Born Dark Issue: 0 Kickstarter

We’re just in the beginning of this Graphic Novel Horror Blogathon, but it’s not just about horror movies that are or should be graphic novels, it’s also about graphic novels that could become movies. And there’s a brand new one looking for funding for their issue #0 which will propel them into a full fledged series. It’s doing quite well at the moment, but still has a ways to go. It’s called a “dark fantasy” but it also delves into some horror elements. And I’m not just trying to convince others to back this project, I’m excited enough about it that I have backed it myself. And to help tell you more about this comic, I asked a few questions of the writer, Lela Gwenn. Click here to visit the Kickstarter page, or click any of the images to go there as well.

The story is centered around the idea of what Lela calls a “portal fantasy” which I am a huge fan of, I like to refer to the type of story as “stranger in a strange land”, like Alice in Wonderland, the Wizard of Oz, Labyrinth, Mirrormask, and many many others. This takes a look at that type of story from a different angle, at what happens when the visit is over, after the “happily ever after”.

Bubbawheat: This comic is labelled as a “dark fantasy”, but which implies some horror influence, how much horror is in the story and what are some of the things that influenced you when writing this story?

Lela Gwenn: It’s funny, Adam P Knave– who edited Born Dark, lists it as horror. Always has. Because of the magic, I thought it was more honest to call it fantasy even though there is plenty of monsters and blood magic and creatures created from fear (though we have to get into the series for you to see those)

I watch horror movies almost everyday. It’s hard to pick out particular ones that are influences here, but I think about Hellraiser, which is a kind of portal fantasy, and Lemarchand’s Box is central to the story sorta the same way the Pocket watch is. Also, I think most supernatural horror is really about people facing things they have done. Through the larger arc of Born Dark, that is really the heart of what is happening.

BW: Hellraiser is one of those horror movies I’ve yet to get around to seeing, but the premise sounds intriguing, when this goes to a full series, how many issues do you have planned and/or how many would you like to do?

LG: I have 6 issues written for the first arc and the potential for another 6 issues if people want them.

BW: I know there’s a goblin, but can you mention what other kind of creatures inhabit this world?

LG: In the goblin realm there are two races of goblin- Blood goblins- Bulvis is one of these and Mud goblins which are the “lower race”. We see lots of these in Issue 0. In the other issues? Fearsuckers. Giant Ratmen.

BW: Does this story take place mostly in the real world, mostly in the fantasy realm, or somewhat of an equal mix?

LG: Issue 0 happens mostly in the Goblin Realm. The main story goes back and forth a bit.

BW: Most portal fantasies are a coming of age story, is Born Dark set up to be a similar kind of coming of age story transitioning from young adulthood to adulthood with more mature themes?

LG: This is NOT a kids story. NOT A KIDS STORY. Jake’s story line is very much a traditional “coming of age” but without all the happy. Malcolm & Blue both missed the boat when it came to “coming of age” in different ways and are working to fix their broken pasts.

BW: What’s been the biggest challenge you’ve had to face during these past 3 years you’ve been working on this?

LG: Not giving up on myself. There was a point when I thought, “Well, there is just no way to do this.” For a lot of writers trying to break into comics it is a tough road. It takes time and developing relationships and being willing to invest in the people around you. Offer something before you ask for something. Always.

BW: And finally while it’s not exactly related to the project, I can’t pass up the opportunity to ask this question to everyone I talk to for my site: what is your favorite superhero movie?

LG: OH GOSH. Avengers really is a sorta perfect film.

But… My cheesy cheesy heart will always have a thing for the Shadow with Alec Baldwin.

BW: I’m a fan of that movie as well, definitely a bit of a guilty pleasure of mine.

LG: Thanks so much for having me! This was fun!

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Thank you for answering my questions, I’m really excited to see the finished product and I hope it becomes a successful series for you. Until next time, this has been Bubbawheat for Flights, Tights, and Movie Nights.