COMICS: Pride High

-The Out Crowd-

Tommy Roddy's 'Pride High' is a fresh new approach to teenage prep-school drama with a super powered twist. The the thrill and excitement of reading this incredible comic series is similar to the feeling that you have when you're playing your favorite online bingo game! The students of Poseidon Preparatory Academy for Heroic Youth are just like any mix of private school characters. You have the popular jock, his beautiful girlfriend, the sidekick, the fiery tempered redhead and the token gay couple, however these students are special. They are gifted with super powers and attend a school full of super powered friends. Roddy's clever division within the prep school resides in the formation of combat teams in the Inter-Squad Championship ( I.S.C) who compete throughout the school year in the Battledome. Think, Harry Potter and competing for the 'House Cup'. While the art appears amateur, the writing is comparable to other popular writers in youth pop-culture like Brian K Vaughan and Allan Heinberg.

'Pride High' is full of original concepts and exciting new characters. Keep your eyes open for Scotch Bonnet, the saucy Scottish fire-starter. She's my favorite.

Roddy's creation has been recognized by many organizations including BFLAG, for his blind character Suvari.  BFLAG recognized Suvari for her exemplary outlook on life and her 'can do' attitude.  A fifteen year old, straight A, lesbian student, Suvari is the role model for BFLAG and its members.  Being a top seller at every convention he attends, I can safely say that 'Pride High' is a hit wherever it is read.

Here are a few questions answered by Tommy, creator of 'Pride High'.

Tauren: Tommy, please tell me what made you decide to create a comic book?

Roddy: I came to this by way of online gaming, actually. I'm always
daydreaming and spinning little personal stories about my characters when
I'm not actually playing them. At first it was just short stories here and
there. But then I got more ambitious, especially once I started playing
City of Heroes. Using characters my friends and I created, I decided to try
my hand at longer format storytelling. Before I knew it, I had two novellas
of about 200 pages each. The feedback was overwhelmingly positive. People
repeatedly told me that I should try my hand at a comic book. And so here
it is!

T: The first issue is great. I love the introduction of characters. Where did your inspiration come from for your team of heroes?

R: Thank You! My high school tennis team was part of the inspiration for the kids of Pride High. I attended a very diverse residential school in South Carolina. The teams we competed against were all-white, all-straight, good ole boys. We had 2 gay guys (1 black, 1 biracial), an half-Iranian captain, and an Indian girl who qualified as third seed on the boys' team. One of the nicer nicknames for our team was "Team Benetton." The rivalry between Pride High and the Argonauts definitely borrows from that experience.

T: Do you think you'll have a Poseidon Prep Tennis Team to pay homage to your inspiration? I would love to see Scotch Bonnet in a tennis skirt. I can just picture annoyed to wear peppy clothing. 

R: Quite possibly! Scotch Bonnet's your favorite, isn't she?

T: I have a thing for firey woman. Where did you find Brian Ponce, your artist?

R: I found Brian on the Gay League of America (GLA), a yahoo group for LGBT comic book fans.

T: Such an excellent resource. Do you see room for any guest star cameos in your book for The Legends?

R: Of course! Also, if you're willing, the kids of Pride High can all have posters of their favorite Legend in their dorm rooms. I have a feeling that Scotch Bonnet will be quite taken with Tauren.

T: [blush] I'll be sure she gets a signed poster. Thank you for taking time out of your busy day to talk with The Legends. We always support up and coming talent like yours.

R: Ditto! Thanks for the interview.

For more information on how to purchase this awesome comicbook, visit www.pridecomics.com or www.myspace.com/pridehigh