I had a chance to sit down with Drew Edwards and discuss his hit web comic, Halloween Man.
Dan Royer: First of all lets talk about you. Who are you and what do you do?
Drew Edwards:
I'm Drew Edwards and I'm the writer/creator of "Halloween Man." It's a little web comic I started when I was 19 and I'm still doing it now that I'm 31. We just put out the first paperback via IndyPlanet.
Dan Royer:
How did you find yourself getting into making comics?
Drew Edwards: Well, I grew up in a small town here in Texas. There wasn't a whole lot to do, so comics were like this great escape. When the time came for me to start thinking about a "career" comics seemed the natural direction.
Dan Royer:
So what can you tell me about Halloween Man?
Drew Edwards:
It really is a labor of love for everyone involved. Certainly noone is getting rich of it(yet). Most of the older comics are up for free on the site and from that you can see the evolution from something that was really rough to a fairly classy comic.
Dan Royer: What's it all about?
Drew Edwards:
Well, it's "beauty and the beast" with a splatterpunk twist. You have a sexy mad scientist in love with a zombie superhero. If that doesn't sound like your idea of a good time, then I'd suggest that you read something a little more high brow.
Dan Royer:
Who are the main characters?
Drew Edwards:
Well, you have Halloween Man of course. A good hearted, but flesh eating anti-hero with the power of the horror movie sequel. His lady love Lucy Chaplin, who is basically Doc Savage in Marilyn Monroe's body. The cast is then rounded out with everything from beatniks to the son of the god Pan. Anything goes in Halloween Man's world.
Dan Royer: Where did this idea come from?
Drew Edwards:
My brain was basically melted by too much punk rock, Jack Kirby, and old horror movies.
Dan Royer: What are you hoping readers can take away from this story?
Drew Edwards:
That it's okay to be a little different and that love can redeem anyone.
Dan Royer:
Can we expect more from you horror comic wise in the future?
Drew Edwards:
Right now I'm working on something that's more of a romantic comedy. But I love the horror genre, so it's always something I'll explore and return to.
Dan Royer:
Can you talk a bit about your experiences at comic shows? (turnout, hype, interest)
Drew Edwards:
Well, as a "underground comics" guy my experience is probably a bit different than your DC/Marvel personalities. I don't see them getting as many crossdressers, goth kids, or general oddballs at their tables. But I like it that way, it's a comic about outcasts, so naturally the readers are more on the edge. I tend to think of "Halloween Man" as "outsider art."
Dan Royer:
What was it that got you interested in horror comics?
Drew Edwards:
It's a natural extension of liking both horror movies and comics. I think the first thing I really explored was reprints of Tomb of Dracula. From there on, I discovered the EC stuff and the rest is history.
Dan Royer: What comics are you currently reading?
Drew Edwards:
Not as much as I used to. I'm buying more trades these days. I just polished off Marvel Zombies 3&4 and I'm currently working my way through Godland. I'm a big fan of Hack/Slash, which Halloween Man is crossing over with. (Part two goes live on the site Oct. 31st). I also like Seeley's Loaded Bible. I have some Armageddonquest TPB's waiting for me when I'm done with all of that.
Dan Royer:
So in summary give me a quick recap on Halloween Man and why fans should give it a try?
Drew Edwards:
It's got ghouls, gore, and girls! It's got flying cars and fetish nuns! Superheroes and vampires! Like I said, anything goes. So you really have nothing to lose.
You can pick up the first TPB at this site:
http://www.indyplanet.com/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=2658
It has awesome art by some of comics finest and they're working on offbeat stories you won't see from the big two! Give it a whirl this october!
Dan Royer: Thanks so much Drew. I hope people can jump on board and check out this project. I know from what I have read it is awesome already.
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