The following is an interview with Bram Stoker Award-winning editor and writer James Aquilone on his return to Kickstarter in collaboration with Monstrous Books to crowdfund an all-new, 3-issue comic book series and collected hardcover called Kolchak Meets the Classic Monsters. In this interview, Fanbase Press Editor-in-Chief Barbra Dillon chats with Aquilone about the talented creators involved with the project, the incredible backer rewards available to supporters of the campaign, and more!
Barbra Dillon, Fanbase Press Editor-in-Chief: Monstrous Books will soon be returning to Kickstarter for Kolchak Meets the Classic Monsters. Fans and creators alike have demonstrated their immense love for the legendary reporter and his otherworldly adventures. What are you most excited to tackle with this new comic book series?
James Aquilone: This project brings together two of my favorite things — Kolchak and the classic monsters. They were made for each other, so It’s really exciting to make this happen, especially with so many amazing creators.
BD: The 3-issues series will be helmed by a Murderers’ Row of creative talent. What can you tell us about what readers will have in store by way of the creative teams with this release?
JA: Issue #1 – “Kolchak Meets the Werewolf and Count Crowley.” Written by David Dastmalchian, with art by Lukas Ketner and colors by Zac Atkinson. Covers by Matt Wagner and Lukas Ketner. In 1983, Kolchak joins forces with Count Crowley to deal with a pesky werewolf problem.
Issue #2 – “Kolchak Meets Frankenstein.” Written by Steve Niles, with art by George Quadros and colors by Zac Atkinson. Cover by Russ Braun. In 1974, Carl encounters the Frankenstein monster, who’s on a mission to right some wrongs.
Issue #3 – “Kolchak Meets Dracula.” Written by Rodney Barnes, with art by Alex Lins and colors by Zac Atkinson. Cover by Colton Worley. Set in 1970s New York City. A time of transition for the country. Dracula is taking advantage of a liberated Manhattan while Kolchak is determined to stop him.
BD: In addition to the series and hardcover, the Kickstarter will also include the first-ever officially licensed Kolchak trading cards. What were the top priorities for you in terms of production and design as you tackled these trading cards?
JA: I wanted to invoke the classic baseball cards of the ’70s and ’80s that I collected as a kid while giving it a modern twist.
BD: Are there any other backers rewards from the campaign that you would like to highlight for readers?
JA: I’m really in love with the Kolchak Challenge Coin. It’s a UV 3D coin, and I keep it in my pocket at all times. You never know when you might run into a monster.
BD: Monstrous Books is making great strides in both its publishing endeavors and the crowdfunding space. Looking ahead, what are you most excited to tackle in the next 5 years of the company?
JA: Early next year, we’ll be doing a campaign for a graphic novel adaptation of another cult TV show. I can’t say what it is but it was one of my favorite shows as a teen. And there are a few other big projects in the works.
BD: Lastly, what is the best way for our readers to find more information about the Kickstarter campaign for Kolchak Meets the Classic Monsters and Monstrous Books?
JA: You can head directly to the Kickstarter campaign or visit our website, MonstrousBooks.com.
