What do you get when you combine a samurai story, dark fantasy, and Kickstarter?Why “Aruku Akumu” is a brand new comic (currently crowdfunding) that doesn’t just check a few boxes.
Written by Luke Stokes and illustrated by Caleb Addy (winner of Todd McFarlane’s Spawn Alley contest), Ark Akumu (meaning “Walking Nightmare”) is a story about “a demonic man seeking salvation. It depicts a cursed samurai who fights against power and his own inner darkness. So expect lots of exaggerated combat, plenty of scares, and a real sense of grit and heft. But Aruku Akumu is about more than just this really fun genre storytelling (complete with mini-soundtrack). This is a deeply resonant story about the depths we all will face to get back to where we need to be.
The Aruku Akumu Kickstarter runs until Saturday, November 30th. (Visit here to donate and/or check out various incentives and other perks.) You can also check out the free preview from Aruku Akumu’s official website. We recently reached out to both Stokes and Addy via email for more information. The two discuss the story’s development, interest in feudal Japan, the soundtrack, inspirations and influences, and the long-term future of Alk Akumu.
(Editor’s note: Given the pair’s responses, we decided to reflect their responses together.)
AIPT: What is Aruku Akumu’s elevator pitch? Perhaps the most effective “It’s BLANK meets BLANK”?
Caleb Addy/Luke Stokes: Ark Akumu is the story of a possessed samurai who fights for his soul in a world where ancient demons and magic are the norm. It’s like Seven Samurai meets Hellraiser, with lots of honor, but also lots of terrifying paranormal horror.
AIPT: Why are you interested in feudal Japan – does the fact that there are already so many great stories deter you or inspire you in any way?
CA/LS: If anything, the richness of the stories of feudal Japan inspires me even more. This setting has a lot to offer, including honor, revenge, and mysticism, and it feels like the perfect backdrop for this dark fantasy. There are already so many legends out there, so I wanted to put my own spin on demons and possession.
AIPT: Same goes for Samurai – is there something more important or resonant about that character’s metaphors in the madness of 2024?
CA/LS: The samurai symbolizes discipline, loyalty, and the constant struggle between honor and personal demons. In 2024, that feels very relatable. We are all trying to balance the chaos and stay grounded while navigating our own inner battles. So the samurai archetype fits exactly that.
AIPT: Do you have a favorite horror or samurai story that particularly shaped or inspired this book?
CA/LS: Yes, of course! Lone Wolf and Lone Wolf is a big work for me in terms of its combination of action and emotion. And when it comes to horror, Ring and Ju-on are good at creating creeping terror. We also have to give a shout out to Yojimbo, which has an edgy classic samurai vibe.
AIPT: Free preview includes soundtrack (Editor’s note: see below). I think this covers the whole story. Where did it come from, and why does such a novel and small decision work so well?
CA/LS: The idea for the soundtrack came from wanting to immerse people in this world. We wanted to give our readers a cinematic experience where they feel like they’re not just reading, but living in the world of Alk-Akum. Music sets the mood, so combining it with art felt perfect.
AIPT: Caleb, I’ve seen some videos of your work and they’re fascinating. Can you talk about your approach and how it influences the look and feel of Aku Akumu?
California/LS: Thank you! My approach is very detailed and atmospheric. I draw a lot from old samurai movies and horror. So it’s all about making the scene feel moody and intense. I want people to feel like they’ve wandered into a nightmare, but still be drawn into the beauty of the world.
AIPT: Can you tell us something about our leader Kei Amano? Do you feel sorry for him? Given the scope of this story, does he become something of a “receptacle” for your own fears, doubts, insecurities, etc.?
CA/LS: Kei is definitely a complex character. He has a lot of pain and regret, which I think everyone can relate to in some way. I sympathize with him as he tries to fight for his salvation, but his journey gets darker and darker. His story definitely has some of my own concerns. He faces his own worst fears, just as we all do from time to time.
AIPT: How much of the art was created first and influenced the story, or vice versa?
CA/LS: It was definitely a mix. Although we had a general story, certain parts of the story were inspired as Caleb started sketching and adding that haunting atmosphere. Some scenes were changed based on the art because it felt right to lean more towards the visuals.
AIPT: What is a standout moment or dope scene you can tease from Aruku Akumu?
CA/LS: Without giving too much away, there is a scene where Kei confronts a demon who is basically a living nightmare. The battle is intense, but what’s more important is what’s going on in Kei’s mind at that moment. There are also quiet moments in a haunted forest that ooze tension. It’s definitely my favorite.
AIPT: What does Kickstarter offer for projects like this?
CA/LS: Kickstarter gives us the opportunity to connect directly with people who are as excited about this story as we are. It’s more personal and community-driven. Additionally, we can offer our backers something really cool and exclusive that they wouldn’t be able to do otherwise.
AIPT: If this campaign is successful, is there a long-term future for this story?
CA/LS: Of course. We have big plans for Kei’s journey and the world of Ark Akumu. If this campaign goes well, we hope to delve deeper into the lore, expand the world, and further explore the horrors that lurk in the shadows.
AIPT: What else should we know about Aruku Akumu, comics, campaigns, Kickstarter, life, etc.?
CA/LS: We just want people to know that Aruku Akumu is a passion project and a true labor of love. It’s dark and intense, but it’s also something we’re really proud of. And we hope that everyone who supports this campaign feels like they’re on this journey with us. Oh, and be sure to check out our variation covers. We have some great artists participating!
