Q: Be honest! How familiar were you with Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein when you first pitched for Unfashioned Creatures?
A: Probably way too familiar. I grew up on a steady diet of classic Universal Monster flicks. I was that nerdy kid that checked out the Illustrated Classics version of Frankenstein when I was eight or nine years old. From there, I read every version and interpretation of the character and book.
Q: What’s your favorite take on the Frankenstein mythos? Least favorite?
A: I probably enjoy versions that present the Creature as an intelligent being, one that lets us explore our own humanity (or lack thereof) through it. Also, Young Frankenstein, because it’s genius. My least favorite? Ones where the Creature is but a prop to tell tedious horror movie killing.
The Modern Prometheus
Q: Major inspirations for your art/writing? What led you down the comics road to ruin?
A: There are so many, it’s hard to list. However, if I had to nail it down to one person (especially in regards to comics) it has to be Denny O’Neil. I discovered his 1970s work in comics in my early teens years and something about his work showed me you could interject real emotion into those capes and tights. When he shifted into editorial, I remember flipping to the middle of his comics to read “From the Den” before I ever read the comic proper. As to what led me down the path of comics. That’s pretty easy, whether they like it or not, it was my family. All of my aunts and uncles read comics as kids, so as soon as I was able to sit and flip through a book, they were putting comics in my lap. My mom also encouraged my enjoyment of comics, rightly believing they gave me an edge in reading and word comprehension. Although I don’t think they ever thought I would turn comics into a career.
Q: What else are you working on now? Any long-term projects?
A: I’m still writing my ongoing creator-owned series, La Brujeria. We just came off an amazing debut at the 2013 Stumptown Comics Fest and we’re already moving issue #4 into it’s 2nd printing. I also have a short debuting in a pending Vic Boone anthology for Shawn Aldridge and 215Ink. In addition to my comic work, I continue to produce and host the weekly podcast Geek in the City Radio.
Q: If you could be any monster, who/what would you be?
A: Classic monster? I’d probably go for the run of the mill Werewolf. I mean, without falling into the whole bloodlust and random killing thing. Having the shift in senses just sounds fantastic. Plus, I’m already uncomfortably furry and can’t sleep during a full moon. So, why not get all the perks as well.
Aaron Duran is a comics writer living in Portland, Oregon.
UNFASHIONED CREATURES is a collection of over twenty monstrous, moving and mirthful tributes to Mary Shelley and her legendary tale, Frankenstein. A monstrous body of comic shorts, short-series and original art, sure to inspire equal parts terror and lols.