The following is an interview with Adam Lawson (The Exiled, Kids & Monsters, Kill Journal) on the upcoming Kickstarter campaign launch for the graphic novel, Mad Dog Morgan, with publisher The Lab Press. In this interview, Fanbase Press Editor-in-Chief Barbra Dillon chats with Lawson about his shared creative process in working with artist Maxi Dall’O to bring the thrilling story and characters to life on the page, the exciting backer rewards available to supporters of the campaign, and more!
Barbra Dillon, Fanbase Press Editor-in-Chief: The Lab Press will soon be launching a Kickstarter campaign for your graphic novel, Mad Dog Morgan. What can you share with us about the genesis behind this thrilling blend of indie wrestling and horror?
Adam Lawson: This story came to me years ago when I was watching a wrestling documentary and Jake the Snake was being interviewed. He broke down and started crying in the interview because he never made his father proud and he was still trying to achieve that. This sad side of a very verbose and showman-like industry stuck with me and began to grow into a story. I knew I needed horror to explore this character drama so it would NOT end up a sob story, but a story of triumph, brutality, and darkness. I was later reading the story of Sampson and how he killed the Philistines by pushing over the columns holding up their building and it dawned on me that was his true calling. He never would have imagined that when Delilah was cutting off his hair, but his previous defeat set him up for his greatest victory. It is the mashing up of those three feelings that birthed this story.
BD: How would you describe your shared creative process in working with artist Maxi Dall’O to bring the story and its characters to life on the page?
AL: Maxi is a master storyteller. Far more talented than I. He brings words to life through art that takes me back every time I get a page from him. He not only has an art style that VERY much appeals to me and this story, but he understands the heart of the scene. The emotion needed to move a viewer and his slightly charactered art lends itself to powerful emotions. I sent him a detailed script broken down by panels and then we messaged back and forth. He sends layouts and I give notes. Often, he asks what this person should feel in this panel and I think that is the most important question to ask. Really just lots of back and forth and respect for each other’s instincts.
BD: What makes The Lab Press an ideal publishing partner for sharing this story?
AL: The Lab makes big, beautiful books you want to sit down and read on a rainy afternoon. Mad Dog Morgan is that kind of comic. It is a story that you want to crawl inside of and sit with. Get in the ring with. Few publishers in comics get that, but they do. They also allow for a lot of creative freedom and want YOUR story to come out and not necessarily their idea of your story.
BD: In light of the crowdfunding campaign, are there any particular backer rewards that you are most excited for?
AL: I think the thing I am most excited about is the leather-bound edition of the book and the wrasslin’ mask. I love masks. They are my favorite form of 3D art. I know I want one.
BD: Are there any other projects – past or current – that you would like to highlight for our readers?
AL: I think if you haven’t read my horror series, The Kill Journal, you are missing out on another fantastic ride. I have a crossover book I am doing with Josh Howard, creator of Dead @17, that will be set in the world of Kill Journal and his world of Darlington Hills. Going to be rad.
BD: Lastly, what would you like to tell fans who want to learn more about Mad Dog Morgan and your other work?
AL: Follow me on X, TikTok or IG (@giftedrebelsco). I constantly post reviews on my favorite comics and inside details of my own work. I will be sharing constant updates on Mad Dog, and it is fun as hell to come along on the ride with a creator who is making cool stuff.
