The following is an interview with writer Steven Prince regarding his recent return to Kickstarter for the fourth and final installment of the comic book series, Monster Matador: Once Upon Some Monsters in Mexico. In this interview, Fanbase Press Editor-in-Chief Barbra Dillon chats with Prince about the series being named as a finalist of the 2024 International Latino Book of the Year Awards, the incredible backer rewards available with this final issue, and more!
Barbra Dillon, Fanbase Press Editor-in-Chief: Congratulations on the naming of Monster Matador as a finalist of the 2024 International Latino Book of the Year Award in the Graphic Novel category! What can you share with us about your experience in receiving this incredible honor?
Steven Prince: It was a real nice surprise for all of us and we appreciate the recognition. The official ceremony is October 19 where we’ll receive the actual award and find out where we got Gold, Silver, or Bronze. Now we have a good excuse to keep making more Monster Matador (not that we ever plan on stopping)!
BD: Monster Matador is an incredible series that has spanned multiple story arcs. For those who may be unfamiliar, what can you share with us about the overall premise of the Monster Matador story?
SP: The quick answer is Matador vs. Kaiju! And yes, it’s a matador with just his cape and sword standing up to giant monsters in a post-apocalyptic world where monsters have risen.
At its core, though, it’s a story about a father who just wants what’s best for his daughter. He wants to protect her from the madness of the world, but as she gets older, he also begins to realize there is only so much he can do. There will always be “monsters.” It’s a story about parents learning to let go, but also making sure their kids are equipped to face what the world throws at them, especially when what they’re facing are Kaiju!
BD: What can you tell us about your shared creative experience in bringing this series to life on the page?
SP: Working with Fabio and Alex has been a blast. Prior to the color series that we launched in 2020, I actually drew 12 black-and-white issues on my own, but it’s so much more fun working with others, especially when they’re so talented.
Fabio brings a cinematic quality to the book. His layouts and character designs are second to none. And Alex’s colors complement it all. She’s the glue that keeps it all together.
BD: You are no stranger to crowdfunding, having successfully run several campaigns through your work with the series. Why do you feel that crowdfunding – Kickstarter in particular – has been such a valuable resources to ensuring the success of today’s comic book creators?
SP: For one, I love the close connection I have to the audience. It’s been great getting to know a lot of our fans over the course of the previous eight campaigns.
As for why crowdfunding? We had the book ready in 2020 just as the pandemic hit, so that seemed like the best option because, let’s face it, no one knew what was going to happen. As time went on, it really felt like the best option going forward. The current marketplace is tough and crowdfunding has allowed us to create the book at our own pace and build our audience organically over time. Plus, we own all the rights!
BD: What are you most excited for readers to experience with this final chapter?
SP: The shocking ending! This is one you’re not going to see coming. I don’t want to spoil too much, so I’ll leave it at that. Oh, and we even have a variant cover drawn by the amazing Ladrönn (Final Incal, Planet Hulk, Sons of El Topo).
BD: Are there any particular backer rewards for the Kickstarter campaign that you would like to highlight for readers?
SP: The shot glass has been really popular, and the t-shirt add-ons are pretty cool. Also, the Ladrönn cover (regular, virgin variant, or metal) is absolutely stunning.
BD: Lastly, what is the best way for our readers to find out more about Monster Matador: Once Upon Some Monsters in Mexico and its Kickstarter campaign?
SP: Sign up for our substack newsletter, find us on social media (x, insta, facebook, threads, bluesky – @monstermatador), or just head on over to the campaign itself.
