The following is an interview with screenwriter, playwright, and comics writer J. Holtham (Jessica Jones, Hulu’s The Handmaid’s Tale) regarding the upcoming return of the immortal EC Comics with Epitaphs from the Abyss through Oni Press. In this interview, Fanbase Press Editor-in-Chief Barbra Dillon chats with Holtham about his approach to his story within the upcoming series, the impact of EC Comics on his work as a creator, and more! In addition, readers won’t want to miss the launch party for Epitaphs from the Abyss at the LA-based comic book shop, Revenge Of Comics and Pinball! Stay tuned after the interview for details.
Barbra Dillon, Fanbase Press Editor-in-Chief: Your work has spanned multiple genres and mediums, but always carries with it strong emotional connections among your characters. When provided with the opportunity to write within the world of EC Comics, did you immediately know the story that you wanted to tell?
J. Holtham: I had some ideas right off the bat. EC Comics has such a long, storied history of social commentary. I wanted to make sure to honor that in my own way. Right now is a good time for some bloody satire. I steered myself right into the dark humor and I think we landed in the right place.
BD: How would you describe your shared creative process working with artist Jorge Fornes to bring your story and characters to life on the page?
JH: I’ve been a fan of Jorge’s work for a long time, so it was awesome to get to work with him. When I’m writing comics, I tend to leave the artist as much room to play as possible and Jorge really ran with it. His work really brought a new level to the story.
BD: What can you share with us about the impact of the original EC Comics on you as both a fan, as well as your work as an award-winning writer?
JH: I’ve been a horror fan most of my life and all of my favorite movies and directors basically wouldn’t be who they are without EC Comics. That blend of horror, gore, humor and satire casts a long shadow from Sam Raimi to Edgar Wright to Radio Silence. I’ve learned so much about storytelling from all of them. And I’m honored to be a part of that lineage.
*LAUNCH PARTY DETAILS: Celebrate the release of Epitaphs from the Abyss #1, the first comic to be printed under the EC banner in almost 70 years, with a night of frightful festivities including vengeful vegan eats from VEGAN HOOLIGANS, gothic designs from VELVET APPARITION and DISPERSE HOME MEDIA, and tattoos from spooky specialist JOHNNY VAMPOTNA.
It’s free to enter with RSVP! Revenge Of and Oni’s night of EC related revelry will take place Tuesday, July 23, 2024, from 9 – 11 p.m./PT at Revenge Of Comics and Pinball in Los Angeles, California (3420 Eagle Rock Blvd., Glassel Park).
Joining the party are three of the knock-out creators behind the debut issue of EC’s second coming. Writers J. Holtham (Hulu’s The Handmaid’s Tale), Ben H. Winter (The Last Policeman, CBS’s Tracker), and Corinna Bechko (Avatar: Adapt or Die, Green Lantern: Earth One) will be doing signings throughout the night!
