Steve Niles and Damien Worm continue their long collaboration history on a new horror hardcover graphic novel titled Heartbreak Manor.
Heartbreak Manor (now available to back on Zoop) is Niles and Worm’s take on the holiday ghost story in a period piece starring a young orphan who must uncover the deadly secret hidden that lurks within the walls of an old gothic mansion.
We spoke to Niles all about Heartbreak Manor, his long history with Worm, and his thoughts on crowdfunding comics in this exclusive interview.
What are the origins of Heartbreak Manor?
Steve Niles: I really wanted to write an old-fashioned ghost story. I began writing Heartbreak Manor a few years ago, and asked Damien if he wanted to draw this story. He began a couple sketches and cover ideas, and it started coming together. It took a few drafts but I think what we wound up with is creepy and cool.
While we often think of Halloween and horror simultaneously, winter and the holiday season also have a long cultural tradition of horror. How does Heartbreak Manor also fit into this tradition?
Niles: Christmas is a very important date for the story’s pivotal moments, so that’s the biggest reason it fits into the tradition. Personally, I like the winter setting for horror. It gives a serious sense of isolation.
Heartbreak Manor is set in New York in 1912. How does the time and place add to the themes/motifs of the story?
Niles: I love to tell a scary story without the use of current technology. That era was great because it was on the cusp of the old and new worlds colliding.
Why was Damien Worm the perfect choice for Heartbreak Manor?
Niles: Damien is so stylistic and detailed. He has this perfect style where you can blend a whimsical, childlike atmosphere with deep horror. I’ve worked with him many times now and he always delivers great horror!
Thoughts on crowdfunding as a means to get Heartbreak Manor out to fans?
Niles: I’m really excited to be crowdfunding with Zoop, and I think by going this way, we can afford to get the book created as a beautiful oversized hardcover. This will really highlight Damien’s art as well. For me it is a way to go directly to fans which I love.
Speaking of crowdfunding, you recently wrote a story for Kolchak Meets the Classic Monsters starring Kolchak and the Frankenstein Monster. How exciting was that for you?
Niles: Man, that was so fun to write. I am a huge fan of Kolchak and Frankenstein so working with both was a blast.
Upcoming projects?
Niles: I have a new Cal McDonald prose collection, Plague of Evil and Other Stories, coming with tons of cool art and a cover by Joe Jusko! That will be a Kickstarter in July. I also have an autobiographical comic coming out about my days playing music called Take it Back: Like, Anxiety and Gray Matter. That will be available in September from DiWulf Publishing.
Heartbreak Manor is now available to back on Zoop until July 20.
