Federico’s comic is first in series
A WEXFORD-based author has just released a graphic comic having developed the idea over the last five years.
Federico Mazzei, who is originally from Italy, has been living in Clonard, Wexford, for the last three years.
A screenwriter by profession, he worked on numerous different projects while living in Italy including feature films, commercials and cinema shots.
However, a working relationship with famed graphic artist Michele D’Aloisio resulted in the idea being developed for the Ash Airways Chronicles.
Speaking to this newspaper about the comic, Mr Mazzei said it’s the first in a five-part series and the second comic is already written.
‘It was originally written as a TV pilot but then in 2013 it was changed in concept to a comic,’ he said.
The story is based around a call centre for Ash Airways, but everything is not as it first appears and there are subtle references to locations and characters that Mr Mazzei encounters here in Ireland – a country he loves living in.
‘I think people might find some of the references, even though they are subtle,’ he said.
For people here in Wexford and Irish people in general there are things in the comic that might resonate with them sooner than would be the case in other countries.
‘You can see certain things in the book and you can tell it’s Ireland as you go through the story,’ said Mr Mazzei.
‘Some of the action is outside but it’s mostly based inside within the call centre.’
Mr Mazzei said momentum around the project is increasing: ‘We have number two ready but we just need to publish it.’
It’s possible that a sixth installment might also be added to the overall story.
The concept began as a web comic but has developed over time and Mr Mazzei hopes to have an official launch of the comic in Wexford over the coming weeks.
Ash Airways Chronicles is now available in Wexford Book Centre.