The following is an interview with Shannon Eric Denton (Kingdom Riders) regarding the upcoming Kickstarter campaign launch for Monster Forge Productions’ trio of illustrated children’s books. In this interview, Fanbase Press Editor-in-Chief Barbra Dillon chats with Denton about exploring monster-filled worlds for young readers, the backer rewards available to supporters of the campaign, and more!
Barbra Dillon, Fanbase Press Editor-in-Chief: As Monster Forge’s monster-filled world continues to expand, what are you most excited for young readers to experience with these 3 new books?
Shannon Eric Denton: First and foremost, the sensational art from Chris Gugliotti (Isle of Monsters), Drew Rausch (Ghost Boy), and Thomas Boatwright (Monster Knight). They are each bringing such a high level of talent to the books. I created and wrote these stories specifically for each based on my love of them as creators! The stories were really crafted to showcase their strengths and what I love about not only their art but knowing them and the kinds of stories they’re attracted to. That made all of these a joy to work on for all of us. Originally, I’d planned to do these one at a time, but I just kept coming back to the idea of a slate of books that adults and children alike would love to have in their collection. Plus, this way, we all get to support each other in the process!
BD: As always, the creators involved with Monster Forge’s books are a veritable Who’s Who of award-winning genre talent! What can you tell us about the process for selecting the all-star artists for these titles?
SED: Absolutely. Chris and I were all done with the Cryptids book, and we knew we wanted to get something else rolling. Drew and Thomas are artists I love also and had been trying to find something to collaborate on. Illustrated picture books are a love of mine, so it seemed like the perfect time to come up with a plan to put all of this in motion. I’ll be honest, I’m just as terrified as any creator anytime I start something new but I learned a long time ago listening to that voice that tells you you’re an imposter does me no favors. So despite the fear, here we are. It’s time to drop into the pool and shred (or in this case make some gorgeous hardcover picture books)!
BD: At Fanbase Press, we always like to learn more about creators and what drives and inspires them. Are there any specific monster stories that found you as a young reader and greatly influenced your creative process?
SED: I am a fan and consumer of genre in all media! Prose, comics, manga, anime, film, toys, gaming…it’s all in everything I do. So, whether it was Dark Crystal, Godzilla, Shogun Warriors, Halloween, or The Hobbit…I think I often find a way to mix in a bit of all the things that shaped me into what I create.
BD: You have had incredible success through Kickstarter for your previous titles, Sword of the War-Monster and Explorer’s Guide to Monstrous Cryptic Creatures. As a publisher and creator, how do you feel that crowdfunding has aided in Monster Forge’s continued growth and success?
SED: Interacting with our fans and forming our Monster Club! It’s been such a joy to find folks worldwide who love the same types of things we do. I think that interaction has been invaluable. I’m also working hard to speed up the pipeline by partnering with a fulfillment team. The creation part of all of this we have down, but the hiccups with fulfillment we’re constantly striving to improve. I think for a lot of small businesses there are a lot of new and constantly shifting market issues at the moment to contend with that are out of our hands. I’m hoping things stabilize and we can get back to a more routine shipping environment.
BD: Are there any specific backer rewards that you would like to highlight for those who contribute to your Kickstarter campaign?
SED: For sure. Obviously, just the books themselves are the biggest want but there are going to be some incredible original art tiers with this bunch that I can’t wait for.
BD: Are there any other projects from Monster Forge – past or current – that you would like to highlight for our readers?
SED: It’s been a good comics run with gHosts, Monster Born (Dark Horse), Kingdom Riders (IDW), Forge of Monsters, Return of the Monsters, Cryptids, Sword of the War-Monster, Hunters, Atlantean, Forge of Monsters, Savager (Panick Entertainment), and Kraken (Titan Comics)! The Spectors graphic novel with our partners at Titan Comics is next on deck! Outside of comics, we have our Rocketeer and Sky Captain collaboration with Big Bad Workshop coming up and you can check out Monster Forge Radio’s THE HORROR ETERNAL podcast from Roy Burdine each week wherever you like.
BD: Lastly, what is the best way for our readers to find more information about Monster Forge and support the upcoming Kickstarter campaign?
SED: Aside from the Kickstarter link, you can get to all the Monster Forge socials through our linktree. Please give us a follow and thanks again for the time!
