The following is an interview with Paula Sevenbergen and Claudia Balboni regarding the recent release of the new horror comic book series, Flow, through Mad Cave Studios. In this interview, Fanbase Press Editor-in-Chief Barbra Dillon chats with Sevenbergen and Balboni about their shared creative process in bringing the world and characters to life on the page, how they feel that the story’s themes may connect with readers, and more!
Barbra Dillon, Fanbase Press Editor-in-Chief: Congratulations on the release of Flow! What can you tell us about the genesis behind this series, and what made this the perfect time to bring this story to life?
Paula Sevenbergen: Thanks! The story was inspired by: a love of Stephen King’s Carrie (and Brian DePalma’s film); the creepy ravine behind my house and a vision of a girl with blood-covered hands walking out of it; and politicians making headlines not long ago for proposing that periods no longer be discussed in elementary schools, even though it’s not uncommon for menstruation to start by age 10. I thought of some poor young kid seeing blood, not knowing what it is, and being terrified. Then, I thought of it happening at camp, where kids in the know tell her it’s called the curse, and they can lift it if she does everything they say. Then, they torment her…only to be cursed themselves years later.
BD: How would you describe your shared creative process in bringing this story and its characters to life on the page?
PS: The story has a dual timeline, so Claudia created child and adult versions of each character and did an amazing job “maturing” each. She really got their personalities based on what was written on the page, then made them come to life. She also conveyed mood, especially vulnerability, so effectively through her choice of perspectives and angles.
BD: Claudia, your artistic style naturally exudes the depth and intensity of the characters’ intertwined journeys. When tackling a project like Flow, is there anything that guides or propels your approach to the artwork?
Claudia Balboni: It really depends on how much emotion the writer evokes in me. With this story, Paula allowed me to experience the characters’ intense emotions like rage or sadness, especially in some scenes that call for depth and a delicate touch to navigate the fragile weight of certain sorrows. When I immerse myself in the emotion, everything comes through naturally on its own; at that point, I just draw and do my best to express it.
BD: At Fanbase Press, our #StoriesMatter initiative endeavors to highlight the impact that stories can have on audiences of various mediums – no matter the genre. How do you feel that Dara’s story may connect with and impact today’s readers?
PS: In our society, information is always being wielded or withheld in ways that affect us all. In Dara’s case, what she doesn’t know hurts her. In the case of Moe, the narrator (one of Dara’s tormentors), what she does know—and regrets not speaking up about—ends up hurting her.
Also, most of us have felt shame. We’ve done things we regret, or we’ve felt ashamed of being taken advantage of, even though it wasn’t our fault. And sadly, our culture sometimes feeds that shame.
BD: What makes Mad Cave Studios the perfect home for this series?
PS: Mad Cave let the story flow! They respect creators and gave us free rein to tell the tale we wanted to tell.
BD: Are there any additional projects – past or current – that you would like to highlight for our readers?
PS: I have a nascent comic series that’s brewing in my brain. I also wrote a sexy thriller novel set in early-2000s NYC that’s in the submission stage.
BD: Lastly, what is the best way for readers to learn more about Flow and your other work?
PS: More about Flow can be found on my Instagram, @paula7bergen, and at madcavestudios.com.
