|
Richv1
Jazma V.P.
Canada
1148 Posts |
 Posted - 01/09/2010 : 12:16:53 PM
|
Erica Hesse
Creator/Artist for The Key
Publisher: Erica A Hesse
Interviewed by: Richard Vasseur
Posted: 01/09/2010
Rich: Why should people purchase "The Key"?
Erica: Everyone should buy "The Key" because the story is a supernatural/horror tale about a young woman named Angeline who has the "perfect" life in her eyes. She has the great financee', spacious apartment in Lower Mahattan New York, and has a career that she loves. Only problem is that her perfect life is about to be disrupted. Unbeknownst to Angeline, she has something buried deep within her soul. Something so powerful it could ultimately destroy the human race.
I think people will be interested in this story because it plays around with the whole heaven and hell, good versus evil concept, differently than most horror or supernatural stories that you may have read or seen. I touch more on the psychological factors, more mentally disturbing subject matter than actual blood, guts, and gore.
Rich: What is Angeline Adams like, her personality?
Erica: Angeline Adams is your down to earth, girl next door type of woman. In the beginning of the story, you really don't get a sense of her personality due to the tragedy that she's thrown into right away from the get go. What I can say is, that we'll see how her personality changes as the story unfolds. As Angeline's sense of reality is tested throughout the story, you will see her sense of self being affected a great deal. You take a strong, confident, easy going woman that's in love, and take away that love away from her,let's just say it will be interesting to see how she deals with it. Will Angeline fall apart or will she become a stronger person because of it? These are things that will be revealed throughout the comic. You kind of learn/get a feel for her personality as you go along with the series.
Rich: Why use zombies as the villians?
Erica: I wouldn't say that the zombies (in this comic) are the true villians. The zombies are Syphus' minions, pawns (Syphus is the son of the Devil in the story) that are being used to a bigger picture of what is going to happen to Angeline. The zombies in this story are being introduced in two different ways. One, as we first encounter the zombies, they're being portrayed as monsters, soulless creatures that are stuck in hell with their captor, Syphus. These zombies are a part of Syphus' army and are condemned to hell internally, to do his bidding as he wishes.
Two, the second way the zombies are portrayed will be more of a psychological/visual one. They'll be playing with Angeline's mind, and she's doubting what's real and isn't real. You'll really see how it begins to unfold within the second issue.
Rich: What does the title of the comic have to do with the story?
Erica: The title of the comic, "The Key" has several different meanings/metaphors in the comic. One of the meanings I play around with throughout, is the key to "your heaven" and the key to "your hell". I explore a person's state of mind throughout the story, whether it's obvious or more subtle. I will say that there's a main story arc that'll explain what exactly "The Key" is in the story. If i explained it right now, it would give away a large part of the story, lol.
Rich: How would you describe Christopher Holt's writing style on this comic?
Erica: Before Chris and I collaborated on this series, I had read some of his previous stories that he has. What I liked about his writing, is that he doesn't give everything away all at once. He takes his time telling a story, kind of a slow drive that picks up in speed. His storytelling is like an onion, as you keep peeling away each layer, it reveals something new. It gives the story some element of mystery.
Rich: How long do you want "The Key" to go on for?
Erica: This current series is a six issue mini-series. After that, I do have more ideas once everything wraps up, but not for a while. I would like to continue having smaller stories (1-3 issues) , or one-shots that involve Angeline, spin-offs of other characters I have in the comic. So it will be a continuing series, but not in your typical fashion.
Rich: What is Patch Together?
Erica: Patch Together is a website where aspiring toy designers/artists can submit their art/ design to be voted on, which possibly could be made into a cool toy or other merchandise. The way it works is that you need to generate a lot of interest and or votes on your design. If the design attracts enough votes and positive attention, the people over at Patch Together will let you know ,then the item will be placed in the "On Demand" section. From what I understand, if the "On Demand" item garners enough pre-orders, production will start for the design.
So far I have two designs up. One of them is a pair of roller derby girls called "Rival Rollergirls" and a heart broken zombie chick called "Love Kills". If you would like to check them out, or vote on them, you can see them here, http://www.patchtogether.com/designs/designs/view/id/2482 and here. http://www.patchtogether.com/designs/designs/view/id/2039
If these happen to be made, you can bet I will be the first in line to pre-order them!
Rich: Why do you have an interest in Roller Derby?
Erica: I love Roller Derby! I think I have such a strong interest in Roller Derby, because it's different from any other sport I know. I'm not a sport fan, but there's something about having women getting together and having a hell a va good time kicking each other's ass and be cool with each other afterwards. It's fun,energetic, the atmosphere is addictive, everything about it just screams fun. There's a sense of camaraderie. I love the fact that the women involved are all different shapes and sizes, races, and age. No discrimination whatsoever. It's just plain damn cool.
Rich: Do you have any other ideas for a comic?
Erica: I do have a few ideas that I have been playing around with. One of them being my "Love Kills" zombie girl. I have a few ideas floating around, but nothing solid as of yet. I keep debating on writing it myself or having someone co-write it with me. This story itself would be more fun, have kind of a dark humor to it, not as serious as "The Key".
Rich: Would you like to meet a zombie?
Erica: Even though I'm fascinated and love zombies, I don't know if I necessarily would like to meet one! (laughs) I enjoy the genre, but to meet one personally...let's just say I better brush up my skills on killing them.
Rich: What comics did you read as a child and do you read now?
Erica: Comics I remember reading as a kid were Archie comics. I was obsessed with them. Mainly with ones with art done by the great late Dan Decarlo. He really knew how to draw Betty, and Veronica. They are awesome.
Comics I read now are pretty varied. I read a lot of mainstream, independent, horror, sci-fi, etc... It's just finding the time to read them all! I have quite a few reading piles that have been growing, I kid you not. The ones I can tell you that I'm reading right now are the new Batgirl, WonderWoman, The Walking Dead, Preacher, Resident Evil, Echo, Girls with Slingshots, and Adventure Comics. So you can say my tastes in comics are pretty wide.
Rich: How do you like to spend a day off?
Erica: Even on my days off, you can usually still find me drawing! Even when I'm home watching movies, you can find me sketching. But when I do get out of the house, I like to go to the movies, check out comics at my local shop, or just relax at a book store. Sometimes I hang out with my friends when we're all free. When I can, I also like to visit New York or Philadelphia and just take in the city for the day.
Rich: How can someone contact you?
Erica: You can contact me at hesseart@gmail.com. To check out my work, www.hesse-art.com and www.ericahesse.deviantart.com
Rich: Any words of advice for anyone being chased by a zombie?
Erica: Run! Stay quiet if possible, and make sure that you have a good weapon to protect yourself. Whether it's an aluminum bat or a gun, make sure you get them squarly in the head! Oh and don't miss.
Richard Vasseur |
|
Erica Hesse Creator/Artist for "The Key"
