The following is an interview with writer David “D.B.” Andry (Crush Depth, Morning Star) regarding the recent release of the new series, Estuary: A Ghost Story, with Oni Press. In this interview, Fanbase Press Editor-in-Chief Barbra Dillon chats with Andry about his shared creative in working with co-writer Tim Daniel and artist Maan House to bring the story and characters to life on the page, the themes that he hopes may resonate with readers, and more!
Barbra Dillon, Fanbase Press Editor-in-Chief: Congratulations on the release of Estuary: A Ghost Story! What can you share with us about the premise of this haunting, new series?
David “D.B.” Andry: Maris Cristobal, an underwater archaeologist, gets hired by a mysterious nun to find a rumored shipwreck off the California coast as a way to financially assist the Mission she lives at. With the help of hired charter captain (and ‘influencer’) Willis Hunter, Maris will find a mystery much deeper than just a ship wreck. A mystery that will expose a dark past and a truth that many want to keep covered.
BD: What can you tell us about your shared creative process in working with co-writer Tim Daniel and artist Maan House to bring this story and characters to life on the page?
DBA: Tim and I have been doing this co-writing thing together for a while; Estuary is our sixth published series as a writing team. We have a well-developed and smooth process now for working together. In one of our previous series, Nightfall Double Feature, our story, “Denizen,” was published together with Maan’s (and Daniel Kraus’) “Cemetarians.” So, we both were very familiar, and impressed by, Maan’s work. Collaborating with him on Estuary has really been a master-class in mood setting and accentuating the horror elements of a story. Maan really is at the top of horror artists working today.
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 this particular story?
DBA: I think Tim would probably say Stephen King. For me, Midnight Mass from Mike Flanagan was a massive inspiration. Probably a straight line from me watching that series to wanting to write something like it. Weaving religion, relationships, mystery and faith all together with horror elements.
BD: What makes Oni Press the perfect publishing partner for this story?
DBA: Our editor Bess Pallares. She really is the perfect person to help us tell this story. She is super intuitive with a deft touch. Her support really has made Estuary what it is.
BD: Are there any other projects – past or present – that you would like to highlight for our readers?
DBA: If you like Estuary, you’ll probably like Denizen that I mentioned earlier. Morning Star from Mad Cave Studios is another one that seemed to resonate with readers.
BD: Lastly, what is the best way for our readers to find more information about Estuary: A Ghost Story and your other work?
DBA: I’m pretty active on Blue Sky and Instagram (@dbandry), Tim is on X (Twitter) and Instagram (@timdanielcomics), and Maan has been posting a bunch of art from Estuary on Instagram (@maanhousecomicartist).
