The following is an interview with Denver Post bestselling writer Joshua Viola regarding the Kickstarter campaign launch for Issue #2 of the comic book mini-series, True Believers, in collaboration with Hex Publishers. In this interview, Fanbase Press Editor-in-Chief Barbra Dillon chats with Viola about returning to the world of True Believers, the star-studded lineup of special guests in the issue, the incredible backer rewards available through the campaign, and more!
Barbra Dillon, Fanbase Press Editor-in-Chief: You recently returned to Kickstarter for the second issue of True Believers. Following the harrowing events of Issue #1, where will readers find themselves with this latest installment?
Joshua Viola: In issue 2, it’s been a year since the harrowing events of issue 1, and a mysterious new figure emerges, adopting the enigmatic persona of Killr™. But is this individual just another obsessive fan, or does a new threat loom on the horizon? Introducing a whole new cast of characters, our protagonist this time is KK, a troubled teen with no close friends and a passion for the macabre. To help KK break free from solitude, her mom insists she lend a hand in preparing for the Colorado Festival of Horror. However, helping her mom at work is the last thing KK wants to do. She’d much rather be at home watching horror movies and enjoying a quiet smoke to cope with her social anxiety. Things take a dark turn when KK, seeking solace in a smoke, accidentally stumbles upon a group of teens hatching a nefarious scheme at this year’s convention.
BD: In reuniting with co-writer Stephen Graham Jones and artist Ben Matsuya, did you find that there was a creative shorthand in revisiting the world and characters of the series together?
JV: Kind of. We definitely felt more comfortable getting back into it. In this issue, we’re taking a fresh approach by introducing a new cast of characters and a different perspective. We sort of revisit one character from the previous issue, but it’s because someone new adopts the role of our slasher villain, Killr. And this time, the story unfolds in the days leading up to the Colorado Festival of Horror, during the setup phase, offering a new angle on the familiar fan convention setting. We’re bending the rules established in the last issue, giving readers a deeper immersion into this world while keeping things exciting and unpredictable.
BD: This latest issue is packed with a Murderers’ Row of cameo appearances! What can you tell us about the familiar faces which may appear in Issue #2 and their impact on the story?
JV: We were fortunate to have secured approval for the appearances of Jamie Lee Curtis, R.L. Stine, Jeffrey Reddick, and the characters from Deathgasm in issue 1! Continuing that tradition, issue two features official appearances from Matt Heafy of Trivium, the band GWAR, and Devon Sawa (known for Final Destination and Chucky). They have a hilarious scene in this issue that ties directly into our slasher plot.
BD: Are there any particular backer rewards for the Kickstarter campaign that you would like to highlight for readers?
JV: Our rewards this time around are truly extraordinary. We’ve lined up a plethora of variant covers, including a limited variant featuring Jamie Lee Curtis. Additionally, backers can enjoy a 30-minute original score composed by Matt Heafy, along with collectibles like latex masks, prop shears, original artwork, and signed memorabilia such as a GWAR skateboard deck and drumsticks, as well as a guitar autographed by Matt Heafy himself. And that’s just the beginning—there’s so much more in store for our supporters!
BD: Are there any other upcoming projects on which you are working that you are able to share?
JV: I’m serving as the executive producer of Steven Kostanski’s Deathstalker reboot, alongside Slash from Guns N’ Roses and Raven Banner Entertainment. Filming for this project is set to begin this April! Stay tuned for further updates and announcements soon!
BD: Lastly, what would you like to tell fans who want to learn more about True Believers #2?
JV: If you’re a fan of comics, slashers, cosplay, heavy metal, blood, and comedy, True Believers is tailor-made for you. It’s a heartfelt homage to all of these passions crafted by a dedicated group of creators who share your enthusiasm.
