Who are some of the monstrous characters that will step into the spotlight in the new storyline that begins in Dark Ark #7? Will we meet any new creatures?

Well, we’ll see a bunch of new monsters, but there is one monster who takes center stage. I will not reveal the name just yet, but it is an ancient god-like power that will be causing trouble for Shrae and company.

What else can you tell about the action and tone of this new arc where Shrae, his family, and his charges must protect Noah’s ark?

In the first arc, we saw sort of a murder and mutiny. In this arc, Shrae is tasked with helping Noah against a terrible threat that is plaguing him. We really dig into some deep mythology here, and we also get to see some flashbacks to the time before the flood. This arc is definitely a world-building experience.

Dark Ark #7 continues your collaboration with artist Juan Doe. His art and colors have really given this series a great look and feel. What are some of the things Juan has added to story that fans may not be aware of? What have you enjoyed most about his work on this new arc?

Early on, I provided lots of descriptions of the monsters. But Juan also added many, many monsters of his own design. I liked those designs so much, I stopped doing deep descriptive dives and just let Juan go wild. The new monster I mentioned earlier is a massive undertaking with multiple forms, and it simply looks amazing.

Brothers Dracul #3 cover by Mirko Colak

Over in Brothers Dracul, you’re continuing your collaboration with Mirko Colak, who you worked with on Unholy Grail. How does it feel to be back doing another period-style horror piece with Mirko?

I love working with Mirko! He’s a big fan of Dracula legends, so this story seemed like a natural fit for him!

Brothers Dracul #1 very much felt like a blend of historical fiction and horror. How much research went into the writing of this story?

I did just enough research to make me dangerous! While it is based in history, I didn’t want this to read like a history lesson. It’s absolutely fiction! So, I wanted it to feel authentic rather than be authentic. That’s where I focused my research efforts.

It feels like with the beginning of Brothers Dracul #1 and what we see of Vlad and Radu’s youthful adventures at the end of #1 that this story will give us a nuanced version of how Vlad became the Impaler. What can you tell us about your approach to the character in this series?

We know where Vlad ends up. He becomes Vlad Tepes, the Impaler. With this story I wanted to show what might have driven him to such a bloody place in his life. I hope readers will see him as a sympathetic character, but also a character who should be feared.

The other important character of Brothers Dracul is Vlad’s brother Radu. What can you tell us about his role in the series? What do you find most interesting about Radu?

Radu was always described as “Radu the handsome” and I wanted to see that come across, not just in his physical appearance but also in his personality. He is a foil to Vlad. He is a truly good person deep down, and that will cause trouble for him and his brother.

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Finally, can you leave us with some hints and teases about what we’ll see in the next few issues of Brothers Dracul?

The first couple of issues focused on Radu and Vlad taking the fight to the vampires. As we move into the third issue, though, we’ll see the vampires starting to retaliate against the brothers. They are going to hit the brothers where it hurts! And it might turn Vlad and Radu against one another.

Dark Ark #7 is available on Wednesday, June 6, and Brothers Dracul #3 on Wednesday, June 13, both from AfterShock Comics.