The following is an interview with writer/illustrator and President of CAPS (Comic Art Professional Society) Christie Shinn regarding the recent launch of the Kickstarter campaign for the latest installment of the Demon Bitch series, Triggered. In this interview, Fanbase Press Editor-in-Chief Barbra Dillon chats with Shinn about the inspiration behind this latest installment, the backer rewards available to supporters of the campaign, and more!
Barbra Dillon, Fanbase Press Editor-in-Chief: Congratulations on the recent launch of the Kickstarter campaign! For those who may be unfamiliar, what can you tell us about the book’s premise?
Christie Shinn: Demon Bitch is a low-level demon from the 13th pit of Hell where people throw their dog crap and gum wrappers! She wants to bring the second coming of Armageddon – but the first one never happened as she is DUMB. The new book, TRIGGERED, is about me being stuck with her in my home the past two years while everyone got upset at just about EVERYTHING.
BD: How would you describe your creative process in balancing both the writing and illustrative duties to bring this story to life, and what (or who) were some of your creative influences?
CS: Generally, I start pissed off, or I just think of a really stupid thing that someone has done. I don’t really marinate in the idea or ideas. I let them be and they come rushing to me in a flood. Then, when I draw them, I giggle like a little jerk because I find it funny. I think it would be unsurprising that Matt Groening’s Life in Hell series influenced me as a kid. Of course, I read the Big 2 (who hasn’t) but I really got into anime and manga as a kid. Adam Warren’s version of Dirty Pair was a big staple, along with Masamune Shiro’s Appleseed and Dominion, Otomo’s Akira, but also general comics by Viz, Studio Proteus, and Eclipse were a big mainstay. I read whatever I found interesting. Slave Labor of course had Johnny the Homocidal Maniac, and Fillerbunny. Then, I got into NOW Comics’ The Real Ghostbusters and obviously the Hernandez brothers’ work with Love and Rockets and Palomar. I also loved Joeseph Michael Linser’s work with Dawn. Later on, I collaborated on some stories with Lawrence “Rawdog” Hubbard on Real Deal Comix and I’m a big fan of Johnny Ryan in being offensive. There could be more, but I’ll leave it there or I’ll start swearing more.
BD: In light of the crowdfunding campaign, are there any backer rewards that you would like to highlight for our readers?
CS: Well, obviously, they’ll get a signed paperback or hardcover version of TRIGGERED of which I will most likely write offensive things in, plus you’ll have an opportunity to beta test the first level of the Demon Bitch computer game, DISGUSTING DUMP$TER FIRE, where you can complain to my programmers about what they did wrong. There is a charm and signed prints by Mary “Zorilita” Bellamy of My Little Pony artistry. By Hyde Hermit Studios, there’s the “Tamabitchy” pins with glow-in-the dark expressions of “Stupid Happy” and “Mad Face.” Lastly, a Tiki patch and sticker. If we break the stretch goal, we can make more of the hardcover version of the book to even sending pasties to everyone that gets a physical reward. Oh yeah, when I make goal – a couple of my very hairy guy friends will dance inappropriately while wearing pasties. Why not?
BD: At Fanbase Press, our #StoriesMatter initiative endeavors to highlight the impact that stories can have on audiences of various mediums. How do you feel that Triggered’s story will connect with and impact readers, and why do you feel that this story was important for you to bring to life?
CS: People really need to confront their triggers and trauma. I welcome my triggers because it helps me address the crap I’ve unresolved due to some trauma or another and honestly it makes me a calmer, happier person. However, it is a process and I’m still going through it like everyone else. I think Demon Bitch is valuable because it helps people address all their feelings no matter how ugly and awful it is. We all have them and once we acknowledge them that they exist – they no longer disturb or hurt us any longer. Plus, it makes people laugh at things they may feel helpless to confront. Considering if you’ve confronted your beasts – it makes you an immensely more courageous person -less likely to act out of fear even when you are scared.
BD: Are there any other upcoming projects on which you are working that you are able to share with our readers?
CS: At this moment, I’m looking in future to fundraise for the second volume of Sepulchre, as well as the Murder Ballads Tarot sometime later on this year. I’ll update on that. With other things still nascent, I’d rather not say until it’s more solid.
BD: Lastly, what would you like to tell fans who want to learn more about Demon Bitch: Triggered and your other work?
CS: Embrace your shadow side. Face your fears and heal your own inner demons. It may not be so bad. It actually works. Give yourself time and space, but do what you really want, not what your demons want or push you to.
