The following is an interview with Moni Barrette (Creators, Assemble!) regarding the Kickstarter campaign for the comic book anthology, Horror Not Hate, which is currently in its final hours of funding. In this interview, Fanbase Press Editor-in-Chief Barbra Dillon chats with Barrette about her creative process in bringing the story and characters to life, the incredible backer rewards available through the campaign, and more!
Barbra Dillon, Fanbase Press Editor-in-Chief: Congratulations on funding the Kickstarter campaign for Horror Not Hate! As a contributor to the anthology, what can you share with us about your story’s premise?
Moni Barrette: Thank you! Mine is a very short, nearly wordless story that hits like a punch in the gut. It is loosely based on some feelings and fears I have about someone in my life. His counterpart in the story faces the consequences of continuing to hold bigotry and hatred over the love of his family.
BD: How would you describe your creative process in bringing the story and characters to life on the page?
MB: I never wanted to write fiction unless I already had a story to tell, but when J.M. Brandt first told me about this anthology, the entire dark tale unfolded in my mind and almost forced me to sit and plot it out.
Because it is so short, it had to be carefully storyboarded and, even more importantly, supported by the right artist. I was so fortunate to work with Gerald Von Stoddard who understood my vision and brought it to life.
BD: Why do you feel that crowdfunding has been such a valuable resource to ensuring the success of today’s comic book creators and publishers?
MB: If the last 10 years has taught this industry anything, it’s that there’s no such thing as unlimited financial resources for comics. Expenses rise while profit margins don’t, and it’s been interesting to watch crowdfunding emerge as one solution. Whatever the debatable downsides, it’s pretty cool how we’ve found our way to creating the art we love and having it supported directly by fans who want to see it in the world.
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 your story may connect with and impact readers?
MB: I fear we all have someone in our lives who resembles my main character, and the horror of it is the reader will feel some satisfaction in his fate, but also a sense of regret that things had to go that way.
BD: In light of the crowdfunding campaign, are there any particular backer rewards or tiers that you would like to highlight for our readers?
MB: There is a glut of awesome rewards and add-ons for HNH, and I personally want them all! They range from signed memorabilia, prints, original art, commissions by some all-star artists, shirts, posters decals…you’re going to see me and my house decked out in HNH goodies!
BD: The creators of the Kickstarter campaign will be donating to Lambda Legal and CHIRLA if the project is successful. What can you share with us about the importance of assisting these organizations?
MB: In a time where a lot of us are feeling both horrified and unable to help, contributing to charities that are designed to meet this moment – assuming they have the resources they need – is something actionable that you can do to make a demonstrable difference.
Both CHIRLA and Lambda Legal have proven track records of supporting their respective marginalized communities and there’s never been a better time to boost their efforts.
BD: Lastly, what would you like to tell readers who want to learn more about the Horror Not Hate campaign and your other work?
MB: When it comes to HNH – The stories rock, the art is rad, and the cause is great. Huge shout out to J.M. Brandt, you should all follow Slow Feet Comics. The Kickstarter folks have been gracious in their support, too.
I’m not a comics writer by trade, but I do run a nonprofit in support of comics and gaming in education, and we also help connect creators with resources. It’s called Creators, Assemble! And you’ll definitely want to follow us across socials to see what’s next!
