The following is an interview with writer Derek McCaw regarding the Kickstarter campaign for the comic book anthology, Horror Not Hate, which is currently in its final hours of funding. In this interview, Fanbase Press Editor-in-Chief Barbra Dillon chats with McCaw about his shared creative process in working with artist Rafael Navarro to bring the story and characters to life, the incredible backer rewards available through the campaign, and more!
Barbra Dillon, Fanbase Press Editor-in-Chief: Congratulations on the success of the Kickstarter campaign for the comic book anthology, Horror Not Hate! As a contributor to the anthology, what can you share with us about your story’s premise?
Derek McCaw: The call was to write a story tackling racism, homophobia, or hate in general. My story, “Ladies’ Night at the Saddle Rack,” confronts the comfort that some people have in spewing their hate in public spaces. Characters who seem to be condoning that behavior aren’t… and shouldn’t. Though they shouldn’t reach the same conclusion as happens in my story.
BD: How would you describe your shared creative process in working with artist Rafael Navarro to bring story and characters to life on the the page?
DM: Rafael and I collaborated 15 years ago on a story for Bela Lugosi’s Tales from the Grave. He’s an artist whose work I admire and trust. If I’m writing for an artist I don’t know, I’d probably be more descriptive. He got the script, he added his vision, and I don’t think we made any changes beyond that. Except J.M. Brandt (the editor) brought in colorist Vladimir Popov. Raf hadn’t had time to do coloring, and he’d drawn it in more of a Warren Magazine style.
I haven’t met Vladimir, but I think he nailed it.
BD: Why do you feel that crowdfunding has been such a valuable resource to ensuring the success of today’s comic book creators?
DM: I’ve worked with three publishers that busted out, taking big swings and big risks that ultimately they couldn’t afford to do. Kickstarter gives insight into the baseline interest in a given book, so if everybody does the math right, they’ll at least break even.
It also offers the chance for creators and backers to communicate directly.
My friend David Avallone told me he knew he’d sort of made it when he didn’t recognize backers’ names. He legitimately had fans, and in an industry that still gets caught up in a collector mentality, I think that’s cool validation. (And David, I hope I didn’t mangle your statement too badly.)
BD: At Fanbase Press, our #StoriesMatter initiative endeavors to highlight the impact that stories can have on audiences of various mediums. How do you feel that your story may connect with and impact readers?
DM: We first meet a homophobic racist character drinking at a bar. The color of his hat is in question. But I’m sure people have had this experience and maybe wished they’d stood up to the hatred being spewed. Maybe I’m providing a cathartic moment.
I’m a 60-year-old white cis-gender male. I could keep my head down and probably be okay in this current situation. I’m outraged for friends and family who are, no exaggeration, living in fear right now. I know I’m not alone. So, let this be a hand out to horror fans to know they’re not alone.
BD: In light of the crowdfunding campaign, are there any particular backer rewards or tiers that you would like to highlight for our readers?
DM: It’s funny because a friend of mine texted Saturday night telling me which tier he had backed, and I didn’t know it was one of the rewards! There are some incredible art prints available, t-shirts, and stickers.
There’s also a retailer level, which I think is important in the long run. I back a lot on Kickstarter, but I love discovering books in comics shops. I hope retailers have taken a chance on this, because the talent involved – I’m blown away every time J.M. unveils a new page.
BD: In addition to the Kickstarter campaign, the creators will be donating to Lambda Legal and CHIRLA. What can you share with us about the importance of assisting these organizations?
DM: I grew up in community theater. Homophobia makes no damned sense to me. Nor does racism. For a time in the 1980s, apparently, my background was considered “Hispanic Other,” which came as a surprise to me when I found out. My regret is that I don’t speak Spanish, though my oldest daughter is fluent.
Rights of the LGTBQ+ community are under attack. Lambda Law will help defend them. CHIRLA will help defend immigrants, documented and not. Here in California, we know the migrant community are vital to making things run.
BD: Lastly, what would you like to tell readers who want to learn more about the Horror Not Hate campaign and your other work?
DM: Go to Kickstarter and check it out! You’ll see for yourself how cool this book looks.
As for my own work, I blog about comics, movies, TV on FanboyPlanet.com, and have published a couple of my short horror stories there. It’s been too long since I’ve written for comics, so I consider this book a return and have talked to a few editors about doing more. I have hope that this is my next act.
