The following is an interview with cartoonist Anya Davidson regarding the upcoming release of the graphic novel, Night and Dana, through publisher Graphic Universe. In this interview, Fanbase Press Editor-in-Chief Barbra Dillon chats with Davidson about the real-life inspirations that gave way to the story, what she hopes that readers will take away from the graphic novel, and more!
Barbra Dillon, Fanbase Press Editor-in-Chief: Congratulations on the upcoming release of Night and Dana! For those who may be unfamiliar, what can you tell us about the premise of the story?
Anya Davidson: Thank you. Night and Dana follows Dana, a horror-obsessed teenager in a fictional South Florida town as she discovers climate activism and grapples with some major life changes. When the story begins, she’s committing a dangerous prank, the ramifications of which are far-reaching and unpredictable in her life.
BD: This story deftly weaves together various narratives that are intrinsic to your lived experience: from horror to political activism and environmentalism. How would you describe your creative process in bringing these various elements together on the page?
AD: My experiences colored every aspect of the book, from the overall concept to the individual scenes and settings, to the character’s emotional responses. The concept for the book crystallized after I attended a rally in Chicago and saw members of the Sunrise Movement, an environmental group for young people, speak. Scaremongers, the comic shop in the book, is based on Horrorbles, a now-defunct monster memorabilia shop in Berwyn, Illinois. There are too many examples to list.
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 Dana’s story will help to bring greater awareness to and conversation about the benefits of getting involved in your community?
AD: Several times throughout the story, Dana is forced out of her comfort zone and into settings where she’s required to meet new people. This is initially very painful for her. As a lifelong introvert, social situations are very painful for me, so I was able to draw on a lot of personal experience there. In almost every instance, however, getting out of my comfort zone has led to personal growth, so it was important to me to show that happening for Dana, as well.
BD: What makes Graphic Universe the perfect home for this story?
AD: Graphic Universe publishes beautifully crafted comics by diverse authors for a diverse readership. They publish meaningful work that isn’t dull or dry, and they promote their books with conviction. My editor, Greg Hunter, gave me phenomenal edits. This book wouldn’t be what it is without his input.
BD: Do you foresee expanding the story into subsequent books or even into other entertainment mediums, if given the opportunity?
AD: Oooh, that is fun to think about. I don’t have a sequel planned for the book, but I would love to see it adapted into film, for instance. I’m not interested in shutting any doors. I love Dana, and I would love to spend more time with her.
BD: Lastly, what would you like to tell fans who want to learn more about Night and Dana and your other work?
AD: Night and Dana is my third graphic novel, but it’s a real leap forward for me as a storyteller. There are certain themes that come up over and over again in my work. I’m a weirdo, and my love of misfits, weirdos, and subversives is present in everything I make.
