The following is an interview with writer/illustrator Terry Blas regarding the release of the fairy tale-inspired graphic novel, Eat Your Heart Out, through Oni Press. In this interview, Fanbase Press Editor-in-Chief Barbra Dillon chats with Blas about his shared creative process in working with co-writer Matty Newton, artist Lydia Anslow, and colorist Claudia Aguirre to bring the story to life on the page, why care and kindness are so vital to the story, and more!
Barbra Dillon, Fanbase Press Editor-in-Chief: Congratulations on the release of Eat Your Heart Out! For those who may be unfamiliar, how would you describe the coming-of-age story’s premise?
Terry Blas: It’s a twist on some recognizable fairy tales, but with a modern vibe. If you like coming-of-age stories about someone chasing their dreams, then you’ll like this. I’d describe it the way Oni’s Editor-in-Chief did when she said: “Perfect for fans of The Great British Bake Off, Project Runway, and RuPaul’s Drag Race.” Blanca graduates high school and in order to pursue her dreams of becoming a fashion designer, she runs away from her overbearing mom and ends up in New York City, where she moves in with seven queer guys. Clearly, this does not make her mom happy.
BD: You have an incredible team bringing Blanca’s story and her newfound friends to life on the page! What can you share with us about your collaboration with co-writer Matty Newton, as well as artist Lydia Anslow and colorist Claudia Aguirre, in crafting this story?
TB: Matty and I have had the story in our minds for over a decade. It’s evolved over time as we shaped it into a comic script and evolved even more since then. Working with Matty is great because he comes in fresh with fun ideas that I haven’t heard many other people in comics suggest. That makes it exciting for me as someone who has probably found a groove with my writing and needs to shake it up a bit. Lydia is magic and her style is perfect for the book. I love what she does and couldn’t be happier. And Claudia and I’ve done two other books with. Claudia could slap me and I’d thank her. She’s my sister, mi hermana Mexicana.
BD: This story is full of such hope and opportunity, emphasizing that going after your dreams is possible with the support of chosen family. As both a creator and a fan, were there certain stories that helped you to maintain that same drive and dedication for achieving your dreams?
TB: Yeah, a big one is Buffy the Vampire Slayer. There’s literally an episode in Season 5 called “Family” about how chosen family can be what you really need to flourish and be yourself. That idea is woven through my book, Hotel Dare, that family are people who treat you like family.
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 Blanca’s story may connect with and impact readers?
TB: Something that isn’t talked about much in regards to the book is how care and kindness go a long way. Blanca comes into this household and begins helping everyone with their dreams and goals, as if she doesn’t have enough of her own dreams and goals to accomplish. But because of that kindness, it begins to spread and the people in her life can’t help but aid her in return. I long for a future like Star Trek where money means nothing and nobody is hungry and everyone gets to pursue what they love doing for a living. Right now, the best way to get close to that is by helping others with their dreams and working hard on your own. I hope people connect to that.
BD: What makes Oni Press the perfect home for Eat Your Heart Out?
TB: This is a book with a big cast of very diverse characters. Some of my favorite books at Oni Press are things they’ve made for young readers with queer characters and people of color. Tea Dragon Society, Space Battle Lunch Time, Scott Pilgrim, The Black Mage. So, when our book has that large cast full of diversity, I think it makes sense.
BD: Blanca’s story will continue next year in a second volume. What are you most looking forward to sharing with readers as you continue to develop and expand her world?
TB: Honestly, I’m excited for people to see the layers get peeled back on Reina’s character. Right now, she is a very surface level, telenovela-style villain but finding out what’s made her this way and why she acts the way she does makes her much more interesting in my opinion. Also, Volume 2 sort of brings all the storylines that are set up in Volume 1 together.
BD: Lastly, what is the best way for our readers to find more information about Eat Your Heart Out and your other work?
TB: You can check out my website, terryblas.com! And my instagram, too, I suppose. I post there a decent amount. (@terryblas)
