The following is an interview with Shannon Eric Denton (Kingdom Riders) and Chris Gugliotti (Teen Titans Go, He-Man) regarding the launch of their Kickstarter campaign for The Explorer’s Guide to the Monstrous Cryptid Creatures of the United States in association with Monster Forge. In this interview, Fanbase Press Editor-in-Chief Barbra Dillon chats with Denton and Gugliotti about their shared creative process of documenting the ultimate cryptid field guide, the backer rewards available to supporters of the campaign, and more!
Barbra Dillon, Fanbase Press Editor-in-Chief: Congratulations on the launch of your Kickstarter campaign! What can you share with us about the genesis behind this ultimate cryptid field guide?
Shannon Eric Denton: First off, [I want to share] excitement at getting to work with Chris. We’ve known each other since our time at WildStorm, so I had a pretty good idea that Chris loves a lot of the same stuff I do. We are actually doing another project that required us to do a deep dive into cryptids lore, and Chris just kept sending me awesome sketches to go along with our research. It dawned on me at some point we had enough done that this sort of became its own project. As a kid I’d look everywhere for Boggy Creek monsters, bigfoots, sasquatches (and by “as a kid” I mean I still do), so this book is filled with a lot of love for all those elusive monsters that modern science is still mystified by.
Chris Gugliotti: I concur with what Shannon said, because the creative relationship between us, so far, has been a blast and I’m glad we’re finally working together. We’ve come up with some crazy ideas and he’s let me off the chain art wise. Luckily, one idea had us playing around with cryptids and we were having too much fun so we decided to take that one facet and spawn a book that’s purely cryptid-centric.
BD: I can only imagine what a joy it was to bring these mysterious creatures to life on the page! What can you tell us about your shared creative process in crafting the book, and what will readers have in store when it comes to the variety of creatures included within its pages?
SED: Again, it started as research for another book, but like the cryptids themselves it took on a life of its own. We did realize it could easily spiral out of control with how many exist around the world so (for now) we decided to limit it to the USA. That being said, this book is PACKED. We showcase cryptids for all 50 states and get into the cryptozoological details of what makes each cryptid truly unique and it’s all filtered through Chris’ lens. We know the book will stir up some controversy, too. Some of these creatures are regional, and I’m sure some of our fellow cryptozoologists state pride may factor in as to which state they want each cryptid to hail from.
CG: One thing I LOVE to do is draw monsters, creatures, and critters, and with this book I get to put my spin on some well known, and some lesser known, creatures out there. Being able to interpret not only the cryptids appearance, but also anatomy has been both a challenge and a thrill. This book is gonna be an eyeful of pure monster love. Sadly, Shannon had to limit me to just the 50 states cause he knows if he leaves me alone for a few days he would be inundated with sketches. I was amazed, when doing research, how many cryptids each state has. We could do volumes just in the States alone. Though, hopefully, we’ll be going international soon cause there is just limitless possibilities there, as well.
BD: Shannon, you are no stranger to crowdfunding, having successfully run several campaigns through your work with Monster Forge. Why do you feel that crowdfunding has been such a valuable resource to ensuring the success of today’s comic book creators and publishers?
SED: It’s such a great way to find your audience and interact with them directly. It’s sometimes hard to get publishers to see a creative’s vision on a project as they weigh fiscal concerns and appropriateness to their brand. This allows people with a heartfelt belief there are others out there who would love this, as well, and further establish your brand with the audience you’re building. Welcome to the Monster Club.
BD: Are there any specific backer rewards that you’re most excited about with the campaign?
SED: Aside from the book itself, we’re doing an actual cryptozoologists patch and explorer’s bandana I’m amped about.
CG: We’ll also have a special Monster Forge edition of my watercolor book, The ABCs of Monster Noises, that’s a great reward for the junior Monster Club members to enjoy.
BD: Are there any other projects – past or current – that you would like to highlight for our readers?
SED: Absolutely. Aside from Return of the Monsters, other Monster Forge projects like Savager at Panick Entertainment, Kingdom Riders at IDW, Monster Born at Dark Horse, Kraken and Spectors at Titan, gHosts at GlobalComix (along with other Monster Forge titles), The Bernie Wrightson Tribute Art Book with pals at Printed In Blood! And please stay tuned to our socials for some more upcoming announcements soon!
CG: Shannon and I have a few projects under the Monster Forge umbrella I’m looking forward to, but, personally, I’m in the process of expanding my Adopt-A-Monster project and various side projects. Wheels always turning.
BD: Lastly, what would you like to tell fans who want to learn more about The Explorer’s Guide to the Monstrous Cryptid Creatures of the United States and your other work with Monster Forge?
SED: Sign up here to back the campaign and you can follow us on Substack to stay current on all Monster Forge news. Thanks!
