The following is an interview with Paul Allor regarding the recent launch of a Zoop crowdfunding campaign for the latest installment in the Pink Midnight Presents series with Barber Psychic. In this interview, Fanbase Press Editor-in-Chief Barbra Dillon chats with Allor about the genesis behind this new anthology, what he hope that readers may take away from the story, and more!
Barbra Dillon, Fanbase Press Editor-in-Chief: What can you share with us about the journey that readers will experience with Barber Psychic?
Paul Allor: Pink Midnight Presents is a series of weird-fiction one-shots from artist Juan Romera, editor Claire Napier, and I. And Barber Psychic is about a barber who’s also, well…a psychic. But instead of trying to use this bizarre power for good, or for evil, he does his best to simply ignore it. It’s a decision that has a tremendous impact on his entire life – or maybe it doesn’t, since things unfold largely as he knew they would.
BD: You are reuniting with artist Juan Romera for this new anthology. How would you describe your shared creative process, and do you feel that you’ve developed a creative “shorthand” with one another?
PA: Juan and I have been working together for thirteen years now, on one-shots, short stories, and one miniseries, so we definitely have a shorthand. On this project in particular, I’m writing in a modified Marvel style (broken down by page, and with dialogue in the initial script), which is something I feel comfortable doing based on the amount of trust I have in Juan’s extraordinary storytelling abilities, and our strong collaboration. It’s been fun and interesting, and the results have been fantastic – Juan’s work on this series is just shockingly gorgeous.
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 Clarence’s story may connect with or impact readers?
PA: Clarence’s story is all of our story. Barber Psychic is a story about the sense of constant dread and impending doom most of us feel these days, and how we try to just keep living, despite the everything of everything.
BD: Are there any specific backer rewards that you’re most excited about with the campaign and wish to share with readers?
PA: You can have yourself drawn into the comic, having your hair cut and your future read, which is exciting for everyone! We also have an extraordinary B color from Jody Edwards, and you can pick up the comic or even the original watercolor art!
BD: Are there any other upcoming projects on which you are working that you are able to share with our readers?
PA: Over on the licensed side of things, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Vs. Street Fighter is about halfway through its run! And I have an X-Men Annual coming out in late September. And there’s more Pink Midnight Presents coming down the pike!
BD: Lastly, what would you like to tell fans who want to learn more about Pink Midnight Presents: Barber Psychic and your other work?
PA: Check out the site on Zoop, obviously, and sign up for updates. And if you follow me on social media, you’ll see me talk about my work quite a bit!
