H.G. Wells’s War of the Worlds is one of the most influential sci-fi stories of all time. Its impact can be seen in all forms of popular media, including the hit television series The X-Files and V, movies Mars Attacks, Independence Day, and even the popular video game franchise, Halo.

Matthew Petz’s War of the Woods is an imaginative spin on the classic tale, telling the story from the perspective of woodland creatures. As busy as he is both writing and drawing the comic, Petz was gracious enough to reach out to me and take the time to answer a few questions.

First off, why don’t you explain to us what War of the Woods is exactly?

Well, War of the Woods is my version of the classic ” Aliens invade Earth” story. Only instead of following humans we see it from the point of view of the animal kingdom. Specifically following a father and son otter and a turtle in the New Jersey Pine Barrens. Along the way we’ll be meeting a whole host of animals and how they survive and fight back against the alien threat.

Re-telling War of the Worlds from the perspective of woodland creatures is definitely a unique and interesting spin on a classic sci-fi story, but why go with woodland creatures? Why not go with fish, or bugs, or something? Like sharks. People LOVE sharks.

I think woodland creatures are somehow more… relatable ( if thats possible ), and sure sharks are awesome…but…( see next answer )

Speaking of sharks, are you a fan of Shark Week?

I am a fan of Shark Week, but ever since that footage of a great white jumping OUT OF THE WATER surfaced, its just too scary. Next we’ll learn they have a written alphabet, and proficiency in small arms… and really we’re done at that point.

Tell us about each of the characters so far. You could have easily made them bears, wolves, or even beavers. Was there any particular reason that you chose the animals that you did? Is it a sort of metaphorical thing?

No metaphors really. We follow three main characters. Nathaniel whose an otter and his son, Phineas. They are joined by Isaac a turtle. Isaac is a grandfather figure to Phin. As to why I picked otters ? My girlfriend is obsessed with them. Plus the story started to make sense when I pictured a little boy otter running through the woods with a turtle strapped to his head like a helmet.

So right now you have War of the Woods up on Zuda Comics. For those who don’t know, what is Zuda?

Zuda is DC Comics’ online web comic imprint. Its really awesome. They have a bunch of amazing ongoing comics they are updated each month. Along with the ongoing comics, each month there is a competition between 10 new comics. The comic at the end of the month with the most votes goes onto become a regular feature on the site. Its all free too. Free to read the ongoing comics and vote in the competitions. All you have to do is sign up and start reading.

There’s currently 8 pages of War of the Woods right now. How far do you plan on taking this thing?

I actually have a really grand plan to the story. Right now I see it as 3 seasons or books broken up into 100 page installments. I have the first 100 pages pretty plotted out, and the major beats for the remaining story written.

Where can people find out more about you and your latest projects?

For War Of The Woods I’ve set up a blog. It has links to a sketchbook PDF, a theme song mp3 and some other fun stuff. That’s at http://monsterislandmedia.com/war.

You can also follow me at twitter.com/matthewpetz for updates.

My own website is monsterislandmedia.com. It has links to all kinds of projects and artwork.

Alright Matthew, thanks for your time. Any closing comments you’d like to end with?

Just to check out the comic at www.zudacomics.com/node/1661. Most importantly if you like it, take a few minutes to sign up and vote for it and then add it to your favorites. Thanks so much for giving me the opportunity to get the word out !