The following is an interview with Ben Stenbeck (Baltimore, B.P.R.D.) regarding the upcoming release of his new comic book series, Our Bones Dust, through Image Comics. In this interview, Fanbase Press Editor-in-Chief Barbra Dillon chats with Stenbeck about his creative process in bringing the post-apocalyptic world to life, how the series may connect with readers, and more!
Barbra Dillon, Fanbase Press Editor-in-Chief: Congratulations on the upcoming launch of Our Bones Dust! For those who may be unfamiliar, what can you tell us about the series’ premise?
Ben Stenbeck: It’s a story about a lonely feral kid who learned to kill as fast as it learned to walk. In a savage, hopeless, post-apocalyptic world. All this kid really knows is survival, until it’s discovered by an AI archeologist, who’s supposed to be detached and clinical and not supposed to interfere with the wildlife. But then does anyway.
BD: This story deftly crafts a harrowing post-apocalyptic world, weaving together elements of warring factions, a feral child on the run, and highly advanced AI. How would you describe your creative process in bringing this story and its characters to life?
BS: I don’t know about deftly… I tried! Making this was Chaos. It was such a battle. But I learned a lot doing it, and, hopefully, the next thing will be a tiny bit easier. That was sort of the point really; this was an exercise in doing something and getting it out into the world. But the setting for this story was always there in the back of my head, and then the world suggested the characters. My original idea for this was just dark and mean and gross, but I found I could use the AI element to add some hope and fun to it all. Because I really want this to be a fun comic.
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 this story may connect with and impact readers?
BS: Touching, human moments with believable characters: That was my aim. Something that’s nice to look at, but with some heart to it, as well.
BD: What makes Image Comics the perfect home for Our Bones Dust?
BS: Complete freedom to do my own story my own way.
BD: How many issues do you have planned for the series’ first story arc?
BS: It’s 4 issues, but each issue runs longer than your standard page count, so you get about 5 issues’ worth of story.
BD: Are there any other upcoming projects on which you are working that you are able to share with our readers?
BS: I don’t think I can. I’m working on a 3-issue series right now with Mike Mignola, and then we have something very different we are doing together, but I can’t say more than that for now.
BD: Lastly, what would you like to tell readers who want to learn more about Our Bones Dust?
BS: Issue one is out on December the 6th and only $3.99 for 28 story pages of my very finest post-apocalyptic horrors!
