The following is an interview with critically acclaimed cartoonist Marco Finnegan (Morning Star, Night People, Lizard in a Zoot Suit) regarding the upcoming release of the supernatural noir series, Calavera, P.I., through Oni Press. In this interview, Fanbase Press Editor-in-Chief Barbra Dillon chats with Finnegan about his creative process in crafting the world and characters of the story, what he hopes that readers may take away from the story, and more!
Barbra Dillon, Fanbase Press Editor-in-Chief: Congratulations on the upcoming release of Calavera, P.I.! For those who may be unfamiliar, what can you tell us about the premise of this new thriller?
Marco Finnegan: Thanks so much! Calavera, P.I. is a supernatural Chicano noir set in a dark and fantastical Los Angeles. It’s my love letter to classic pulps and noirs.
BD: The series weaves elements of a stylish ‘20s noir into a supernatural murder mystery, but I would imagine that staying 3 steps ahead of your reader is quite the challenge. How would you describe your creative process in crafting its narrative?
MF: That is the biggest trick—because readers are so smart I didn’t set out to outwit them as much as engage them? I think a lot of my favorite noirs have plots that can be a little wild (Looking at you, Chandler.), but the worlds and characters are so engaging that we just come along for the ride. Also, since comics are visual, I always start writing with thumbnails, just trying to move the story forward in the space provided. Comics’ limited space makes you really think about what goes on each page.
BD: At Fanbase Press, our #StoriesMatter initiative endeavors to highlight the impact that stories can have on audiences of various mediums. Are there any conversations that you hope that Juan’s story may inspire with readers?
MF: It’s awesome that you all have that initiative in place! I hope that folks will enjoy Calavera, PI as a noir in the traditional American lane but also with the inclusion that Mexican Americans were a huge part of Los Angeles during the heyday of pulps/noir/golden age Hollywood (and today), even if we were not represented in the cultural zeitgeist.
BD: What makes Oni Press the perfect home for Calavera, P.I.?
MF: Honestly: Gabriel Granillo. Gabriel and I hit it off from the start, and his guidance has been invaluable in bringing this book to life. The fact that Oni has published some of my favorite books of all time (WHITEOUT, SCOTT PILGRIM, QUEEN AND COUNTRY) and now are publishing EC just makes it the perfect home.
BD: Are there any other projects – past or current – that you would like to highlight for our readers?
MF: I hope that you all dig this book, and if you like this historical/genre mashup, I did a YA book a few years ago called Lizard in a Zoot Suit (Lerner Press) that is like a second cousin to this book.
BD: Lastly, what is the best way for our readers to find more information about Calavera, P.I. and your other work?
MF: My website is marcofinnegan.com and I spend way too much time on twiXter (@marco949) and instagram (marco.finnegan).
Thanks so much!!
