The following is an interview with critically acclaimed artist Jonas Goonface (Godshaper) regarding the recent launch of a Kickstarter campaign for the graphic novel, The Unsinkable Ship of Fools, in association with Iron Circus Comics. In this interview, Fanbase Press Editor-in-Chief Barbra Dillon chats with Goonface about his experience in balancing the writing and illustrative duties of the erotic fantasy thriller, how the story may provide readers with a sense of community, and more!
Barbra Dillon, Fanbase Press Editor-in-Chief: Congratulations on the recent launch of your crowdfunding campaign! For readers who may be unfamiliar, what can you share with us about the story’s premise?
Jonas Goonface: Aw thanks ^_^ In short, an outfit of misfits and cryptids become a found-family on this eternal road trip aboard a vaguely dust-bowl-era traveling circus train. They can’t leave the train or steer it in any way, so the crew gotta navigate all that hocus pocus while making out sloppy-style and having anarchic adventures.
BD: Your artistic style naturally exudes deep ambience, tone, and mood. When tackling a project like this one, was there anything that specifically guided or propelled your approach to bringing the story to life on the page?
JG: So many influences tugged at me through the creation of this book. Stories of old turn-of-the-century hobos like old Jack Black (not the new Jack Black), and music from our present-day folk-punk travelers like the Rail Yard Ghosts. I also have plenty of experiences of my own from my hitchhiking mishaps to draw from.
BD: In addition to the fact that Iron Circus has a stellar catalog of titles and an amazing stable of creative talent, what made the publisher the perfect home for this graphic novel?
JG: Not a lot of publishers are fool enough to put their weight behind adult content, and with the constant legislative persecution of sex work/sex content, it’s easy to guess why that is. Iron Circus sticks their neck out for the perverts and weirdos, so TUSoF seems to be a comfortable fit.
BD: Amidst the many challenges facing our community this year, Fanbase Press is focusing on the idea of “Building Your Community” to navigate a collective path forward. How do you feel that TUSoF’s celebration of sexuality and its inclusive nature might help readers to find a sense of community or belonging?
JG: Oooooof heavy question! Not unlike the crew in this story, many of us are finding ourselves trapped in a doomed tailspin existence. Learning to fuck and fight and care WHILE the ground gives way around us is super ultra mega key. We’re all we have and we’re all we need.
BD: In light of the Kickstarter campaign, are there any specific backer reward tiers that you are most excited to share?
JG: I’m stoked to share the patches! It’s a hallmark of the travel punk culture that makes up my comic’s foundation.
BD: Are there any other projects – past or current – that you would like to highlight for our readers?
JG: I’m currently creating a comic called Dogpile that’s hosted on Slipshine. It’s a cyber spunk noir porn about a mass rent strike that interrogates how we relate to property. Also there’s hella sex, like so much sex.
BD: Lastly, what is the best way for our readers to find more information about The Unsinkable Ship of Fools and to support your Kickstarter campaign?
JG: Well, u can back the Kickstarter or I reckon you can wait around and buy the comic off Iron Circus’ store in the summer. Both me and Iron Circus are active on Bluesky if there’s questions. Or if you REALLY want answers regarding the comic, go chase down a slow-rolling freight train and that’ll teach u plenty.
