The following is an interview with Denver Post bestselling writer Joshua Viola regarding Bit Bot Media’s release of the third and final issue of the horror mini-series, True Believers. In this interview, Fanbase Press Editor-in-Chief Barbra Dillon chats with Viola about what he is most excited for readers to experience as the story comes to a close, what may be on the horizon for the True Believers universe and characters, and more!
Barbra Dillon, Fanbase Press Editor-in-Chief: Congrats on releasing the third and final issue of True Believers! In bringing this outrageously bloody series to a close, what are you most excited for readers to experience with the final issue?
Joshua Viola: This one’s easily the craziest of the bunch—and probably the most fun, too. I’m pumped for everyone to see how we stuck the landing and, of course, who ends up being the “killer.”
BD: You are once again reuniting with co-writer Stephen Graham Jones and artist Ben Matsuya. In your collaboration, how do find that you keep one another energized and creatively “on their toes” when delving back into the comedy and horror of the True Believers world and its characters?
JV: The real trick? I pay them! Ha. But seriously, we’re just passionate about this world. Stephen and I built it out of a love for comics and horror, and Ben always shows up with that same energy. It’s easy to stay excited when everyone’s feeding off each other’s ideas.
BD: At Fanbase Press, we always like to learn more about creators and what drives and inspires them. Are there any creators or media that greatly influenced your creative process or that gave way to the genesis of True Believers?
JV: The heart of it, for me, is a commentary on toxic fandom. People can take their love of something too seriously, sometimes in destructive ways, and that’s always been the seed of this series. Add Stephen into the equation and suddenly we’re in slasher territory.
If I had to name my biggest influences on this project, I’d point to Scream and Happy Death Day.
BD: While this may be the end of the mini-series, if given the opportunity, do you foresee revisiting this world or its characters for future story arcs?
JV: We’re in talks about something that pushes the True Believers universe past just comics. Can’t say much now, but, hopefully, fans will get to hear about it in the coming year.
BD: Are there any other projects – past or current – that you would like to highlight for readers?
JV: There’s a lot happening right now in the world of Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver. Our graphic novel, The Dead Shall Rise, is about to drop, and there’s even more news coming soon. On top of that, I’ve got two films I produced hitting this year—Deathstalker later this month, and Deathgasm 2. Lots to keep an eye out for!
BD: Lastly, what would you like to tell fans who want to learn more about True Believers #3?
JV: It’s a bloody good time: gory kills, wild twists, and laugh-out-loud moments, all dropping right in time for spooky season.
