The following is an interview with Eric Palicki regarding the upcoming release of the Black’s Myth: The Key to His Heart collected trade paperback with AHOY Comics. In this interview, Fanbase Press Editor-in-Chief Barbra Dillon chats with Palicki about what readers have in store with the collected edition, looking back on the shared creative process of working with longtime collaborator and artist Wendell Cavalcanti and cover artist Liana Kangas, and more!
Barbra Dillon, Fanbase Press Editor-in-Chief: Congratulations on the upcoming release of the collected trade paperback for Black’s Myth: The Key to His Heart! As with all of AHOY Comics’ releases, this trade is sure to be packed with incredible bonus features. What will readers have in store with the upcoming release?
Eric Palicki: Oh wow. In addition to private commissions of Strummer from Liana Kangas and Sean Von Gorman, series artist Wendell Cavalcanti opened up his sketchbooks to show his process for designing the new and returning characters in our second volume. Plus, I’m delighted to reveal Black Lightning creator Tony Isabella provided the foreword to this second volume.
BD: In looking back at the development and creation of the series, what can you share with us about your creative process in working with artist Wendell Cavalcanti and cover artist Liana Kangas that really made this series unique?
EP: Wendell and I have been making comics for over a decade now, but he always manages to surprise me. He anticipates what I’m hoping to accomplish with a given page or panel or scene, but, somehow, gives it back in a way that’s better than I had in my head. Our collaborations are practically a psychic phenomenon at this point.
As for Liana, they were given carte blanche to work their magic. For some, that might seem like a gamble, but I’d say it paid off. The covers for Black’s Myth, both volumes, are some of the best I’ve had the privilege to see gracing books I’ve written.
BD: At Fanbase Press this year, our #StoriesMatter initiative endeavors to highlight the impact that stories can have on audiences of various mediums. How do you feel that Strummer and Ben’s story has connected with and impacted readers, especially in light of the incredible critical and fan response to the series?
EP: Stories are (almost) always about two things. Black’s Myth is about a werewolf private detective, sure, but it’s also about misfits finding their way through the world, discovering their people, and becoming comfortable in their own skin. If any of that resonated with readers, then I feel like Black’s Myth told a successful story.
BD: Are there any other upcoming projects on which you are working that you are able to share with our readers?
EP: Nothing I can reveal yet, but STAY TUNED!
BD: Lastly, what would you like to tell fans who want to learn more about the Black’s Myth: The Key to His Heart trade paperback?
EP: I hope readers will check out both volumes, as what we’ve done with The Key to His Heart builds upon the foundation of our first story, and they do a lot to inform each other.
If you’re a fan of classic noir detective stories, Hellboy, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, or Veronica Mars, there’s something in Black’s Myth for you.
