The following is an interview with horror legend and award-winning writer Steve Niles (30 Days of Night, Creepshow: 13 Tales of Terror) regarding the recent launch of a Kickstarter campaign for the short story collection, Cal McDonald: Plague of Evil and Other Stories, through Clover Press’ new creator-owned imprint, The Fourth Leaf. In this interview, Fanbase Press Editor-in-Chief Barbra Dillon chats with Niles about returning to the world of Cal McDonald, how the character has developed and evolved since its creation, and more!
Barbra Dillon, Fanbase Press Editor-in-Chief: Congrats on launching a Kickstarter campaign for Cal McDonald: Plague of Evil and Other Stories! What were you most excited to tackle with these all-new stories featuring everyone’s favorite paranormal P.I.?
Steve Niles: I just love writing Cal McDonald. I love how he sees the world and the horrors he deals with. For this new collection, a lot happens and there is an arc to all the stories. There are lots of monsters, old and new, and some new ones I invented. There is also a love story. Cal lets someone in and that always leads to trouble.
BD: In looking back at your work with Cal, how do you feel that the character has evolved over time, and is there anything new or intriguing that you have taken away from Cal that you hadn’t anticipated when originally creating him?
SN: I was thinking about this recently. Cal has changed a lot over the years. He knows a lot more. He knows how to navigate things better. He’s probably a little more sober, too, but not by much. Writing Cal, he always surprises me. I thought I’d be out of ideas but when it comes to Cal and Mo’Lock, they just keep coming. There’s a certain maturity happening, in between the drunken stupidity, that I enjoy now. All the same questions and problems are there, but he’s tired and he wants to solve them without too much hassle.
BD: The collection will feature incredible bonus features, including a foreword by David Dastmalchian and illustrations from a Murderers’ Row of artists. What can readers anticipate from these added features of the book?
SN: They can expect some amazing art. Each artist did a piece to fit a story and they all came through. It’s a beautiful collection. And that cover by Jusko is damn near perfect.
BD: Why is The Fourth Leaf the ideal publishing partner for this short story collection?
SN: I go way back with the folks at Clover and there’s a level of comfort I enjoy. They really know what they’re doing and this new imprint is the perfect home for Cal.
BD: Are there any other projects – past or current – that you would like to highlight for our readers?
SN: This week my autobiographical comic, Take it Back, came out from DiWulf publishing. I hope people will check it out. It covers my life in comics and music and my battles with depression and mental health. I have a huge 190-page graphic novel coming from Lab Press called Callisto with artist Andrea Mutti. That was a blast to work on.
BD: Lastly, in light of the crowdfunding campaign, are there any reward tiers that you are most excited to share with backers?
SN: Clover has a great slate laid out. There are hardcovers with slipcases, art portfolios, prints and even a Bloody Pulp hat. I’m very excited.
