course, Starbuck. And back on Caprica are Anders, Brother Cavil, and the rest of the Resistance fighters.

Most importantly: we get to see Baltar go total Mad Scientist and build a Cylon Centurion from battle-damaged parts. It's his Frankenstein moment, and we all know how well that turned out!