Astro Hustle: Recapturing the Optimism of the Future in the Spirit of the ’70s

If you talked to someone from the late ’70s and asked them what the future might look like, they’d probably say we would have colonies on the moon, a galactic federation, and an abundance of chrome. Well, it’s 2019 and none of those things are a reality. Without the rose-colored glasses of the past, the future kinda sucks. Black Nerd Problems had the opportunity to talk with co-creators Jai Nitz (Suicide Squad, co-creator of Diablo, Dream Thief), and newcomer Tom Reilly about their new series Astro Hustle from Dark Horse. The book follows loveable loser Chen Andalou, the Prince Harry of a very distinguished family, as he wakes up from an accidental cryo-sleep that lasted 60 years! So much of our sci-fi today is rooted in the dark potential of technology and space exploration. The hope and wonder of the unknown seems like a distant memory. Astro Hustle is hell-bent on reaching into the past to bring back that once-prevalent optimism, and the fun that accompanied it.

Black Nerd Problems: Astro Hustle is a space opera, but it’s a very particular version of space. I couldn’t help but think of the original Star Trek while I was reading it. It’s definitely a view of the universe from someone living at least 40 years ago. What was the inspiration behind this specific version of outer space? Jai Nitz: My plan from the jump was to show inclusive sci-fi.  I wanted there to be men and women of different races and colors on the page.  The original Star Trek comes to mind.  My pal Nichol…