The success of "The Maze Runner" has led BOOM! Studios to move forward in producing an original graphic novel set in the world of the said film, writers Jackson Lanzing and Collin Kelly discussed this in an interview with Comic Book.
The two writers were asked why they opted to venture to the world of theater screens given that the graphic novel is a tie-in to the film/book series. Lanzing replied that they have no option since the book was produced by Fox and BOOM! Studios as a tie-in to the film series. Thus, all they can do is present new elements in the film, majority of which are based on the book. Lanzing added that while they received the blessing of the author of "The Maze Runner, " James Dashner, they do not want to run the risk of violating his canon. They wanted to be more of the creator in their graphic novel and not just a guest in another creator's universe that's why they focused on the story that interested them and explored it.
When asked if the comic prepares readers for the differences they might find in the book and onscreen, Kelly responded that their goal is to help movie fans adjust to the world presented in the book. He explained that the book is more creative, in a sense that it contains wild ideas and is a product of the juices of their imagination that they hope would match Dashner's creativity.
With regards to putting up the creative team, Lanzing admitted that they were not involved in it. He said, that their editor, Dafna Pleban, took the lead in the selection. Although they have no inputs in the selection of the creative team, they are very happy with Pleban's choice. Lanzing said he is a fan of Andre Mutti's "Rebel," and this time, Mutti will be the artist of their fourth story, "Scorched." Lanzing also complimented Tom Derenick and Nick Robles. The writer is obviously very pleased with the creative team.
For those who haven't seen the first film and wonder if this graphic novel will prepare them for the next movie, this is what Kelly has to say, "At the risk of spoilers for those who haven't read the books, let's say this: the world of The Scorch Trials is about as far from the Maze as you can get. It's filled with new threats, new characters and new alliances - introducing those elements was our mission statement. However, with the addition of My Friend George, written by Wes Ball and T.S. Nowlin, as well as our collaboration on Run Alone, we were able to give the new fan at least a look into the world of the first film."
The five story angle in the graphic novel includes: "Run Alone," "My Friend George," "The True Maze," "Scorched," and last but not the least "The World Gone Wicked." The "Maze Runner: The Scorch Trials" official graphic novel is up for grab on BOOM! Studios, Movie Guide has learned.
