Curt Pires Discusses His New JRPG-Inspired Comic Series "LOST FANTASY" (INTERVIEW)

Many of our readers are probably old enough to have either played Final Fantasy VII when it debuted on the original Playstation, or are familiar with the massive remaster that Square/Enix has given the game over the last few years, with more to come. Not only was that game, and the series as a whole, one of the most influential games of all time it also mixed together sci-fi, fantasy, and human emotion like never before. Characters that were more than just heroes or villains, and problems that felt relatable despite existing in an imagined world. One such person who was influenced by this groundbreaking game is Curt Pires, and it is evident in his forthcoming series from Image Comics, “Lost Fantasy.”

Curt has had a string of successes in his career, with two of his series being adapted and currently in development. Inspired by JRPGs like FF7, Curt took some time to answer a few questions from us about this new series, re-teaming with artist Luca Casalanguida, and his favorite JRPGs. “Lost Fantasy #1” will be available at comic book shops on Wednesday, April 30, 2025, and will also be available across many digital platforms, including Amazon Kindle, Apple Books, and Google Play!

Macabre Daily: What inspirations did you draw on to craft this unique blend of reality and fantasy?

Curt Pires: I love fantasy storytelling but often feel like it can be hard to engage with due to its density of information or traditional tropes that dominate the genre—so my goal with Lost Fantasy was to create a grounded way into fantasy storytelling—that pulls from the best and brightest of the genre but in an accessible and unique way.

MD: The first issue, which is outstanding btw, does a lot of worldbuilding that left us wanting to know more and seems quite grand in scope. How much of this history and lore did you establish beforehand, especially with the connection to Indigo Children?

CP:I have a comprehensive backstory for the world and the mysteries behind it. There’s stuff that’s in one panel of issue one—that has huge implications for both the history of the world, and the fates of the characters moving forward. I have big plans for this book. 

MD: Henry Blackheart, like most interesting protagonists, is a flawed character who seems to be struggling with his calling. How do you navigate shaping a character that struggles with very human flaws, but who has supernatural abilities?

CP: Flaws are what makes characters interesting to me. It’s what makes Spider-Man interesting—Peter Parker is trying to balance saving the world with his love life, and work life, and all that HUMAN stuff we all struggle with. Henry is like that—he’s burdened by the mystery of his past, and with information he feels like is being withheld, and his frustration with these very human things only make him more interesting as a monster hunter.

MD: Given your love of JRPGs as the inspiration for Lost Fantasy, what would you say are your top 3 JRPGs and why?

CP: Firstly, Final Fantasy VII. It’s a classic for a reason and probably the biggest direct influence on this book. I love how it modernized the classic Final Fantasy formula through the lens of a more grounded and violent narrative about corporate greed, environmental collapse, and terrorism. 

Then, it’s a tie between Final Fantasy VIII and Final Fantasy X. I love both of these games for different reasons. The commentary on militarism and non-linear storytelling of Final Fantasy VIII rules. Squall is also just one of Tetsuya Nomura’s coolest designs of all time—love that Gunblade. I love Final Fantasy X for similar reasons—it’s a great narrative about faith and family, with great character and weapon design, as well.  

Lastly, Xenogears. It’s a deeply intellectual, if unfinished, narrative with incredible depth to its storytelling. It’s amazingly fun with fresh combat. I’d love a remake of this one. 

MD: You've worked with Luca Casalanguida before on a previous series, New America—how did you re-engage with him for Lost Fantasy?

CP: This is the third book that Luca and I have done together. I love working with him—he’s a brilliant artist and a consummate professional, so we are always looking to do more together.

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