The following is an interview with writer George O’Connor (Healed) regarding the recent launch of his Kickstarter campaign for the bloody sci-fi comic book series, Vampires on Mars. In this interview, Fanbase Press Editor-in-Chief Barbra Dillon chats with O’Connor about his shared creative process in working with artist Fernando Pinto to bring the story and characters to life on the page, the backer rewards available to supporters of the campaign, and more!
Barbra Dillon, Fanbase Press Editor-in-Chief: Congratulations on the launch of your Kickstarter campaign for Vampires on Mars! For those who may be unfamiliar, what can you tell us about the story’s premise?
George O’Connor: Vampires on Mars follows a 300-year-old vampire as she fights to achieve her centuries-long dream of stepping on the red planet and the humans that keep getting in her way. It’s a sci-fi/horror/dark comedy exploring what happens when we sell our humanity for success.
BD: How would you describe your shared creative process in working with artist Fernando Pinto to bring this darkly comedic world and characters to life on the page?
GO: Beautifully perfect! Fernando has the amazing ability to switch from action to comedy to “acting” moments smoothly and hit the mark on every panel. He reminds me of Rob Guillory or Terry Moore in that way. His style is exaggerated enough that anything can happen but grounded in a way that it feels real and honest. And as a person, my lord, he’s terrific. An amazing blend of creative, driven, professional, and collaborative.
BD: You are no stranger to crowdfunding, having successfully run several campaigns for various projects. Why do you feel that crowdfunding has been such a valuable resource in ensuring the success of today’s comic book creators?
GO: So many reasons! But I’ll try to stay focused. It creates a direct connection to the reader. When someone backs a Kickstarter, they aren’t supporting a corporation—they’re supporting me. And I get to share things with them directly, whether it’s more comics and creations or a look into my world and what I’m juggling. It also provides a global reach. I’m still blown away that I’m sending packages to Turkey, Australia, Finland, and so many other places, including all 50 states. And finally, it opens up possibilities for the kinds of stories that can be told and find their audience. No matter what story you want to tell or read, crowdfunding gives you the best opportunity to find them and connect with the creators.
BD: In light of the crowdfunding campaign, are there any particular backer rewards or tiers that you’re most excited about?
GO: We have two killer variant covers from Marvel artists: Federica Mancin with colors by Marta Gasperoni and Federico Sabbatini. Federica’s art came across my timeline, and I loved it. Then, I saw she was named one of Marvel’s Stormbreakers, which was amazing and well-earned. And Federico was the artist on Moon Knight, which I was reading and really dug his art style. So, when it came time to reach out for variants, I said, “Why not?” And they both said yes!
And the metal covers we create for these campaigns are amazing! So yeah, I love highlighting the covers and the amazing artists that make them. Plus, the variants are exclusive to our Kickstarter backers.
BD: In addition, are there any other projects – past or current – that you would like to highlight for our readers?
GO: This is my fifteenth year creating comics, and I just keep falling in love with the medium. If you want to see what else I’ve written and co-created, head to homelesscomics.com. Whether you’re looking for sci-fi, heartfelt slice-of-life stories, or a good tongue-in-cheek twist, we’ll have something for you. You can download free previews and order copies right from me on the site.
BD: Lastly, what would you like to tell readers who want to learn more about the Vampires on Mars campaign and your other work?
GO: Vampires on Mars started as a fun, B-movie idea that grew into something more. Fernando, colorist Ellie Wright, letterer Justin Birch, and editor James Emmett elevated the story every step of the way. I think it might surprise people with what we cooked up. I’m incredibly proud of it, and I hope people will check it out.
