We spoke with writer, Mark E. Poulton, about Baker's Dozen.

The Big Bad Wolf: Can you give us a brief synopsis of Baker’s Dozen?

Mark E. Poulton: Sure, basically Baker’s Dozen is House of 1,000 Corpses meets Father Knows Best. It’s about the 13 members of the Baker Family who run the Trident Rest Stop on the outskirts of Atlantic City. One night the father of the family heads out to pick up some supplies. Upon his return, he notices something is off with his family. They are shorter tempered, savage and have an uncontrollable bloodlust. What’s a father to do? Protect his family at all costs! How did they get this way. Well, that’s why you have to read the book.

The Big Bad Wolf: Who are the main characters in this book?

Mark E. Poulton: Here’s a rundown of the family:

Cliff Baker – Proud father of the Baker household and owner of the rest stop. He went out one night to get supplies for the rest stop. When he returned his family was different. This happened many years ago. Cliff knows something is not right with his family, but he’s hoping they will snap out of it. He doesn’t think they are bad people they just need help. He constantly covers for them. He’s a real Ward Cleaver type, wearing sweater vests and nice slacks.

Pam Baker – Cliff’s wife. The two met when they were in high school. Pam has cheated on Cliff so many times, but Cliff refuses to accept it. Cliff’s mother detests Pam. Pam dresses way too revealing for an older woman. She has a tattoo of an ex-lovers name on her breast, which can usually be seen from her revealing outfits. It was of someone she was seeing while still married to Cliff.

Grandpa – Squirly old man. Wanders the rest stop wearing a diaper and carrying his shotgun. He believes they’ve been invaded by aliens and he’s waiting to get the first shot.

Grandma – Bedridden, but hates his son’s wife with a passion. She knows her daughter-in-law is a tramp and is abused for it. The wife has tried to kill Grandma several times, but is always interrupted.

Uncle Billy – Dad’s brother. He works the gas pump at the rest stop. He lost a leg in a ROTC accident. Due to his time in the ROTC he considers himself a veteran. Has an eye for his oldest niece.

Kareem – The oldest son (20 years old). He’s the product of one of Mom’s many flings. His father insists Kareem is his child and that his different skin color was just a freak thing. Kareem is kind of quiet and keeps to himself.

Cammy – The oldest daughter (16 years old). Teenage girl with a grown woman’s body. She turns a lot of heads as a waitress in the dining area of the rest stop. She loves nice clothes and material objects. If someone has something she wants, she’ll kill for it. Uncle Billy constantly hits on her.

The Triplets – Zoey, Chloe, and Joey. These 12 year old triplets are inseparable. Because of the amount of time they spend together, Joey considers himself a girl. He dresses in the same outfits as his sisters.

Jake and Hank – Siamese twins. They are 10 years old. Jake is the normal looking one except for the fact that Hank is growing out of the side of his body (right below his arm pit).

Junior – the newest addition to the Baker family. This newborn is never fully seen. He is usually wrapped in a blanket held in his mother’s arms.

The Big Bad Wolf: Will we see blood and guts in this comic?

Mark E. Poulton: Absolutely! That was my main draw to doing this project. While I greatly enjoy doing the tongue in cheek, Scooby Doo type horror/mysteries in Koni Waves, I really wanted to let loose and do something with a little more gore.

The Big Bad Wolf: Can you give us a tease at a good kill in the book?

Mark E. Poulton: Well, we’re currently working on a Baker’s Dozen short story for the Velvet Rope anthology I’m producing for Arcana. The story centers around Kareem and his collection of severed heads. I think I’m set to loose my head in the story!


The Big Bad Wolf: Is this going to be a mini series or ongoing?

Mark E. Poulton: Well, like I said it will start off as a short story in Velvet Rope which hopefully will be out around Halloween. I’m working on Baker’s Dozen with my Koni and Velvet co-creators, Stephen Sistilli and Dexter Weeks. If all of our obligations are met, we hope to roll into a Baker’s Dozen 3 issue mini-series afterwards.

The Big Bad Wolf: If it takes off, would you be up for doing this as an ongoing?

Mark E. Poulton: The Baker family is so colorful that I think they could carry their own series… and their own movie! If there is fan interest, I’m all for an ongoing series.

The Big Bad Wolf: What influenced this book? Was it any specific movies or horror characters?

Mark E. Poulton: I had this title in my head: Baker’s Dozen. I was thinking of a family team type book. At first, I thought a family of military mercenaries but it just didn’t feel right. Then it hit me. They’re not mercenaries. They’re just killers! I was inspired by House of 1,000 Corpses and Texas Chainsaw Massacre for sure. I wanted to do a comic about a dysfunctional family that’s not only odd but entertaining.

I think working with Steve and Dex on the project you will see what each of us brings to the table. Steve certainly has those silver age influences and I think it translates in his character designs. Even though for the most part, they are a murderous pack of lunatics they have a bit of an all American wholesomeness to them. Dad looks like he stepped out of a black and white tv show. Dex brings a bit of old school 80s’ horror shock and gore to the mix. Dex and I came up with the Siamese twins, Jake and Hank, because of our love for the movie Basket Case. In fact, Dex’s first date with his wife was back in high school to the movies to see Basket Case. So the film definitely holds a place in his heart. And finally, I would say I bring the humor that is needed for an over the top family like this.

The Big Bad Wolf: Where can fans find out more information on this book? Does Baker’s Dozen have its own website or MySpace page?

Mark E. Poulton: Currently, it does not, but you can catch Steve, Dex, and myself at www.koniwaves.com. Or you can visit us at www.arcanacomics.com. We have forums set up for Koni Waves and Velvet Rope there. Also, you can check us out on Myspace at www.myspace.com/koniwaves and www.myspace.com/roughsketchstudios.

The Big Bad Wolf: When is this book due out?

Mark E. Poulton: Baker’s Dozen’s first appearance will be in Velvet Rope #1 which is scheduled for a Halloween release. If things go according to plan, we’ll roll right into Baker’s Dozen afterwards. We’re working on the Avengelyne vs. Koni Waves oneshot as well, but are hoping to have that completed by the end of Summer. Keep your fingers crossed!

The Big Bad Wolf: What will the cover price be?

Mark E. Poulton: The Velvet Rope anthology will be a 64 page oneshot with a $6.95 cover price. I would say the Baker’s Dozen mini-series will carry a $3.95 price tag per issue.

The Big Bad Wolf: In closing, what would you like to say to the fans about this book?

Mark E. Poulton: If you like House of 1,000 Corpses and the Texas Chainsaw Family, come meet the Baker’s. They are your kind of family! Seriously, I think horrors fan will definitely enjoy the book. It has gore, over the top action, interesting characters, and sexy women. What more could you want?! Siamese twins? Well, we have them too!

Thanks again to Comic Monsters for all of the support. It is much appreciated!

The Big Bad Wolf: Thank you for your time, Mark. Keep us posted on BAKERS DOZEN.

Talk about the BAKERS DOZEN Interview.