Kolchak, the classic 1970s investigative reporter who inspired Fox Mulder on The Get ready to face the creatures we grew up loving and fearing in an independent comic series titled “Introducing Classic Monsters”, presented by Monstrous Books. The project continues to grow this second life, competing for funding on Kickstarter and recently being licensed through a new book, graphic novel, and Blu-ray remaster.
Here is the official announcement:
“Throughout the entire run of the 1970s fan-favorite TV show, legendary reporter Karl Kolchak went head-to-head with all manner of otherworldly bad guys. Now, he faces his most terrifying foe yet, Dracula Franken. Stein, and you’ll fight the Wolfman! Monstrous Books is announcing a three-issue series of standalone comics in addition to a deluxe hardcover collection from an all-star lineup of creators joining Kickstarter this October.
Actor and author David Dastmalchian (Count Crowley) teams up again with Count Crowley artist Lukas Kettner for Kolchak and Count Crowley comic book crossover, Kolchak Meets the Wolfman It will feature a cover by superstar artist Matt Wagner (Grendel). Rodney Barnes (Killerdelphia) is set to write a thriller titled “Kolchak Meets Dracula,” which will feature a cover by Colton Whalley (Jennifer Blood). and Steve Niles (30 Days of Night) collaborated with artist George Quadros (Avatar: The High Ground) on “Kolchak Meets Frankenstein,” and Russ Brown (The Boys ) is scheduled to perform a cover. Monstrous Books also releases a deluxe hardcover edition of Kolchak Meets the Classic Monsters, featuring all three stories and an all-new cover by Dave Acosta (Elvira, War on Terror) will also be published. ”
Kolchak isn’t necessarily new to these classic monsters in terms of character archetypes. Mr. Kolchak’s first film, “The Night Stalker” (1972), saw him as a reporter tracking down a vampire wreaking havoc in the Las Vegas area. The film explores the themes of journalistic integrity and social horror surrounding serial killers (who were still active during what author Peter Vronsky calls the “Golden Age of Serial Killers”, from 1970 to 2000). are. However, this vampire was not Dracula. It was a vampire work that reflected the times well.
What’s unique about these comics is that they specifically focus on classic monsters. Dracula, Frankenstein, and the Wolf Man are plucked straight from the Universal films that have become horror icons. This means they carry their own brand of fear, their own history. This may complicate matters for intrepid reporters.
The Beat corresponded with Monstrous Books founder and editor James Aquilon and Rodney Barnes to learn more about their new project and why Kolchak is so important that it still appears today. He talked about how he became a character. Continued below.
Ricardo Serrano: Kolchak has experienced a resurgence in recent years through book and comic projects. Why is the current climate the perfect time for a Kolchak comeback?
Rodney Barnes: There are so many layers to him. His research is well suited to the realm of mystery. However, antagonists often have supernatural origins and take us into the realm of fear. There’s something for everyone. Not to mention his sense of humor. Everything goes very smoothly.
James Aquilon: I think the character’s pursuit of truth, especially as a reporter, is so needed in this age of fake news. I could really use Kolchak today.
Serrano: Both of you have worked on either Kolchak or Kolchak-inspired stories (particularly for Burns, Killadelphia includes a 1970s horror story that makes Kolchak want to move to Philadelphia). It has a unique atmosphere). What aspects of your characters do you enjoy writing the most?
Burns: I love them both equally. Kolchak is classic horror storytelling. The great thing is that he adapts to whatever environment he is in. As well as the monsters he’s hunting, the city also becomes a character. In Killadelphia, everything is very personal. Often it’s a cathartic experience where the city of Philadelphia and its vampires are actually my therapists.
Aquilon: As a journalist, I love the old-school newspaper aspect of Kolchak.
Serrano: Do you think Kickstarter opened up the world of Kolchak to a more diverse audience, or do you think there’s an already built-in fan base that supports the book on a more consistent basis?
Barnes: Both! Kickstarter opens a new era of fandom to the world. Meanwhile, the iconic character himself has his own dedicated fanbase.
Aquilone: Kolchak has a strong fan base that has consistently followed the character for the past 50 years, but there are certainly fans who have just discovered Kolchak from YouTube, MeTV, and Kickstarters. I’m all for opening up the readership to as many fans as possible.
Serrano: Is there anything you would like to capture about this character that hasn’t been explored much before?
Burns: My hopes are selfish. I would love to see two iconic characters meet, clash, and find some kind of resolution that changes the course of both of them. Nothing is easy!
Aquilone: Kolchak has encountered many, many monsters in his career, but he has never faced the greatest of them all. This project fixes that problem by having Kolchak “meet” the classic monsters: Dracula, Frankenstein, and the Wolfman.
Here’s a synopsis of Kolchak and Frankenstein’s encounter:
Something like this:
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