The following is an interview with Rafael Flores Jr. regarding the recent release of the comic book series, The Return of Camazotz, through Grimmcore Studios. In this interview, Fanbase Press Editor-in-Chief Barbra Dillon chats with Flores about the shared creative process of bringing the story to life on the page, what he hopes that readers may take away from the story, and more!
Barbra Dillon, Fanbase Press Editor-in-Chief: Congratulations on the recent release of The Return of Camazotz! For those who may be unfamiliar, what can you tell us about the premise of this story?
Rafael Flores Jr.: The Return of Camazotz is a gothic Mayan horror story revolving around twin brothers Victor and Vincent who journey to Mexico to honor their deceased mother. While visiting an old Mayan ruin the boys encounter the Bat God of Death, Camazotz! With this encounter, their lives are forever changed and they soon realize they are a part of a dark and ancient ritual. Inspired by Mayan mythology, in particular the Mayan Hero Twins and their encounter with Camazotz, this story is a gothic reimagining for today’s audiences.
BD: How would you describe your shared creative process in bringing this story and its characters to life on the page?
RF: Azrael and I previously made a 2-page short comic also called The Return of Camazotz which was a Negative Space Finalist. It got the attention of Grimmcore Studios and a deal was made to turn that short (proof of concept) comic into a longer story. Grimmcore Studios acted as editor and publisher working with me every step of the way from outline, to script, to final artwork. This was my first comic series so having the help of my publisher was a huge part of me getting this story finished and out to readers.
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 the brothers’ story may impact readers?
RF: The story revolves around the brothers dealing with the suicide of their mother, it touches on the grief and pain of dealing with the suicide of a loved one, but it also shows, in a very Mayan/indigenous kind of way, that death is likely not the end. We can learn to forgive those who have committed suicide and we can forgive ourselves for having resentment for those who are gone. This is something I’ve never seen done in a horror story before, and it’s something I hope readers take away. The reaction so far has been astounding! People really care about the brother’s journey, there’s an emotional core to this story that will hit you like a ton of bricks while also providing the scares that horror fans love.
BD: Do you foresee expanding the story into subsequent story arcs, if given the opportunity?
RF: Hell Yes! The world we’ve built for this series has so many opportunities for expansion. I believe if we’ve done our jobs right, when the reader reaches the final page, they will be begging for more. And if they want it bad enough, then we have no other choice but give it to them. Right?
BD: Are there any other projects on which you are working that you’re able to share with readers?
RF: I’ve got a couple projects in the works. I’m doing a couple of short comics for anthologies, and I’m developing a supernatural samurai western called Mother Wolf and Cubs, think Lone Wolf and Cub but with actual werewolves.
BD: Lastly, what would you like to tell fans who want to learn more about The Return of Camazotz?
RF: You can read the first issue on all your favorite digital platforms like Amazon and Global Comix, as well as get a physical copy through Grimmcorestudios.com.
Follow me on social media (@CamazotzComics) and let us know what you think of the book. We love sharing reader reviews and making our fans a part of the experience. We make these books for them!
