The following is an interview with writer Michael Kingston regarding the upcoming release of the comic book, Vampiro: Rockabilly Apocalypse, in collaboration with Masked Republic and Massive Publishing. In this interview, Fanbase Press Editor-in-Chief Barbra Dillon chats with Kingston about his shared creative process in bringing Vampiro to the sequential art medium, what he is most excited for readers to experience with this story, and more!
Barbra Dillon, Fanbase Press Editor-in-Chief: Congratulations on the upcoming launch of Vampiro: Rockabilly Apocalypse! For those who may be unfamiliar, what can you share with us about the premise of this new series?
Michael Kingston: The story features Vampiro as an underground rockabilly guitar legend who travels the country in a 1955 Pontiac Bonneville playing secret shows. After the shows, he hunts monsters with his guitar…which converts to a literal axe. After one such show, Vamp uncovers a plot to trigger the apocalypse, and he and his two companions are in a race against time to stop it.
I’ve described the plot as Preacher meets Cannonball Run, but, tonally, I’d say it’s most like Dusk til Dawn if you’re looking for a frame of reference.
BD: What can you tell us about your shared creative process in bringing today’s most iconic luchadors to life on the page?
MK: It’s been a lot of fun. Vampiro is such an interesting character, and he’s just as interesting as a person…so it’s been cool to talk to him, pick his brain, and inject that personality into this story. Napalm and I worked together on some stuff before, so we have a good rhythm. Our letterer/designer Jacob Bascle has worked with me on about 95% of the comics I’ve ever made, so we have super good chemistry.
BD: What are you most excited for readers to experience with this initial super-sized issue?
MK: I really just want the readers to strap in and go on this ride with us. We’ve all had so much fun making this. It’s the comic book equivalent of pulling into a midnight screening at the drive-in with a big bucket of popcorn and a smile on your face.
BD: Are there any upcoming featured characters that you’re able to share with us?
MK: Vampiro’s driver/partner Estrella Nocturna is a big part of the series and is a lot of fun to write. And her history will play a big part in the series for sure. As far as antagonists…one of my favorites in this series is a motorcycle gang of shotgun-toting nuns that are hunting Vampiro called The Bad Habit.
BD: What makes Massive Publishing the perfect home for this new series?
MK: Massive has been an incredible partner. They make quality books and have a nice imprint on the direct market. Creatively, they have given us the freedom to make this as weird and fun as we want to. I really couldn’t ask for more.
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 these new luchador stories may connect with and impact readers?
MK: I just want to bring fun back to comics. That’s not to say that comics aren’t fun, but there is definitely a preponderance of overly dramatic stuff. And I enjoy that, too…but the world is on fire and, sometimes, you just want to escape into a fun story for a while. That’s what I really want for readers.
BD: Lastly, what would you like to tell fans who want to learn more about Vampiro: Rockabilly Apocalypse and your other work?
MK: Check out any of the Masked Republic social media accounts (All of them are @maskedrepublic.), as we’re putting up all kinds of spotlights, trailers, and tidbits. There’s so much fun stuff headed your way!
