Last Podcast On The Left
Last Podcast On The Left
"I always thought he used heads. Not like. No, no, no, it's full bodies, baby. Up the poop shoot for the most part. That's just, that's a story. And that's also terribly excruciating about it is the weight of your body would slowly pull you down. And, and that would like, dig its way up through your innards, you know, a horrific way to die." — Kelly Jones (Discussing Vlad the Impaler's methods)
"The best horror is always about something else other than the scares. You know, Rosemary's baby is about fear pregnancy. You know, and let the right one in is about loneliness. You know, it's about the loneliness of being a bullied 12 year old boy or a 200 year old vampire." — Matt Wagner (On the thematic depth of horror)
"The Kickstarter is the only place to get the hard covers. Then Dark Horse Comics releases the trade paperback version via regular retail outlets about a month after the backers get their hard cover additions." — Matt Wagner (On the release strategy for their Dracula comic)
The episode features comic book artists Matt Wagner and Kelly Jones discussing their creative work, particularly their modern take on Dracula. They delve into the historical accuracy and creative liberties taken with the character and his lore, contrasting various adaptations and exploring the motivations behind Dracula's actions, such as his preference for female prey and his use of psychological terror. The conversation touches upon the visual evolution of vampires in media and literature, from monstrous depictions to more romanticized versions.
Wagner and Jones also share personal anecdotes about their careers, including early comic book experiences like working on licensed properties and the collaborative process behind their current Dracula series. They highlight the importance of strong ideas and compelling narratives in making familiar stories fresh and engaging for audiences. The discussion extends to other iconic horror figures, such as Frankenstein and Nosferatu, and the artistic challenges and honors associated with interpreting these characters.
The latter part of the episode focuses on the upcoming release of their third Dracula comic, detailing the Kickstarter campaign and the availability of hardcover and trade paperback editions. They also touch upon a separate project involving a Sit & Nancy retelling with host Marcus Parks and his son Brennan, showcasing the collaborative nature of their creative endeavors. The dialogue underscores a shared passion for horror and a deep respect for the craft of storytelling and visual art within the comic book medium.